Agencies providing food, shelter, clothing, basic medical care and educational opportunities form a social safety net of essential services in our community. United Way has always been committed to assuring that such a safety net is in place and that individuals can get help with basic needs and have assistance in moving toward self-sufficiency. The medically indigent and homeless receive free medical care, dental care and needed medications from a largely volunteer staff of medical providers at Good News Clinics. There are almost 15,000 patient visits in 2005. A 20% increase in patients is expected for 2006.