United Way Martin County President and CEO Carol Houwaart-Diez joins TreasureCoast.com to explain how the organization addresses critical needs facing Treasure Coast residents. From transportation barriers to emergency shelter coordination, Houwaart-Diez details the comprehensive role United Way plays behind the scenes. Learn about the innovative Ride United program that has eliminated transportation from Martin County's top unmet needs list in just three years, the volunteer-driven grant review process that funds 44 local programs, and how United Way coordinates cold weather shelters and disaster response with county emergency operations.