The functioning of the U.S. social safety net as a support for low-income families depends on various means-tested programs and a system of both public agencies and nonprofit organizations. Using in-depth interviews (n = 5) and a survey of nonprofit employees (n = 73), we seek to understand the role of nonprofits in promoting equitable access to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Our findings reveal that public assistance programs are a necessary support for families, but that access is not always easy or equitable, and nonprofits form a protective layer of support providing resources and guidance for those most in need. Implications for policy and partnerships between the various components of the social safety net are discussed.

美国社会安全网作为对低收入家庭的支持的运作取决于各种经过经济状况调查的计划以及公共机构和非营利组织的系统。通过深入访谈 ( n = 5) 和对非营利组织员工的调查 ( n = 73)，我们试图了解非营利组织在促进公平获得贫困家庭临时援助 (TANF) 计划方面的作用。我们的研究结果表明，公共援助计划是对家庭的必要支持，但获取并不总是容易或公平的，非营利组织形成了一个支持保护层，为最需要帮助的人提供资源和指导。讨论了社会安全网各个组成部分之间的政策和伙伴关系的影响。