EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No. 333-38028, No. 333-86015, and 333-100081) on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 16, 2009 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of United Community Financial Corp. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which reports appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of United Community Financial Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2008.

/S/ Crowe Horwath LLP

Crowe Horwath LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

March 16, 2009

EX. 23-1