2025 Year-in-Review: Impact & Innovation 

Throughout 2025, we focused on launching new programs and services that remove barriers to financial stability, health, and resilience. 

• Transportation Access: Our Ride United pilot program delivered 450 rides to work, job interviews, school, food pantries, grocery stores, housing, shelter, healthcare, childcare, and other essential services as well as joined with other nonprofits to expand their transportation services. 

• Housing Stabilization: We introduced its Resilient Families Fund – a proactive approach to preventing homelessness before it starts – by providing emergency assistance for rent, groceries, and utilities. Just launched, the fund has already supported three families with nearly $4,000 in crisis relief. 

• Grantmaking & Food Security: In spring, our volunteer Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG) Board allocated $60,000 to 10 nonprofits, prioritizing vital food access for children and families. 

• CARES (Community Access to Resources & Essential Supplies): The bold new United Way CARES initiative saw immediate success through our first Collection Drive. The community rallied to provide nearly 1,200 diapers and 1,000 period products, as well as incontinence products and other personal hygiene supplies, donating essential items for those most in need. 

“Through our programs, we are opening doors to opportunity through Ride United, keeping families housed and fed through our Resilient Families Fund, delivering essential supplies to folks in need through United Way CARES, and supporting nonprofits that strengthen families’ food security through Emergency Food & Shelter Grants,” said Diana Fischetti, our Regional Executive Director. “Soon, we’ll be powering our new CARES Laundry Truck to bring services directly to our most vulnerable communities, moving our disaster resilience work forward, and expanding our housing stabilization work.“ 

Fueling the Mission: Community Support and Success 

2025 was anchored by an outpouring of community generosity. We celebrated a major win during Central Oregon Gives, raising nearly $100,000 – funds that will directly support our neighbors through our new initiatives. 

United in Purpose: Partnerships Creating Regional Impact 

We continue to build and sustain partnerships with many critical regional organizations. We conducted the bulk of Ride United client case management internally, and the organization also has recruited and trained Ride United Partners that connect their clients with our transportation service: Family Access Network, KIDS Center, Latino Community Association, Mosaic Medical, The Giving Plate, and Thrive.  

Our Emergency Food & Shelter Grants funded Deschutes County agencies focused on food security. Those ESFG Partners are Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, Central Oregon Veteran & Community Outreach, Family Kitchen, Friends of the Children, Jericho Road, Shepherd’s House Ministries, St. Vincent De Paul Bend, St. Vincent De Paul La Pine, St. Vincent De Paul Redmond, and The Giving Plate. 

A Vision for the Future 

As we look toward 2026, our organization remains committed to expanding partnerships, programs, services, and initiatives that provide critical access and services to community members and foster regional stability. 

The post 2025 Impact Milestones: Launching New Basic Needs and Stabilization Programs Across the Region appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

Funding Prioritizes Food Access for Children in Summer, Unhoused, and Older Adults Amid Federal Funding Pause

Bend, OR — We at United Way of Central Oregon, in partnership with the Local Emergency Food & Shelter Board, have awarded $58,800 in funds to 10 organizations delivering essential food and shelter services across Deschutes County.

This year, the Local Board made food access a top funding priority, with a particular emphasis on organizations serving children — especially during the summer months when school meals are unavailable — as well as unhoused individuals, families, and older adults. Priority consideration was given to nonprofit programs that purchase the food they distribute and that are currently facing budget shortfalls due to federal funding reductions and cancellations. These include cuts to critical federal programs like Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS), which have disrupted food banks, pantries, and school meal initiatives across the nation. The Local Board also focused on maximizing long-term impact and ensuring fair distribution of funds across eligible organizations. To avoid duplicating support, the Local Board ensured agencies already receiving Deschutes County funding did not also receive EFSG, recognizing that these funds were provided through County allocations.

2025 EFSG Grant Recipients:

· $6,000 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend

· $5,000 – Central Oregon Veteran & Community Outreach (COVO)

· $5,000 – Family Kitchen

· $2,500 – Friends of the Children – Central Oregon

· $5,000 – Jericho Road

· $11,000 – Shepherd’s House Ministries

· $6,000 – St. Vincent de Paul Bend

· $6,000 – St. Vincent de Paul La Pine

· $6,000 – St. Vincent de Paul Redmond

· $6,300 – The Giving Plate

“This funding is a crucial piece of the safety net for our community,” said Diana Fischetti, our Regional Executive Director. “At a time when federal resources are uncertain, we are grateful to Deschutes County for investing in local solutions that directly reach the people who need them most.”

Each year, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners designates a portion of video lottery revenue to support our Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG). These funds come at a critical time because federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) funds, historically awarded in tandem with County funds, remain suspended pending an ongoing federal review of the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) program. With the federal EFSP program paused indefinitely, the Local Board moved ahead with the County-funded EFSG to ensure Deschutes County residents receive at least a portion of this critical support. We customarily allocates approximately $300,000 in Emergency Food & Shelter funding across Central Oregon. However, this year agencies in Jefferson and Crook counties—entirely reliant on federal resources for EFSP—will unfortunately go without the assistance they urgently need.

This all comes amid increasing need. According to United Way’s latest United for ALICE report, 32% of households in Deschutes County live below the ALICE Threshold: working, but still earning less than the basic cost of living. These families often include essential workers who continue to face barriers to accessing food, housing, and healthcare. They are forced to make impossible daily choices just to get by, such as deciding between purchasing vital medications or repairing the vehicle they rely on to reach work. In Jefferson County, 42% of residents, and in Crook County, 43%, live below the ALICE Threshold, often earning too much to qualify for traditional assistance but still struggling to afford necessities like childcare and transportation.

We are steadfastly committed to supporting those who live below the ALICE Threshold and to strengthening our community’s resilience in the face of growing challenges.

For more information about EFSG and United Way’s impact in Central Oregon, visit http://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org.

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Diana Fischetti (United Way of Central Oregon Regional Executive Director), Jim Cooper (United Ways of the Pacific Northwest President and CEO) and Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D. (United For ALICE Director), are available for interviews.

There were 737,157 Oregon households unable to afford the state’s cost of living in 2023, according to the ALICE Report that we released today along with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. We released the Report in partnership with United For ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship.

ALICE in Oregon: A Study of Financial Hardship places a spotlight on what United For ALICE calls the ALICE population — households earning more than the official Federal Poverty Level, but less than the cost of basics such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, technology, and taxes in their local community. ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings and are one emergency away from falling into poverty.

The Report is the most comprehensive depiction of financial need in the state to date, using the latest data from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census. This Report unveils new measures, based on 2023 income levels and expenses, that quantify how many Oregon households are struggling financially, and why.

In 2023, out of Oregon’s total 1.7 million households, a total of 528,716 households fell into the ALICE population. This number was more than double the official poverty rate, which accounted for another 208,441 households in the state. Combined, ALICE households and households in poverty made up the population below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival and accounted for 42% of all households in Oregon. Details about Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties are below:

• Crook: 34% ALICE & 9% below the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)
• Deschutes: 23% ALICE & 9% below the FPL
• Jefferson: 28% ALICE & 14% below the FPL

“We all know ALICE,” said Diana Fischetti, our Regional Executive Director of United Way of Central Oregon. “ALICE is the young family squeezed by the cost of childcare, the recent college graduate living with roommates because rent is out of reach, and the mid-career professional underemployed despite doing everything ‘right.’ These are the people who teach our kids, care for our elders, and keep our economy running — and yet they’re struggling to afford the basics. That’s not a personal failure; it’s a sign of systems that no longer work for working people.”

The Report is a project of United For ALICE, which leads a grassroots movement of United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in more than half the United States, all using the same methodology to document financial need. ALICE Reports provide county-by-county data and analysis of how many households are struggling, including the obstacles ALICE households face on the road to financial independence.

“This Report provides the objective data that explains why so many residents are struggling to survive and the challenges they face in attempting to make ends meet,” said the Report’s lead researcher, United For ALICE National Director Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D. “Until now, the true picture of need in local communities and states has been understated and obscured by misleading averages and outdated poverty statistics.”

The ALICE Report reveals:

• Between 2010 and 2023, the total number of households in Oregon increased by 15%, the number of households in poverty decreased by 4%, and the number of ALICE households increased by 27%.
• Single-female-headed households are especially impacted by the harsh realities of our economic systems, with nearly 40% living under the federal poverty line and an additional 32% ALICE.
• Households below the ALICE Threshold span all races, ages and genders, closely mirroring the state’s basic demographic make-up. Yet for certain groups, the struggle is disproportionate. For example, 61% of Black and 50% of Hispanic households in Oregon were below the ALICE Threshold in 2023, compared to 41% of white households.

“ALICE often is forced to make choices that compromise health and safety in order to make ends meet,” Fischetti said, “putting both ALICE and the wider community at risk of long-term societal and economic repercussions.”

“This data confirms what we see every day: that far too many families are stuck making impossible choices — between childcare and health care, or between food and rent,” Fischetti continued. “At United Way, we’re using the ALICE data to drive real solutions — by convening cross-sector partners, informing smarter investments, and advocating for systems that help families not just survive, but truly thrive.”

United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity and financial security, United Way works towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.

For more information or to find data about ALICE in local communities, visit www.UnitedForALICE.org.

About United Way of Central Oregon
Here at United Way of Central Oregon, we envision a community where every person can meet their basic needs, every child thrives, every family has a stable home, and neighbors unite to recover stronger from disasters. Through initiatives focusing on financial security, community resilience, youth opportunities and healthy communities, we are building a stronger, healthier Central Oregon. For more information, please visit https://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org or contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org.

About United Ways of the Pacific Northwest
UWPNW is the regional trade association for 30 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income and health.

About United For ALICE

United For ALICE is a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for ALICE^® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state and national levels. This grassroots ALICE movement, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, has spread to 31 states and the District of Columbia and includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin; we are United For ALICE. For more information, visit: UnitedForALICE.org.

The post Our Groundbreaking New Study Reveals that Nearly Half of Oregon Households Struggle to Afford the Basics appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

We just announced that the 2025 Deschutes County Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG) application is now open. With $60,000 in funding available, local agencies providing critical financial stability and community resilience services—such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and disaster preparedness, response and recovery—are encouraged to apply by 3:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025.

These funds, made possible by allocations from Deschutes County’s video lottery revenue, are administered annually by us at United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO), as determined by a diverse Local Board. This Board includes representatives from local government and community advocates representing nonprofit agencies focused on food, shelter and other basic needs, as well as the faith-based sector.

“We are committed to ensuring that Central Oregon families and individuals can access the supports they need to thrive,” said Diana Fischetti, Regional Executive Director of United Way of Central Oregon. “This funding helps strengthen the safety net in our community and builds long-term resilience. United Ways across our country are filling the gaps that too many of our neighbors fall into, and ensuring that everyone in our communities has a chance to find their footing and thrive.”

Historically, we ran parallel grantmaking processes that included both these Deschutes County EFSG funds, as well as federal Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) funds that came from FEMA. While the federal EFSP funds are currently on hold due to a federal policy review, we are moving forward with the Deschutes County allocation to ensure continued support of community agencies, albeit with fewer available funds. In 2024, 27 nonprofit partners across Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties received nearly $300,000 in funding from UWCO through the concurrent ESFP and EFSG process.

According to the latest United Way United for ALICE report, 35% of households in Deschutes County are living below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they earn less than the basic cost of living in the County. These households, often composed of essential workers, face significant challenges in affording necessities such as food, housing, medications, childcare, and transportation. UWCO prioritizes support for these ALICE individuals, recognizing that bolstering these working families is crucial for building our community.

Eligible agencies serving community members in Deschutes County are invited to review the application guidelines and submit their proposals for consideration. To learn more and apply, click here.

The post We just opened our 2025 Emergency Food & Shelter Grants for Deschutes County! appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

In 2024, we administered federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and Emergency Food and Shelter Grant (EFSG) funds totaling nearly $300,000 to support critical services addressing food insecurity, housing stability, and community resilience across Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties. Awards included:

Crook County EFSP:

• Crook County Rotary Foundation: $8,250
• Love Dustina: $2,473
• Prineville Senior Center: $27,000
• Salvation Army: $6,144
• The Giving Plate: $11,963

Jefferson County EFSP:

• Jefferson County Faith Based Network: $18,488
• Madras Community Food Pantry: $41,618
• Salvation Army: $2,276

Deschutes County EFSP:

• Bethlehem Inn: $12,500
• J Bar J Youth Services: $17,145
• NeighborImpact: $5,000
• Salvation Army: $11,379
• Saving Grace: $5,000
• Shepherd’s House Ministries: $12,500
• The Giving Plate: $7,500
• Thrive Central Oregon: $15,000

Deschutes County EFSG:

• Assistance League of Bend: $4,750
• Bend Church – United Methodist: $6,000
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend: $7,500
• Central Oregon Council on Aging: $4,000
• Central Oregon Villages: $10,395
• Diaper Bank of Central Oregon: $7,500
• Family Kitchen: $7,500
• Friends of the Children Central Oregon: $2,500
• Home More Network: $5,000
• Jericho Road: $7,500
• Nativity Lutheran Church Food Pantry: $4,000
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul Redmond: $2,500
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul La Pine: $1,755
• St. Vincent de Paul Society Bend: $7,500

2024 also marked our successful merger with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, enhancing operational efficiency and expanding our reach. This milestone, coupled with the release of United Way’s ALICE Report, a study of financial hardship highlighting the challenges faced by Central Oregon households, underscores our commitment to addressing systemic barriers and promoting fairness.

“As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly proud of all we have accomplished, including the deployment of funds for critical services supporting our community members, as well as the completion of a strategic merger that has strengthened our organization. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch our new transportation program, which promises to bring much-needed solutions to our community, and to award more federal funds across our region. We are poised for another year of growth and success, and thankful for the support of our community,” said Diana Fischetti, our Regional Executive Director.

Building on these successes, we are preparing to allocate new EFSP and EFSG funds for Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties in 2025. These resources will continue to address food, shelter, and clothing needs throughout the region.

In 2025, we will also launch Ride United, an innovative program aimed at eliminating transportation barriers for individuals in need. By providing free, reliable transportation to critical services such as medical appointments, job interviews, food pantries, veterans’ services, and housing resources, Ride United will strengthen community connections and foster resilience.

We a community where every person can meet their basic needs, every child thrives, every family has a stable home, and neighbors unite to recover stronger from disasters. Through initiatives focusing on healthy communities, financial security, youth opportunities, and community resilience, we are building a stronger, healthier Central Oregon. For more information about the ALICE Report, please visit https://unitedforalice.org; for more information about UWCO, please visit https://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org or contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org.

The post We’re reflecting on our 2024 achievements and looking ahead to 2025! appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

The merger unites our two established nonprofits under one shared commitment to critical issues such as expanding youth opportunities, nurturing healthy communities, bolstering community resilience, and facilitating greater financial security. By combining resources, expertise and networks, it is our aim to grow and sustain our impact.

Our combined entity will continue to administer and expand programs that reflect the unique needs of every community in our services areas. Every dollar received will continue to be used as each donor intended. Donations made in Central Oregon will be kept local to empower people in Central Oregon, while donations made in the Columbia-Willamette service catchment will continue to uplift community members there.

“United Ways globally improve lives by mobilizing communities,” said Kelly O’Lague, President and CEO of UWCW. “This merger reflects our unwavering dedication to a world where every person thrives. Together, we will drive transformative change and empower Oregonians in the Portland metro area and in Central Oregon.

Diana Fischetti, UWCO Regional Executive Director added, “This merger is more than just organizational integration; it is a convergence of our shared values, aspirations and unwavering dedication to community well-being. Together, we embark on a journey fueled by the belief that united, our impact knows no bounds. As we combine our strengths and resources, we’re not just building a stronger organization, we’re forging a path towards a brighter future for our region.”

Community leaders, stakeholders and partner organizations have expressed widespread support for the merger, knowing that the expanded United Way will be an even more formidable force for good, addressing systemic issues and fostering opportunities for all individuals to achieve their full potential.

For more information about the merger and the future direction of the merged United Ways, please contact us.

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About United of Central Oregon and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
For over 70 years, United Way of Central Oregon has been bringing together caring people to improve lives for a better community. And, for over 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been dedicated to breaking the cycle of childhood poverty and improving the lives of families in our region. United with one shared mission to advance equity by mobilizing, responding and investing with community partners to improve and strengthen lives, we are working towards a just and equitable region where all people can thrive.

The post We’re announcing our historic merger with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette to strengthen community impact! appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

This year, $78,400 of the funds were provided by Deschutes County, sourced from Video Lottery Funds, and allocated by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners specifically for UWCO’s emergency Community Grants. An additional $87,779 was awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to bolster agencies that provide those services in Deschutes County. 

“Our commitment to the well-being of Central Oregonians is unwavering,” said Diana Fischetti, Regional Executive Director of UWCO. “Year over year, United Way of Central Oregon has consistently served as the local organization entrusted to lead the volunteer-driven process of allocating and deploying these funds throughout our community, ensuring that resources are directed to the organizations serving those who are in greatest need. This year’s funding priorities included housing, rent assistance, food, clothing, families, and those in underserved areas, communities, and populations.” 

A Local Board consisting of volunteers, including local government, nonprofits, community members, and faith-based organizations, conducted a comprehensive review of applications received in response to an open RFP (Request for Proposals) for these funds. The Local Board voted to determine the distribution of funds among local agency programs providing food, shelter, and clothing. 

United Way’s 2023 study of financial hardship – ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) in the Crosscurrents – revealed that a staggering 38% of households in Central Oregon fall short of the income needed to cover basic living expenses, such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, a cell phone, and internet. With many unable to afford a sudden $400 emergency expense, these grant allocations come as critical support for the community. 

Eligible services and expenditures for the federal funds included an array of assistance programs like food services, shelter services, utility aid, and ESFP allocation process administration. County funds further extended eligibility to include clothing and diapers, ensuring a comprehensive approach to emergency assistance. 

Federal EFSP fund recipients were Bethlehem Inn ($12,500), J Bar J Youth Services ($17,145), NeighborImpact ($5,000), Salvation Army ($11,379), Saving Grace ($5,000), Shepherd’s House Ministries ($12,500), The Giving Plate ($7,500), Thrive Central Oregon ($15,000), and United Way of Central Oregon ($1,755). And, recipients of the Deschutes County funds were Assistance League of Bend ($4,750), Bend Church – United Methodist ($6,000), Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend ($7,500), Central Oregon Council on Aging ($4,000), Central Oregon Villages ($10,395), Diaper Bank of Central Oregon ($7,500), Family Kitchen ($7,500), Friends of the Children Central Oregon ($2,500), Home More Network ($5,000), Jericho Road ($7,500), Nativity Lutheran Church Food Pantry ($4,000), Society of St. Vincent De Paul Redmond ($2,500), Society of St. Vincent De Paul La Pine ($1,755), and St. Vincent de Paul Society Bend ($7,500). 

United Way of Central Oregon remains dedicated to advancing healthy communities, youth opportunities, financial security, and community resilience. These grants are a testament to those efforts, offering a lifeline to those in need and contributing to the fabric of a stronger, more supportive Central Oregon. 

For more information about the grant distribution, the impact on local communities, or to learn more about United Way of Central Oregon’s initiatives, please contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org or call 541-389-6507.  

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About United Way of Central Oregon
United Way of Central Oregon exists to advance opportunity by mobilizing the caring power of our communities, responding to community needs, and investing with our community partners to improve and strengthen lives. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, UWCO works to identify and address the evolving needs of Central Oregon, ensuring that resources are invested where they are most needed and can have the most substantial impact. For more information, visit https://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org/. For more information about the ALICE study of financial hardship, please visit https://www.unitedforalice.org/. 

The post Our Administration of the Award of $166,179 will Strengthen Emergency Services in Deschutes County appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

Though wages for the lowest paid jobs have risen across the country at the fastest rate in four decades, the number of households struggling to get by in Oregon grew by more than 19,000 from 2021 to 2022. As a result, a total of 764,160 households or 45% were living paycheck to paycheck, according to a new Update from United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and its research partner United For ALICE.

That calculation includes the 203,291 Oregon households in poverty as well as another 560,869 defined as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), earning above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what’s needed to survive in the current economy. ALICE workers include child care providers, home health aides and cashiers — those working low-wage jobs, with little or no savings and one emergency from poverty.

ALICE in the Crosscurrents: An Update on Financial Hardship in Oregon shows that while wages were increasing, so too were costs. For a family of four with an infant and a preschooler, the basic costs to live and work in Oregon, excluding tax credits, rose from $88,152 in 2021 to $96,084 a year later. Compounding the issue in 2022 was the loss of up to $15,000 in federal child tax
credits and stimulus payments that this family had access to in 2021.

“The pandemic remains an ongoing challenge for ALICE families. As the stimulus packages and enhanced tax credits expire, our neighbors are essentially being forced back to budgets similar to the post-Great Recession era, limiting their ability to succeed. We must move beyond survival and talk about what stability means for these families,” said United Ways of the Pacific Northwest President & CEO, Jim Cooper.

The findings in this one-year period are consistent with a more than decade-long trend: Since the end of the Great Recession, despite some ups and downs, the number of ALICE households in Oregon has been steadily growing. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of households rose by 13%, households in poverty decreased by 6% — and the number of ALICE households increased by 34%.

“The data is showing persistent and widespread financial hardship — a red flag that the current system isn’t working for ALICE,” said Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., United For ALICE National Director. “Current policy has not been enough to break down the barriers that trap ALICE households in financial hardship, from lack of access to housing and child care that’s affordable, to inadequate community supports such as broadband internet.”

Additional insights include:

• From 2010 to 2022, people age 65 and over made up the fastest-growing age group in Oregon — and the group with the largest increase (47%) in the number of households struggling to make ends meet.
• Disparities continue to persist in the rates of financial hardship; 63% of Black and 54% of Hispanic households in Oregon were either in poverty or ALICE in 2022, compared to 43% of white households.
• Food assistance continued to elude many vulnerable families in Oregon. Partly due to the SNAP income eligibility level in the state (200% of the Federal Poverty Level), only 48% of all Oregon households in poverty and 23% of all ALICE households participated in SNAP in 2022.

To read the Update and access online, interactive dashboards that provide data on financial hardship at the state, county and local levels, visit UnitedforALICE.org/Oregon.

About United Ways of the Pacific Northwest
United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is the regional trade association for 34 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income, and health. Our mission is to advance the common good throughout the Pacific Northwest by enhancing the individual and collective ability of member United Ways to impact their communities and collaborate on regional and statewide issues.

United Ways of the Pacific Northwest is collecting audio testimonials from ALICE individuals about the difficult financial choices they continue to face today given the high cost of essentials and ongoing inflation. Stories can be recorded at: ALICEvoices.org.

About United For ALICE
United For ALICE is a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and for all. Through the development of the ALICE measurements, a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship has emerged. Harnessing this data and research on the mismatch between low-paying jobs and the cost of survival, ALICE partners convene, advocate and collaborate on solutions that promote financial stability at local, state and national levels. This grassroots ALICE movement, led by United Way of Northern New Jersey, has spread to 31 states and includes United Ways, corporations, nonprofits and foundations in Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin; we are United For ALICE. For more information, visit: UnitedForALICE.org.

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United Way in Central Oregon (UWCO) announces $162,000 in grants to seventeen nonprofits providing critical emergency food and shelter services in Deschutes County.  These grants are created from funds delegated to the UWCO from Deschutes County’s Video Lottery Fund and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).

Responding to the acute and rising need for housing stabilization and emergency shelter services in the region, this year the EFSP Board prioritized a greater portion of available funds to organizations working to address and prevent houselessness. In recent years, the number of people experiencing homelessness went up 17% annually, and experts working in the sector anticipate that the rate has increased. These grant dollars will help ensure local organizations in Deschutes County can keep operations running to address this critical need.

Nicky Merrit, Executive Director at Central Oregon Villages commented: “We are honored to be a recipient of these funds. Partnering with the United Way to address the rising need for safe shelter for our unhoused neighbors means a great deal to us. We know the need is great for those living with shelter and food insecurity as well as the demands on service providers to help stand in the gap.”

In all, seventeen nonprofits providing emergency food and shelter services in Deschutes County received small grants ranging from $4,500 to $15,000. Grants were made in the following categories:

Shelter & Rent/Mortgage Assistance

Bethlehem Inn ($9,000)

Central Oregon Villages ($15,000)

J Bar J Youth Services ($14,000)

Saving Grace ($14,000),

Shepherds House ($14,000)

The Salvation Army ($14,000).

St. Vincent de Paul – Bend ($15,000)

St. Vincent de Paul – Redmond ($15,000)

Meals & Food Boxes

Central Oregon Veterans Outreach ($5,000)

Council on Aging of Central Oregon ($6,000)

Family Kitchen ($6,000)

Jericho Road ($5,900)

La Pine Community Kitchen ($5,000)

Nativity Lutheran Church ($6,500)

St. Vincent de Paul – La Pine ($6,000)

The Giving Plate ($4,500)

Clothing

Assistance League of Bend ($5,000)

For more than a decade, UWCO has convened an EFSP Board, annually, to establish funding priorities, reviews grant applications, and collectively determine how to award funds in Deschutes County. The EFSP Board includes representatives from its Board of Directors, Deschutes County, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, homeless service providers, faith community leaders, senior services, and healthcare.

“United Way has for many years played a role in bringing multiple perspectives to the table to make tough decisions. This process is no different. The need for emergency housing and food services in Deschutes County is great, and the local EFSP Board brings knowledge rooted in the community into the decision-making process. I am glad the United Way can be a conduit in investing these resources locally,” said Eli Ashley, UWCO Board Member and Chair of the EFSP Board.

About United Way of Central Oregon:

United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) works to bring people together to build a better community. The organization has had a presence in the region for more than 70 years and built a legacy around promoting personal philanthropy, service to community, and addressing critical human service needs through fundraising, grantmaking, and incubating new programs. Partnering with community members, leaders, and volunteers, we identify and elevate known needs in the region and then mobilize resources – time, talent, knowledge, and financial support – to make an impact. Each year we make grants to a network of Community Impact Partners that support UWCO in our efforts to improve outcomes for children, families, and seniors. UWCO is working to ensure all community members are cared for by directing efforts and resources to where they will have the greatest impact, especially for individuals identified as being part of our community’s most vulnerable groups. Learn more and donate at: unitedwaycentraloregon.org or call 541-389-6507.

The post UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OREGON INVESTS $162,0000 TO BOLSTER SHELTER CAPACITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN DESCHUTES COUNTY appeared first on United Way of Central Oregon.

 United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) announces $225,000 in Community Impact investments to twenty-two nonprofits serving Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Each year, UWCO makes investments in a network of non-profit partners working to advance a set of shared priorities. This year, UWCO identified positive mental health and well-being, culturally specific services, and housing stability as the 2022 Community Impact priorities in response to current community needs.  

UWCO works, in part, through a network of non-profit and community-based programs called Community Impact Partners. In partnership with this network, UWCO is able to positively impact the lives of nearly 1 in 4 Central Oregonians across the tri-county region and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.  

This year’s UWCO Community Impact Partners and investments are:  

Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Oregon ($5,000)  
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend ($10,000)  
Clear Alliance-Crook County ($5,500) 
DAWNS House ($10,000) 
Diversability, Inc ($5,000) 
Every Child Central Oregon ($14,000) 
Family Access Network ($18,500) 
Friends of the Children – Central Oregon ($12,000)  
Furnish Hope ($5,000)  
Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver ($7,500)  
Heart of Oregon Corps ($18,500)  
J Bar J Youth Services ($12,000)  
Jefferson County Faith Based Network – LINC Program ($6,000) 
The Latino Community Association ($15,000) 
NeighborImpact Housing & Homeless Services ($10,000) 
Papalaxsimisha ($18,000) 
Prineville Senior Center ($5,000) 
Redemption House Ministries ($5,000)  
The 1017 Project-Crook County ($4,500)  
Thrive Central Oregon ($10,000) 
Volunteers in Medicine – Clinic of the Cascades ($8,000)  
Warm Springs Community Action Team ($20,000) 

The work of UWCO is funded by community philanthropy.  Investments in Community Impact Partners are made possible by the generosity of UWCO’s individual donors, workplace campaigns, and business and corporate sponsorships. We always welcome new donors, businesses, and foundations to join our mission of bringing people together to improve lives for better, more resilient, and equitable communities.    

Lisa Hurley, Board Member and Chair of UWCO’s Community Impact Committee shared: “Central Oregon is fortunate to have so many incredible nonprofits supporting our community. I’m honored that United Way of Central Oregon and our donors get to be a part of investing in these nonprofits and the impact they make in advancing positive mental health and wellbeing, culturally specific services, and housing stability for the people who benefit from their work. I’m proud of United Way’s continued focus on fairness and opportunity in our grantmaking and am excited to see how it impacts the lives of our friends and neighbors in Central Oregon.”        

We are proud to expand our partnership to five first-time recipients of United Way Community Impact Partner funds:  

• Clear Alliance promotes community health and safety by providing substance abuse and impaired driving education. UWCO’s investment is supporting their work in Crook County. 

• Furnish Hope partners to transform empty houses into furnished homes for families in need across the region. 
• Papalaxsimisha is a multigenerational program that creates community among Indigenous youth and families from cradle to grave using culturally based teaching.  
• Prineville Senior Center provides quality meals, recreation, and social services to foster independence and positive lifestyles for older residents and those with a disability in Crook County.    
• The 1017 Project provides sustainable, high-quality beef to Crook County food banks.  

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