News - United Way of Central Oregon

We’ve awarded $49,000 for Emergency Food & Shelter Grants to Deschutes County nonprofits!

August 4, 2026

We’re pleased to announce we have awarded $49,000 in Deschutes County Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG) to ten local nonprofit agencies serving financially vulnerable residents across Deschutes County. We distribute this funding, which is allocated from video lottery revenue by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, through an annual grantmaking process designed to support […]

We are hiring a Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) Housing Stability Coordinator

June 4, 2026

We are hiring a Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) Housing Stability Coordinator to support our housing stabilization work here in Central Oregon. This role will provide administrative support coordinating the payment of rent and utility assistance between Medicaid members, landlords, property managers, and utility companies. This is a role supporting our Central Oregon HRSN Housing […]

We Will Distribute $50,000 in Emergency Basic Needs Grants To Nonprofits in Central Oregon

May 18, 2026

At United Way of Central Oregon, we are now accepting applications for $50,000 in Emergency Food & Shelter Grants available to nonprofits serving families and individuals in Deschutes County. A volunteer Emergency Food & Shelter (EFS) Board—made up of local experts, community stakeholders, and industry representatives—determines funding priorities and awards. These grants will support organizations providing gift cards or vouchers for essential needs—such as food, gas, transportation, […]

2025 Impact Milestones: Launching New Basic Needs and Stabilization Programs Across the Region

February 10, 2026

Bend, OR — We are proud to announce the successful results of our 2025 initiatives, highlighting a year of significant growth in financial security, transportation access, housing stabilization, eviction prevention, food security, emergency funding, health and hygiene, and basic needs initiatives. From the launch of innovative new programs and initiatives like Ride United and United Way CARES to winning the Central Oregon Gives Basic Needs category, we continue […]

We just Dispersed $58,800 in Food & Shelter Grants to 10 Organizations

July 15, 2025

United Way Disperses $58,800 in Food & Shelter Grants to 10 Organizations 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 […]

Our Groundbreaking New Study Reveals that Nearly Half of Oregon Households Struggle to Afford the Basics

May 13, 2025

ALICE Report details size and scope of financial hardship in Central Oregon. 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 […]

We just opened our 2025 Emergency Food & Shelter Grants for Deschutes County!

April 16, 2025

We have $60,000 Available to Support Local Agencies Meeting Urgent Community Needs! 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 […]

We’re reflecting on our 2024 achievements and looking ahead to 2025!

February 6, 2025

We’re celebrating a year of significant accomplishments, including the deployment of emergency food and shelter funds to organizations across Central Oregon. These efforts, combined with strategic initiatives and partnerships, have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and impact in 2025. In 2024, we administered federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and Emergency Food […]

We’re announcing our historic merger with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette to strengthen community impact!

July 9, 2024

In a landmark move to amplify our shared mission, we have announced our official merger with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, a unification expands our reach and effectiveness in serving individuals and families in both regions! The merger unites our two established nonprofits under one shared commitment to critical issues such as expanding youth opportunities, […]

Our Administration of the Award of $166,179 will Strengthen Emergency Services in Deschutes County

June 13, 2024

United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) proudly announces the administration of $166,179 in grants aimed to enhance emergency food, shelter, and clothing services across Deschutes County. This substantial investment will support the most vulnerable members of our community, addressing critical needs and fostering resilience among those facing hardship. This year, $78,400 of the funds were […]