The global pandemic, civil unrest across the nation, and Pacific Northwest wildfires have put a spotlight on financial and racial inequalities in our region and across the country.
Inequities in our systems for health, education, employment, food access, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
And, inequities in financial stability and opportunity for all.
Nearly 40% of Central Oregonians were already living on the edge before COVID-19.
Then the pandemic hit, deepening existing disparities.
The fallout of COVID-19 hit our most vulnerable first and hardest and will continue to do so in weeks and months and even years to come.
At United Way of Central Oregon, we were one of the first to respond – providing resources for food, financial assistance and basic needs – and we continue our response – now and in the future.
We’re feeding people who need to be fed, keeping them in their homes, and protecting our most vulnerable.
With our grantmaking, we’re supporting local nonprofits to adapt. We’re also helping individuals and families in our community who are most impacted by this crisis to recover and to build resilience.
One of our most vital roles is mobilizing and deploying resources where they’re needed most.
So far, we have awarded $295,000 to 44 local nonprofit programs so that they may successfully face new challenges of COVID-19 and can deliver essential services and meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable. These are our COVID-19 Partners.
26% of Central Oregonians are served by a program we fund.
We’re fighting for the health, education, financial stability, and resilience of every person in our Central Oregon community.
We’re driving the change that’s building a resilient Central Oregon.
We’re working to reduce disparities and increase equity through our grantmaking, as the backbone of the TRACEs movement.
Change doesn’t happen alone. Not everyone is dealt the same hand in life – from income to health to education to trauma to resilience. United, we are focused on fixing these imbalances for today’s kids so that when they are tomorrow’s adults, they can thrive.
We’re all in this together. Through all the uncertainties, we’re here to help locally.
It is this moment that defines us. Now is the time to Live United and to GIVE United.
