United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's Annual Report 2024

WELCOME

Dear Friends,

It is with a sense of profound gratitude that we present our annual report. As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded that in the face of unprecedented challenges, our community has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to caring for one another. From providing critical support to those most in need to fostering innovation and collaboration, your dedication and generosity have been the driving force behind our success.

Throughout this annual report, you will find stories of hope, resilience and progress testaments to the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we come together as a community. Whether it is encouraging collaboration, ensuring access to vital resources or empowering individuals and families to thrive, each achievement represents a milestone on our journey toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.

As we celebrate our accomplishments, we also recognize that our work is far from over. We remain committed to addressing the root causes of inequity and injustice, advocating for systemic change and creating opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential

None of this would be possible without your ongoing support and partnership Your contributions have made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of individuals and families in our community As we embark together on the next chapter of our journey, I am confident we can create a future where compassion, equity and justice are the cornerstones of our community

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

KELLY O’LAGUE, MSW PRESIDENT AND CEO

CREATING THRIVING COMMUNITIES

Kids are arriving at kindergarten unprepared Families are facing unprecedented rates of eviction and houselessness Communities are not prepared for the next disaster And communities of color are disproportionally impacted by these realities

That's why we bring people together to support communities where everyone can access quality education, build economic mobility and live a healthy life. Our work is powered by people, businesses and partners who are committed to supporting the strength, vitality and resilience of our community. Through this collaborative approach, we know where the needs are the greatest and invest our resources to close gaps and open opportunities so all people can thrive.

In addition to our direct investment in the community last year, United Way processed $1.9 million of donor-directed funds that supported more than 700 nonprofit partners.

We invite you to read our report to learn more about our programs — early learning, housing stability, disaster resiliency and volunteerism — that are helping create thriving communities.

$10.5M

UNITED FOR ALICE

In 2023, a sharper picture emerged of the financial hardships people in Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties are facing daily.

ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for the county These people are working hard but struggling to keep pace with the rising costs for household essentials.

We all know someone who is ALICE. Every day, people in ALICE households are making difficult choices such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent. The success of our community is inextricably connected to the financial stability of our area’s ALICE households. When people who are ALICE suffer and are forced to make difficult choices, we all face serious consequences.

For example, the relentless escalation of housing costs, affecting both renters and homeowners, casts a profound shadow over ALICE families

Our region’s housing crisis has triggered a notable surge in extremely cost-burdened households exacerbated by a continued shortage of affordable housing.

This is where our United Way, donors like you, volunteers, advocates and community partners are making monumental impact. Your support of our United Way and our programs provides essential care, support and stability improving the lives of thousands of children, adults and seniors in our community.

People at or below the ALICE threshold keep our region’s economic engine humming. These families of all races and ages work in jobs essential to the well-being of our community, such as healthcare professionals, childcare workers, teachers, law enforcement and nonprofit staff.

WHO IS ALICE?

Each year, United Way commissions a study of financial hardship called ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed ALICE workers are those who are employed, earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but don’t earn enough to afford basics. In the four counties we serve Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington 32% of households are ALICE households. When you add households that live below the Federal Poverty Line, 42% of households in those counties are at or below the ALICE threshold.

BELOW THE FEDERAL POVERTY LINE

Income below the Federal Poverty Level (current Federal Poverty Line for a family of 4 is $30,000 total annual income)

ALICE HOUSEHOLDS

Income above the Federal Poverty Level but below what is needed to afford the cost of basic expenses

ABOVE ALICE THRESHOLD

Income above the cost of basics

Percent of Households below ALICE Threshold by Race/Ethnicity (Clackamas, Clark, Multnomah and Washington counties)

EARLY LEARNING

Early Learning Hubs

CHILDREN WERE ABLE TO ACCESS FREE/LOW-COST PRESCHOOL

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is proud to host the Early Learning Multnomah and Early Learning Washington County hubs, two integral components of Oregon's Early Learning Hubs established by the Oregon Department of Education. These hubs play a pivotal role in connecting and coordinating services to cater to the diverse needs of early learning and care providers, young children and families.

Fostering Inclusivity

Our Multnomah and Washington County hubs are dedicated to amplifying the voices of families who have historically faced inequities based on factors such as race, income, zip code or language. By forging partnerships among organizations, parents and communities, we strive to create an inclusive education ecosystem that supports families in raising resilient, healthy children who are lifelong learners. We believe every child can be successful in school.

Initiatives for a Brighter Future EARLY LEARNING

Our initiatives focus on a collaborative community that creates a coordinated, culturally responsive and effective early learning system. By integrating health, mental well-being, family support and groundbreaking innovative learning, we support families of color and low-income families so they can realize the education and future they and their children deserve.

Parent-Led, Child-Focused

Our hubs engage parents in meaningful ways, helping to foster a climate of inclusivity and engagement. Through Early Learning Multnomah County’s Parent Accountability Council and Early Learning Washington County’s Parent Advisory Council, we bring parents into the decision-making process This empowers them to make real, powerful impacts for their children and others in their county The intentional process of engaging with parents who represent a diverse array of cultures, socio-economic statuses and backgrounds ensures that voices often left quiet have a chance to be at the decisionmaking table 561

CHILDREN WERE ABLE TO ACCESS FREE/LOW-COST PRESCHOOL

United Way’s early learning programs:

Connect parents and caregivers to free or low-cost preschool, along with parenting workshops and classes.

Provide STEM and STEAM programming to children and students from birth to 18 years old.

Support expectant mothers in gaining access to healthcare coverage, nutrition assistance and more.

Offer ongoing education and training for preschool providers.

Lead and support advocacy efforts centered on children often left behind in existing education systems.

Empower families to shape community resources and services through research and data collection.

Last year, United Way

Processed 1,835 applications for Preschool Promise

Distributed 1,000 STEM Kits, enhancing learning experiences

Supported 14,456 families through referrals, workshops and application assistance to Oregon Health Plan, Preschool Promise Program and Head Start

Distributed 590

Early Literacy Welcome Bags, providing bilingual books and resources

Served 299 students through the STEAM Preschool Promise Pilot project

HOUSING STABILITY

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we are steadfast in our belief that everyone deserves a secure and affordable place to call home. Our commitment to housing justice drives our efforts to ensure that all members of our community have access to safe and stable housing. Housing stability is not just a basic need; it is the cornerstone of reducing intergenerational poverty and fostering economic mobility.

Challenges

Low-income households, facing decades of hardship, continue to battle for housing stability. The Portland Metro area has seen an 83 percent increase in average monthly rent over the last two decades. Challenges escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting even those above the poverty level due to job losses and economic instability. Shockingly, an Oregonian earning minimum wage would need to work 68 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment.

Our Impact

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette made significant strides in promoting Housing Stability in 2023. Our Eviction Legal Defense program provided more than $2.5 million in financial assistance, helping more than 970 households stay secure in their current housing. Our focus on racial equity meant targeting this help to those who need it most 56% of those served identified as Black, Indigenous or a person of color. Most households we helped had a household income between $10,000 and $50,000 annually.

$2.5M FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

970 HOUSEHOLDS SERVED

60% of households we assisted faced eviction due to nonpayment of rent

56% of people we assisted identified as a person of color

DISASTER RESILIENCE

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is dedicated to advancing disaster resilience in Oregon, understanding the urgency of creating a climate-resilient future where every individual has a voice. Our commitment extends from ensuring equitable access to resources to influencing policy-making.

Addressing Disparities

Recognizing the barriers faced by people of color particularly in the face of climate change we center our efforts on communities most at risk The Oregon Climate and Health 2022 report underscores the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on working-class communities of color, exacerbating existing racial, socioeconomic and health disparities Our approach acknowledges the challenges faced by these communities in preparing for and recovering from disasters, as well as accessing essential response services

People-Centered Approach

In collaboration with Trauma Informed Oregon and the Oregon Health Authority, the Disaster Resilience Learning Network emerged to address gaps and bring together a coalition of culturally specific leaders of color to better serve those disproportionately impacted by disasters. The network fosters lasting relationships and resilience work across the state. With 22 participating nonprofits and 35 active representatives, the Disaster Resilience Learning Network's membership works toward improving well-being, creating relationships among leaders of color and connecting the importance of culture to climate and disaster resilience.

After extensive research and collaboration, members of the Disaster Resilience Learning Network were invited to apply for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Resilience Grants. The funded projects support access to mental health resources and culturally responsive therapy, a broadening of the emergency alert system, sharing of culturally rooted healing practices, community-building focused on women of color and more.

THANK YOU TO OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY, MEYER MEMORIAL TRUST AND MARIE LAMFROM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FOR FUNDING THESE IMPORTANT PROJECTS.

$267,500 GRANTED TO 13 nonprofits

HANDS ON GREATER PORTLAND

Do Good, Feel Good

At United Way, we embrace the role of convener, fostering connections between organizations, experts and the resources needed to positively transform our community This collaborative spirit is exemplified in our volunteer program, Hands On Greater Portland because we know the power of doing good transforms our community and each of us individually

Connecting Passion with Impact

Our Hands On Greater Portland team connects volunteers with meaningful community service projects. We recognize that each volunteer, regardless of their background or experiences, brings a unique perspective and contribution to the collective effort of shaping our community. Hands On Greater Portland offers a variety of ways to get involved, accommodating diverse schedules and interests. From one-time projects to extended commitments, and from weekdays to weekends, our volunteer opportunities are designed to be inclusive. Volunteers can particpate in a project alone, with family, friends or co-workers, creating a diverse and enriching experience for all.

1,776

VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

6,133

VOLUNTEER CONNECTIONS

15,333

VOLUNTEER HOURS

United Way’s volunteer program:

Connects volunteers to a myriad of opportunities in the four counties we serve.

Fosters connections between area nonprofits and volunteers ready to make a difference.

Designs special volunteer days tailored for local businesses, fostering a sense of community engagement.

Produces a concentrated week of community impact during Community Impact Week, bringing together nonprofits, volunteers and businesses in a collective effort to make a difference.

Community Impact Week brings people together to participate in volunteer projects throughout the Portland area for five days in October that results in thousands of volunteer hours for local nonprofits United Way’s Hands On Greater Portland volunteer program recruits nonprofits for volunteer projects and connects volunteers to them. From planting community gardens to repairing children’s books to organizing clothes closets, there are a wide variety of projects throughout Community Impact Week to get involved. Oct 1-5, 2024

Supporting Sponsor

Sponsors

Project

CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS

Alaska Communications

Apple

Baird

Bi-Mart Corporation

BNSF Railway

Burns & McDonnell

Cambia

Centene

City of Portland

Columbia Distributing

COSTCO Wholesale

Dunn Carney LLP

Eli Lilly and Company

Enterprise

Epson Portland Inc.

FedEx

Gaylord Industries

Geffen Mesher

Georgia-Pacific Corporation

Graphic Packaging International

Hewlett Packard Company

Hoffman Construction Company

Holman

Hyster-Yale Group

Impact NW

INTEGRUS

AirBnB

CarMax

Comcast

Daimler Truck NA

Intel International Paper

JE Dunn Construction

Jubitz Corporation

KeyBank

Lane Powell

Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation

Metro

Meyer Memorial Trust

Microchip Technology Inc.

Mortenson

Multnomah County

Nationwide

NuStar Energy

NW Natural

OnPoint Community Credit Union

Oregon Health Authority

PACE Engineers, Inc.

PacifiCorp

PacificSource Health Plans

Parametrix, Inc.

Pendleton Woolen Mills

Philanthropy Northwest

Pizza Blends

Parametrix, Inc.

Pendleton Woolen Mills

Philanthropy Northwest

Pizza Blends

PNC Bank Oregon

PNC Foundation

Portland Housing Bureau

Portland State University

Principal Financial Group

RICOH

Rise Properties

Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall

Charitable Trust

Self Enhancement, Inc.

SSOE Group

St. John Lutheran Church

Oregon Department of Education

Stoel Rives LLP

Target Stores

The Randall Group

UL Solutions

US Bank

WaFd Bank

Washington County

Weir ESCO

Wells Fargo

Williams

ZGF TO OUR DONORS FOR SUPPORTING OUR WORK! YOU ARE MAKING AN IMPACT!

CORPORATE VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

Metro

Nike Cushioning Innovation

Nike Grey Market Management

Optibus

Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt

Synopsys

WaFd Bank

Wasserman

UNITED WAY GRANT RECIPIENTS AND SPONSORED PARTNERS

Beyond Toxics

Bridging Cultures

Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos

Children’s Institute

Coalicion Fortaleza

Coalition of Communities of Color

Douglas Education Service District

Familias en Accion

Labor’s Community Services Agency

Living Islands Nonprofit

LULAC Oregon

Metropolitan Family Service

Multnomah County (Department of County Human Services)

Muslim Educational Trust, Inc

Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest Inc

Nikka S Tahan

NOWIA Unete

Northwest Health Foundation

NW Natural Gap Assistance Program

Oregon Community Health Workers Association

Our Next Generation

Partners in Diversity

Pink Lemonade Project

ProLab

Raices de Bienestar

Rogue Climate

SnowCap Community Charities

SUMA

The Stronghold: A Culturally Responsive Peer Support Program

Washington County Health & Human Services