December 28, 2010

The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is an outstanding community partner, funding programs that focus on education, income, and health - the building blocks of a good life.

Through Community Investment Grants, the United Way supports local partners like Janus Youth Programs, Mercy Corps NW, JOIN, the Hollywood Senior Center, the Community Housing Resource Center, Hacienda CDC, the Native American Youth & Family Center, and Human Solutions. Through the Portland Housing Bureau and Portland Parks & Recreation, we are proud to partner with many of these organizations.

Since 2009, the United Way has also operated the Community Relief Fund, which helps Portland-area families hardest hit by the recession get back on their feet by offering immediate help with food, rent, and utilities. The program has helped over 50,000 people with more than $2 million for basic needs.

Now, the Meyer Memorial Trust has awarded the Fund a $200,000 grant and the offer to match up to $100,000 donated by the public.

Since 2009, writes Larry Bingham in this morning's Oregonian, requests for assistance have increased more than 150%.

Click here for more about this important fund, or donate now.