INCOME: Tools for Independence Vision Council

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette invests in programs that promote financial stability. Here's the list of funded programs in the "Income" focus area.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANTS

Three-year grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 each year

Benefits Advocacy Coalition                     Toward Independence

 

Collaborating Partners:		JOIN, Salvation Army Cascade Division SAFES Program, P:ear
Target Population:		Homeless individuals with disabilities in Portland metro area eligible for Social Security income
Counties:		Multnomah

Increases knowledge of system resources among Support Specialists at collaborative partner agencies and improves coordination of services to individuals with disabilities. Services include housing, transportation, rehabilitation and vocational services, and advocacy to navigate the Social Security claims, hearings and appeals process.

Bienestar                                                    Semillas de Exito/Seeds for Success

 

Collaborating Partners:		AARP Tax-Aide, Dress for Success, Adelante Mujeres, Oregon Employment Department Farmworker Services, Banner Bank, KeyBank, Wells Fargo, ASHA (A Source of Hope for All)        International
Target Population:		Low income Latino residents, agricultural workers
Counties:		Washington

                        
In addition to peer outreach and employment support, this program offers emergency financial assistance for housing, child care and other basic needs to households experiencing illness, injury or recent layoff. The primary focus is on rapid re-employment through a network of employers and/or developing sustainable farming or micro-enterprises.

Community Housing Resource               Take Charge!---Build Assets, $$$ and Center                                                   Credit Smarts

 

Collaborating Partners:		Vancouver Housing Authority, Housing Authority of Portland, Council for the Homeless, disAbility Resources of SW Washington, AARP Tax-Aide, YW Housing, Share, Latino Community Resources
Target Population:		Low income residents, primarily Latina
Counties:		Multnomah, Clark

                      
Provides financial assistance, education and mortgage counseling to primarily low-income Latina and Russian households in Multnomah and Clark County to repair credit, become homeowners and increase assets.

Hollywood Senior Center                           Senior Medication Assistance Network

 

Collaborating Partners:		Neighborhood House, Impact NW, Friendly House, YWCA of Greater Portland, Urban League, IRCO, OHSU, University of Portland and Linfield School of Nursing
Target Population:		Seniors
Counties:		Multnomah

Provides medication management assistance and care plans for seniors living in Multnomah County. District Centers conduct eligibility screenings and intakes; student nurses will visit isolated seniors to assess medication and other needs, as well as make appropriate referrals to senior and disability services, supervising nurses or District Center staff. 

IRCO                                            Economic Self-Sufficiency: African Community

 

Collaborating Partners:		Somali Bantu Community Organization, Global Advocates for Inclusiveness, Oregon Association of Liberians, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Community and Shelter Assistance of Oregon (CASA), CASH Oregon
Target Population:		African refugee and immigrant families
Counties:		Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas

Provides access to rent and utility assistance and culturally-specific financial education to promote long-term financial stability of African refugee and immigrant families. Volunteers will be trained to conduct classes and workshops focusing on banking systems, Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), and tax and credit assistance.

Irvington Covenant CDC                            Constructing Green Futures

 

Collaborating Partners:		Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., National Association of Minority  Contractors, Metropolitan Contractor Improvement Partnership, IBEW Local 48, NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center, Willamette Carpenter Training Center, HVAC and  Metals Institute, Greater Portland Roofers Apprenticeship, NW College of Construction, Electrical Workers Minority Caucus, REACH CDC, N/NE Business Association, Portland Development Commission, Oregon Apollo Alliance
Target Population:		Low income and women (African American focus), including people returning to the community after incarceration
Counties:		Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Clark

     
Prepares individuals for "green collar" jobs through training in construction, mechanical, technical and utility trades in emerging sustainable technologies and assists industry employers with reaching qualified, motivated minority and/or female candidates. Hands-on skills will be taught while making home repairs for low-income seniors.

JOIN                                                                     Working in Community

 

Collaborating Partners:		Central City Concern, Better People
Target Population:		Chronically homeless individuals
Counties:		Multnomah

This street outreach model ensures that all homeless people, regardless of their age, race, disability, life experience or legal history are offered an opportunity to succeed in finding work and re-engage in the community. Housing and employment support services include counseling, job training and access to a network of employers who will give people a chance to re-enter the workforce.

Mercy Corps Northwest                              ROAR

 

Collaborating Partners:		Calvary Christian Church, Phoenix Rising Transitions, Home for Good, Operation Clean Slate, Better People, Disability Navigators, Inc.
Target Population:		Formerly incarcerated individuals
Counties:		Multnomah

Peer mentors and Community-Integration Navigators will link individuals to needed resources to support successful transition from incarceration to the community. ROAR partners provide basic needs, housing, vocational training, counseling and support groups, and disability systems navigation.

 

Second Step Housing                Re-Entry Housing Project

 

Collaborating Partners:		Clark County Department of Corrections, Community Services Northwest
Target Population:		High risk ex-offenders re-entering the community
Counties:		Clark

                
In collaboration with Department of Corrections, this project assists individuals to achieve stable housing and living-wage employment, and to increase education and reconnect with the community after incarceration.

 

PROJECT INNOVATION GRANTS

One-time grants ranging from $20,000 to $40,000

Community Warehouse                              Door to Door Delivery

 

Collaborating Partners:		Case Managers at nonprofits and disability service agencies
Target Population:		Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
Counties:		Multnomah, Washington, Clark

          
Expands current system by providing delivery of household items including furniture, appliances and health equipment to seniors and adults with disabilities who do not have access to vehicles and movers to pick up items at the Warehouse. The project’s goal is to promote housing stability and independent living.

 

Oregon Opportunity Network                 Resident Services-Program Cost Analysis

 

Collaborating Partners:		Five housing providers
Target Population:		Low income residents
Counties:		Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas

                        
Conducts community–based research to identify financing strategies and sustainability of resident support services for providers of affordable housing.  The project’s primary goal is to provide data to inform development and funding of services that promote housing stability.

 

Somali Community Services                    Somali Senior Engagement Project

 

Collaborating Partners:		Neighborhood House
Target Population:		Somali Seniors
Counties:		Multnomah, Washington

A pilot of new services designed to integrate immigrant Somali seniors into the larger
community. Community integration activities include participation in community
events, language instruction, socialization and education about available resources.

 

Street Roots                                          Eastside Expansion and Pilot Project

 

Collaborating Partners:		JOIN
Target Population:		Chronic homeless and people at risk of homelessness
Counties:		Multnomah

Establishes a new satellite office to develop new business and employment opportunities in outer SE Portland. JOIN will work with street vendors to introduce them to faith communities, law enforcement, local businesses and other agencies that serve low income individuals. Key to success will be building relationships with local businesses and residents.