Funded Income Projects
INCOME: Tools for Independence Vision Council
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette invests in programs that promote financial stability. Below is the list of funded programs in the income focus area.
The Community Investment Grants listend below are three-year grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 each year.
Toward Independence
| Collaborating Partners: | Benefits Advocacy Coalition, JOIN, Salvation Army Cascade Division SAFES Program |
| Target Population: | Homeless individuals with disabilities 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.
Semillas de Exito / Seeds for Success
| Collaborating Partners: | Bienestar, 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.
Take Charge! Build Assets, $$$ and Credit Smarts
| Collaborating Partners: | Community Housing Resource Center, Vancouver Housing Authority, Housing Authority of Portland, Council for the Homeless, disAbility Resources of SW Washington, AARP Tax-Aide, Second Step Housing, Share, Latino Community Resources |
| Target Population: | Low income residents, primarily Latina |
| Counties: | Multnomah and Clark |
Provides financial assistance, education and mortgage counseling to primarily low-income Latina and Russian households to repair credit, become homeowners and increase assets.
Senior Medication Assistance Network
| Collaborating Partners: | Hollywood Senior Center, 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.
Economic Self-Sufficiency: African Community
| Collaborating Partners: | IRCO, 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 and 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.
Constructing Green Futures
| Collaborating Partners: | Irvington Covenant CDC, 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 and 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.
Working in Community
| Collaborating Partners: | JOIN, 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.
Re-Entry Organizations & Resources (ROAR)
| Collaborating Partners: | Mercy Corps Northwest, Calvary Christian Church, Phoenix Rising Transitions, Home for Good, Project 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.
Re-Entry Housing Project
| Collaborating Partners: | Second Step Housing, 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.