When we received federal funds for COVID relief, we knew we needed to get these funds into the hands of Portlanders struggling from the financial impacts of the pandemic. We partnered with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette because of their critical role in our community. Their ability to bring everyone together helped make it possible for us to work with public agencies and community-based organizations in a pandemic environment to distribute $18 million to individuals and families in need. The benefit cards allowed community members to cover urgent needs from food to medical bills to utilities during one of the toughest times we have faced together as a community.
Shannon Callahan, Director, Portland Housing Bureau