Stories

For most, home is a place of comfort, safety, and rest. But unfortunately for the 1 in 3 families in our region who are unable to pay for basic needs, and have to make difficult  choices between paying for rent, and other necessities, the reassurance of a safe place to call home becomes less attainable. 

Our country has faced many difficult situations over the years – disasters and economic crises – but nothing quite like this one. It’s why we prepare. For 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been the place where our community joins together to help one another. We always take care of our community and we always emerge stronger than before.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role they played in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

At United Way, we are working hard to build a region that lives up to the ideals of inclusion, opportunity and racial equity. We believe hate has no place in our communities. Now, more than ever, is the time to stand united. That’s why we’ve joined a coalition of our community partners, local businesses and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, in publicly denouncing the groups planning to spread hateful rhetoric and violence in Portland on August 17.

One year ago, Taji and Britt, two Portland high school students entering their senior year, sat down to complete a custom curriculum inspired by the community around them; a curriculum dedicated to training the Portland Police Force to interact with youth in more effective and impactful ways.