Oregon Legislature Passes Last-Minute Climate Resilience Package

Thursday, Jul. 20, 2023

On Saturday, June 24, Oregonians came together to celebrate the passage of House Bill 3409 and House Bill 3630, setting our state on the direction of historic climate justice legislation. This Climate Resilience Package, which will combat the climate crisis, protect Oregon families from extreme weather, drive down costs and grow a greener economy, was an advocacy goal of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and many community-based organizations.

Nike Brings H.O.P.E. to Elders For Earth Day

Monday, Apr. 24, 2023

Nike's Cushioning Innovation team is not only committed to creating high-performance athletic gear but also to making a difference in their community. Just a day before Earth Day, the team collaborated with the nonprofit organization H.O.P.E. (Honoring our Precious Elders) to help two elderly homeowners maintain their large garden. The volunteers worked hard to build a raised bed, weed existing beds, and level pathways for the elders. With around 20 volunteers on the project, the results were impressive and the impact was heartwarming.

Black History Month Is Every Month

Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

We at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette believe Black History Month is every month (a helpful belief seeing as our All Staff event was canceled last month due to the snow!) Black Americans have had an indelible and beautiful impact on our nation throughout its history, despite the pains and prejudices they have endured. American history is Black history and the impacts Black Americans have had, through their resilience, curiosity, acumen and love, should be celebrated daily.

Springing Into Early Learning

Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

Our Early Learning experts took advantage of a somewhat sunny day on March 11th to help put on the Spring Into Learning resource fair organized with MHCC Head Start. The event included over 50 community organizations offering support with preschool and elementary school registration, as well as vocational training, financial education, health and wellness knowledge and much more.

Your Neighbor Next Door

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

In 2021, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette developed a pooled fund to support efforts of community partners across Oregon in vaccine advocacy, access and education. This fund was focused on providing resources for communities of color, with an initial focus on Latinx working families and the Pacific Islander community. We officially ended this program at the end of last year.

Urban Myths on Homelessness and the Facts to Counter Them

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

In advocating and working toward a more just housing system, we often encounter a variety of misinformed opinions about the realities of people experiencing homelessness. Many of these opinions can come to dominate the discourse around the issue of homelessness, and can obfuscate the solutions and people working to achieve a better system.