COVID-19, resources and ways to help

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020

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. Even as we confront uncertainty and volatility, we remain steadfast in our commitment to LIVE UNITED in support of our people, our partners and our mission to make long term improvements in the lives of families in our community.

COVID-19 is a new test of our collective strength. As social distance and quarantine become the current new normal, and businesses shut their doors and lay off workers, we are facing new economic challenges and a surge in demand for social services.  

United Way’s Safety Net funding mobilizes nonprofits across our four counties (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington and Clark, WA) to help individuals and families meet their basic needs. In the wake of the new virus, and the rippling effect it will have, we remain committed to providing critical services including short-term housing assistance, utilities assistance and access to food boxes and pantries.  

We are all in this together. Help us ensure that our region’s most vulnerable have the resources they need to weather the short-term and long-term impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic.  

Thank you for being champions and heroes. Support a safety net for our community and double your impact today. 

Find out how your support has helped our community in our COVID-19 report.

 

Helpful Resources

If you have questions on the latest developments or how to minimize the impact of the pandemic, we encourage everyone to review information from the Centers for Disease Control and the Oregon Health Authority

Community members can also connect with 211info or by dialing 2-1-1 with questions about the coronavirus and access to support services and programs. 

For information on accessing food assistance, rent and utility assistance, childcare, healthcare, etc. during the outbreak, please refer to the following resources from government agencies, partner organizations and media outlets:

Government Agencies:
Oregon Health Authority (State)
Clackamas County, Oregon
Multnomah County, Oregon
Washington County, Oregon
Washington State Department of Health (State)
Clark County, Washington

Food pantry and school breakfasts/lunches resources:
Latino Network
Self Enhancement Inc.
A long list of resources are on KPTV

Family resources:
Metropolitan Family Service
Oregon Early Learning Division - Oregon Department of Education
Guide to Parenting & Family Health During COVID-19 - for families raising kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Community resources:
Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)

Volunteer and In-Kind donation opportunities:
Hands On Greater Portland- a volunteer program of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette