In 2024, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette partnered with the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our region’s housing and homelessness response system - workforce stability. Together, we launched the Organizational Health Grants for Workforce Stabilization and Capacity Building, providing flexible, equitable funding to strengthen the teams who make housing stability possible across our tri-county area.
Our Impact
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Over the past two years, this partnership has distributed $20 million to 61 housing and homelessness service providers, supporting nearly 4,000 individuals across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. By helping providers recruit and retain skilled staff, the program has had measurable impact: 43% of grantees reported a decrease in vacancy rates, 53% saw improved staff retention, and overall, participating organizations increased their full-time workforce by 10% from 2024 to 2025. These results mean more consistent, high-quality services for people and families seeking stability and housing security.
As the backbone organization, United Way provides strategic planning, convenes grantees for learning and collaboration, and manages funding alignment and oversight. We’re proud to lead this cross-sector effort with JOHS—an initiative that demonstrates the power of investing in people to strengthen the entire system of care. When we support those who support our community, we build the foundation for lasting change.
