Guest Post By Carolee Lee, VP Marketing and Communications, United Way Columbia-Willamette
Gloria knows about tough times. She thought she was doing everything right. She had a good job, nice apartment, and food on the table. Unfortunately, her life changed dramatically when she lost her job. The bills mounted up and she couldn’t pay the rent, was facing eviction, and struggling to feed her two young kids.
There are thousands of families like Gloria’s who are living on the edge. Just like 2-1-1, we get calls everyday at United Way from people who are desperate. These calls represent thousands of families in our community who need short-term financial help for basics like food, rent, and utilities. The news is grim but there is something you can do. GIVE $10 to the Community Relief Fund and tell 10 friends to do the same. The Community Relief Fund is an alliance that includes United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, Oregon Food Bank and Community Action Programs in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark counties.
Since the program started last April, $1.1 million has been distributed which has helped 39,243 people (11,856 households). Gloria’s was one of those families that got help until she could find another job. In total, about 683 households (2,312 people) avoided eviction because they received rent or mortgage assistance. About 247 families (767 people) kept the lights on because they got help paying their utility bills. More than 400,000 pounds of food has been distributed.
If you can, give. Imagine the possibilities if we just care about each other and work together. Check out www.give10tell10.org today.
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