Join the surge in community relief

Thanks to the Oregonian editorial board for running a piece in the March 23 edition of the paper urging their readership to support the Community Relief Fund, led by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

"Social service agencies estimate that there more than 100,000 people out of work in the counties surrounding Portland. That is about twice last year's number. Over the past three months, calls to 2-1-1 emergency resources phone line up were up 40 percent. Demand at regional food banks is up by 20 percent compared with last year. State unemployment has risen to double digits. Utilities say about a fifth of their customers are having trouble paying their bills."

Read the entire editorial

Jewish Federation of Greater Portland Supports Community Relief Fund

Thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland for supporting the Community Relief Fund with a new campaign to raise funds for those in need in our community. The Jewish Review posted a story about the new campaign:

Owing to the urgent and growing local demand for vital human services provided by the Jewish Family and Child Service and the United Way Community Relief Fund in the ongoing world economic crisis, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has announced an additional fund-raising effort to run alongside its current ongoing Annual Campaign.

Dubbed “Heart to Heart—A Jewish Response to Community Needs,” Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has agreed to serve as honorary chair of the campaign, which willbenefit only JFCS and the UWCRF, two agencies on the very front line of the economic crisis where its devastating impact on the lives of individuals is testing the community’s ability to respond adequately.

In an announcement unveiling the new campaign, JFGP Annual Campaign Co-chairs Rabbi Alan Berg, Sharon Weil and Michael Weiner said, “The emergency needs facing families today, both in the Jewish and general communities, demand more of us.”

Of the plan to share donations with United Way they said, “Tikkun Olam reminds us that we are our brother’s keeper. We are integral parts of the larger Portland community.”

Read the entire article in The Jewish Review

Charities and aid agencies unite to get ahead of need

Thanks to The Columbian reporter Scott Hewitt for excellent coverage of the Community Relief Fund campaign in last Sunday's Metro Section.

Economic stress, layoffs, evictions, rising prices for food, utilities, transportation -- it's a desperate time out there right now.

So the United Way of Columbia-Willamette, which undertakes a regional fundraising drive to support charity and aid agencies every fall, has launched an additional emergency campaign.

"These are extraordinary times that demand an extraordinary effort," said Marc Levy, United Way's chapter president. "We need to shore up the safety net for those most in need."

The Community Relief Fund will collect and funnel 100 percent of donations to local nonprofit agencies that strive to keep people from hitting bottom. No overhead or operating costs will be deducted.

Providing assistance for food, rent, utilities and other basic needs may mean the difference between despair -- or worse -- and the possibility of a decent future, Levy said.

Read the entire article

Portland Opportunity Conference

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette was one of the sponsors of the Portland Opportunity Conference, organized by PovertyBridge. The daylong event connected people and families living in poverty to community resources and tools to enable them to be successful. The event was held at Portland Community College Sylvania Campus on March 7, 2009.



Conference host and PovertyBridge Executive Director Donna Beegle is well-respected for her innovative approach to linking social service agencies to the needs of their clients. The first event of its kind in Portland, Opportunity Conference helped attendees unravel the shame and blame taught by poverty, while providing tools for reducing isolation and building networks of support.

Learn more about PovertyBridge.

More Support for the Community Relief Fund

Community Relief Fund continues to gain more support, from the grassroots to the grasstops. Widespread community support from all corners of our diverse communities shows the kindness and generosity of neighbors who never hesitate to give of themselves and of their resources to help others in need.

We have earned the support of county commissioners across all four counties for the Community Relief Fund. Brenda Durbin, Director of Clackamas Social Services, shared with us the formal endorsement of Clackamas County commissioners, urging people to "Give $10, Tell 10" friends:

In addition, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is also supporting the effort, kicking off a campaign to raise dollars for the Community Relief Fund.

Join your neighbors in supporting the Community Relief Fund.

Learn more: http://www.give10tell10.org

Community Relief Fund updates

The Community Relief Fund campaign is fast gaining momentum, thanks to the concern and generosity of people like you who want to help our neighbors. The coalition led by United Way of the Columbia-Willamette will help families in the four-county area hit hardest by the economic crisis to get back on their feet. Unemployment, evictions, and rising costs for basic needs mean that more of our neighbors, coworkers, and friends are living on the edge – some for the first time in their lives.

The Community Relief Fund has secured endorsements from county commissioners and support from area foundations. Grassroots fund-drives also are helping spread the word about the campaign. At the first Colored Pencils Arts and Culture Night on Feb. 27, people from immigrant and refugee communities gave what they can to support the Community Relief Fund. It was inspiring to see community members come together to raise funds to provide emegency food and rent and utilities assistance for our neighbors.

But we have more work ahead of us. More layoffs are being announced each day. The longer the economic crisis endures, the more that families will continue to struggle.

Your neighbors need you.

Visit the Community Relief Fund website to learn more about the needs in our community.

Thanks for your support.