United Way Accepts 2010 Community Spirit Award

On June 9th, 2010, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette was honored by Community Action with the organization’s 2010 Community Spirit Award recognizing United Way’s innovative approach to mitigating the impact of the recession for over 39,000 people in the four county metro region.

Concerned about the unprecedented job loss and growing poverty, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, in alliance with Oregon Food Bank and Community Action Programs spearheaded the new Community Relief Fund.

United Way distributed $1.1 million to programs that helped individuals and families cover rent, food and utilities. The Community Spirit Award recognizes the partnership between the organizations as well as the wider impact United Way’s intervention has had on the lives of people struggling in the recession.

Through the Community Relief Fund nearly 700 households avoided eviction, almost 300 families were able to keep their lights on and over 36,000 individuals received food assistance.