In the midst of the pandemic, thousands of families are also grappling with devastating loss due to the wildfires in our region. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and communities to these catastrophic fires.
I am very grateful for the generosity of our individual donors, corporate and foundation partners who once again came together for our community, by donating to United Way’s Wildfire Response and Recovery Fund. In addition to providing immediate relief assistance to families of color and low income families affected by the wildfires, funds raised will also go toward supporting longer term recovery needs.
Moreover, the disproportionate effects of the pandemic on communities of color and ongoing injustices against Black people have further exposed the underlying structural racism and inequity that still exist in our country.
Equity is achieved when systemic, institutional and historical barriers based on race, gender, sexual orientation and other identities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education and health outcomes.
At United Way, racial equity is at the center of our mission and work in the community. We are:
- Providing immediate relief funding to culturally-specific and culturally-responsive organizations
- Ensuring everyone is counted in the 2020 census through a public and private pooled fund focusing on the Hard To Count populations
- Advocating for preschool for all children in Multnomah county
- Increasing high school graduation rates in David Douglas and Reynolds School Districts through our Successful Families 2020 collaborative
- Working to ensure children of color age six and under get what they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond through our early learning hubs in Multnomah and Washington counties
We are beginning to understand the long-term economic impacts of COVID-19, and it is clear that there is no going back to "normal”, especially when what we had before was failing our families and kids of color.
As we shift from immediate relief to focusing on long-term recovery efforts, we need to reimagine new systems that result in more resilient communities. We know that housing stability is a key contributor to family resiliency. Moving into the next year, we will explore opportunities to increase our support for housing stability so that our region’s kids are free to learn, grow and reach their potential.
We are all in this together, and together we will build not only a path toward resiliency but a more inclusive and equitable region where all families have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
In light of COVID-19, we’re adjusting how we go about our work including presenting an entirely digital annual report this year. I hope you enjoy this interactive version and seeing the impact you made possible.
Sincerely,
Cindy Adams, President and CEO
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
