Building Resilient Families with United Way

The shortage of affordable housing in the Portland metro area has long posed a threat to families with modest incomes. And now, over the past year and a half, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have quickly escalated this serious issue into a full-scale crisis. 

Thousands of families have lost their homes, or are on the verge of becoming houseless. In the state of Oregon, housing research estimates there are at least 89,000 households that have fallen behind on rent. These families and many more could be one financial emergency (a missed paycheck or job loss, a car breakdown, a trip to the ER) away from losing their homes.

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Resilient Families Initiative is helping Oregon families who have been forced to choose between paying for rent or food, healthcare or utilities, and may now be facing thousands of dollars in back rent. Through nonprofit partners in Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington and Clark counties, the Resilient Families Initiative provides rent and utilities assistance so vulnerable families can remain in their homes.

In support of this very crucial work, this month Neil Kelly Handyman Services team in Portland will be donating 1% of revenue from projects in October to UWCW’s Resilient Families Initiative.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting our neighbors, our community, and United Way’s important work by learning more and making your own contribution.