Who we help.

With a glance at our marketing materials, you will learn that the United Way of Deschutes County partners with 26 non-profit agencies in the community. You can also discover that we work closely with volunteers—who take responsibility for allocating the dollars we raise during our annual fundraising campaign. And you may have heard or read that one-in-three people will seek help this year. Yet those details don’t describe the actual people who are affected by the donations you make to the United Way.

If we pause for a moment,
each of us can recall a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor
who has been affected by the economic turmoil.

During the 2008/9 campaign, nearly $1,300,000 was contributed by individuals and corporations in Deschutes County—an incredible amount during a time of struggle for so many. Your contributions were part of the nearly 85,000 whispers of hope received by people connected to us in our daily lives.

2,000 people homeless; including nearly 900 school-aged children
40% increase in requests for food
#1 increase in court cases were related to violence & abuse
50% increase in the number of homeless teens
14% unemployment

We don’t always realize how much difference one person can make when they choose to give, advocate or volunteer; and the gesture of hope it creates for someone who made need our help. Yet for the recipient, a whisper of hope can be the box of much-needed food, sanctuary from the cold, protection from violent acts or simply a kind word of support when we need it most.

We help each other. We help friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. We help ourselves.

Thank you for your contribution that makes every whisper of hope possible.