As the world has had to learn to be more responsive to immediate and continuously changing needs, Spokane County United Way has too.
Our local programs have felt the increasing need of housing, new and unanticipated need for better social and emotional health supports, and programs that reach youth and young adults to address and mitigate factors that contribute to chronic homelessness. The pressure placed on young families and children by the pandemic, including the need to attend school virtually and childcare gaps created when parents needed to be at work, only magnified the existing gaps in accessing services. The need for emergency food, shelter, and support for families caught by unexpected unemployment also skyrocketed.
We responded with new and deeper investments in programs with partner agencies, a hallmark of Spokane County United Way and how embedded we are in our community since our beginning more than 100 years ago. We spearheaded the Anchor Community Initiative in partnership with A Way Home Washington and the City of Spokane, which continues to work to reduce and end youth and young adult homelessness. Through our Built for Zero initiative, we are working to identify and place homeless adults and veterans in transitional housing while supporting them in treatment and skill-building to break the cycle of chronic homelessness.
And through this work, we have enabled Spokane to officially produce a sustained, measurable reduction in youth and young adult homelessness. Spokane is the first community in Washington State to have a measurable reduction in active homelessness for any population and third in the nation to achieve this milestone. This is work that creates lasting change for our community.
Spokane County United Way’s purpose remains to meet the challenges that we are facing today and prepare for a better tomorrow. We know no true change is achieved without the work of many, and this includes your continued and generous support. To live better, we must LIVE UNITED.
As we look ahead, please consider investing in the future of children, young adults, and families across our county. Because of your trust in Spokane County United Way to be good stewards of your investment, we will continue to be here to serve and uplift our community on your behalf.
With appreciation,
John Dickson
President and CEO, Spokane County United Way
Caregivers,
We are launching our annual effort for all caregivers to consider contributing to benefit our community year-round with a gift to United Way. We will be conducting our outreach to INWA caregivers on behalf of United Way from Monday, Nov. 14 to Friday, Dec. 2.
Our community continues to face challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we are experiencing a housing crisis, rising inflation, and other issues, such as domestic violence and mental health.
While we navigate our way toward solutions, it is more important than ever to come together to help each other and our community. Our partnership with United Way can help bolster organizations who are addressing the many needs in our community.
Providence and United Way are partners that serve those in need in our community. In many cases we see individuals and families when they have nowhere else to turn. The Spokane County United Way currently provides funding to 34 non-profit organizations that assist individuals and families when they are at their lowest points – victims of abuse and neglect, homeless youth living on the street, families being evicted from their homes.
Spokane County United Way has been serving our local community since 1921. Because of your past generosity combined with thousands of others, United Way invests over $1 million dollars annually to local nonprofit organizations. United Way leverages these gifts with many partners to do all that is possible to keep these challenging situations from arising in the first place. Your gift to United Way assists these families in their time of need.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving and gratitude, please consider sharing with those who are in need. Every contribution – large and small – makes a significant impact on this community.
Thank you for the work you do every day and for your careful consideration of support of Spokane County United Way.
Susan Stacey
Chief Executive
Providence Inland Northwest Washington
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