United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, with more than 100 years of work, serves the Portland metro region across Oregon and southwest Washington through 211 and grants to local programs. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate raises money and directs it to programs and partners across the Portland metro region. It operates 211, shares regional ALICE data, and funds local work to meet the needs of vulnerable families.
Its core service area covers Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington. A 2024 merger with United Way of Central Oregon added Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties and the lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Kelly O'Lague serves as CEO.
The fastest way to reach help is 211. People can call 211 or visit the 211 website for help finding food, housing, and other services across the region.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 helpline | A free connection to food, housing, and other local services across the region. |
| ALICE data | Regional data on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across the metro and central Oregon. |
| Basic needs and family support | Programs that meet the needs of vulnerable families. |
Sharing regional ALICE data helps the affiliate and its partners target the working households most at risk of falling behind.
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has worked for more than a century in the Portland region. Its 2024 merger with United Way of Central Oregon extended its reach east into Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties and the lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
That larger footprint lets the affiliate coordinate help across a wider, more rural part of the state alongside the metro core.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's grants and 211.
Volunteers help across the region's programs. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 93-0582124, and it is listed on nonprofit databases for donors who want to review its finances.
A free connection to local services across the region.
Regional data on households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across the region.
Programs meeting the needs of vulnerable families.
Expanded reach after the 2024 merger.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (unitedway-pdx.org) and its 2024 merger announcement; ProPublica and GuideStar (EIN 93-0582124). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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