Last September, over 2,400 people experiencing homelessness came to the Community Resource Exchange at Qwest Field for a day of hope and help.

View a KOMO 4 News video about the event here.

The demand far exceeded our supplies, and many had to leave empty-handed. We don’t want that to happen again—and with your help, it won’t.

Our next Community Resource Exchange will take place at Qwest Field this April. 

Each year, we ask…

While most people are aware that MLK Day is a Federal holiday in the U.S. and have enjoyed a day off from school or work, what many don’t realize is that in 1994 Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Each January, people across the country “make it a day on, not a day off” by participating in service activities in their communities. Last year in Philadelphia, more than 70,000 volunteers served on…

It’s that time. . . time to start making promises to better ourselves in the coming year. We set lofty goals like “I’m going to get up and go jogging everyday at 5 am, rain or shine” (unlikely) or “I am going to quit consuming all of the things that are potentially harmful to my health” (what is left to eat?). Alas, only about 46% of resolutions make it past the 6 month mark. When resolutions don’t pan out, we feel like…

To celebrate its grand opening in Bellevue, the Microsoft Store is holding a “Week of Thanks,” and Microsoft will donate up to $280,000 in software grant donations to local organizations. We’re thrilled to be one of the organizations chosen! The best part? YOU will be able to vote to help us reach our goal. Just “Like” the Microsoft Store Facebook Page and cast a vote for United Way. You’ll get a 10% off coupon for Microsoft Store purchases. And share this opportunity…

DeSean and Rose are a young couple who became parents for the first time this past July. I met them and their two-month old son at the Community Resource Exchange on September 24. Rose shared her story:  “When I became pregnant, my parents were really unhappy about it. They said I wasn’t welcome to live there anymore unless I got an abortion. That’s not really what I wanted to do.”

If you were at Qwest Field on September 24 for the Community Resource Exchange, then you know what an emotional experience it was. Seeing over 2,400 people dealing with homelessness—all seeking help and hope. 

On September 24, over 9,000 volunteers will join together with colleagues, family and friends for our annual Day of Caring. It’s an amazing day of hope, unity, action and accomplishment, the largest single day of volunteering in Washington. You can be a part of it, too! 

Registration is now open, but projects are filling up fast. Right now, you have hundreds of projects from which to choose! Help paint a house for homeless families, clean and organize an area at the Union Gospel Mission for…

[Our public policy director Carol Wood takes a look at Congress' mixed bag for social services].

The Good News:  On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted in support of the federal bill to fund FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) after they were called back from their August recess by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  This House action mirrored that taken by the Senate on August 5.

The bill extends the increased FMAP for a 6 month period beyond the current December 31, 2010 termination date (to…

Along with most states, Washington’s financial challenges are daunting. In the past two years, $5.1 billion of spending has been cut from the state budget and fiscal trends indicate that an additional $3 billion will have to be cut in the 2011-2013 biennial budget and another $8-9 billion the following biennium.

To get a handle on how to best approach the serious decisions that need to be made, the Governor has implemented several key changes to the budget planning process which was outlined at three…

United Way of King County is committed to relieving childhood hunger in our community. From our work in early learning, we know all too well that one of the biggest obstacles in making sure that kids are ready to learn is ensuring they have healthy, nutritious meals during the day. That’s why we’re paying close attention to what’s happening in Congress.

On July 15, the House Education and Labor Committee approved their version of Child Nutrition Reauthorization, which calls for approximately $8 billion…