[Our affordable housing guru Neil Powers takes a look at the City's plan to spend those much-needed Housing Levy dollars approved last year. The initial review: So far, so good...]

Dr. Don Berwick, President Obama’s nominee to become the head of Medicare and Medicaid, visited United Way of King County last year and declared that 40% of good health is  “a roof over your head”.  To that end, Seattle citizens overwhelmingly voted last November for the $145 million Seattle Housing Levy Renewal, agreeing to extend…

In a world with billions of people and a similar amount of blogs, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s going on where. I know this from first-hand experience; before today, when given the assignment to peruse non-profit blogs, I had only visited Perez Hilton’s. From now on, I’ll be posting blog round-ups weekly, which will no doubt benefit my world-view as well as any reader’s. Here’s a brief overview of what various non-profit companies have been blogging about this week: 

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My family’s big on travel, so I’ve been on several 10-hour-plus-plane-ride vacations within the past few years. Europe and Australia are beautiful and fascinating places, but a tad removed from third-world. I knew about poverty and hunger, but at the same time I lived in somewhat of a healthy, happy bubble. While on the one hand ignorance can be bliss, I craved insight into what made me so lucky. In other words, I wanted to pop my bubble.

Cambodia is the poorest nation in Southeast…

The Climb for the Community team started their two-day ascent to the summit of Mount Rainier at about 9:45 a.m. today and should reach Camp Muir by 5:00 p.m. The hike to Camp Muir is nearly 4.5 miles and will take them up to an elevation of 10,060 feet.

The Climb for the Community team spent all of yesterday on the lower slopes of Mount Rainier training in “mountaineering day school.” This morning climbers started their two-day trek to the summit.

Here’s a report from Molly Nordstrom, United Way of King County’s board chair and the only woman on the Climb:

Today we are hiking to Camp Muir. We will climb from 5,400 feet to 10,060 feet. The trek is nearly 4.5 miles and will take about 6 hours. It’s expected to be

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As many Americans did this weekend, I celebrated our nation’s birthday by doing what else–grilling with friends and family. At one barbecue I attended, I was surprised and delighted to find United Way-branded Jones Soda in the cooler. The bottles feature Seattle Seahawks head coach Jim Mora and are helping to raise awareness about United Way’s Climb for the Community.

Buy a 24-pack of the limited-edition Jones Soda at Costco and other fine retailers, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit United…

The Fourth of July is a great opportunity for a day full of family fun, including parades, cookouts, swimming and enjoying fireworks.

While celebrating Independence Day, burns–superficial or first degree–can result from partaking in any of these celebratory activities; so the American Red Cross offers the following tips to keep this holiday safe and fun-filled:

1. Make sure that exposed skin is covered with an appropriate sun block before heading out to the parade, family picnic or other outdoor activity.

2. Keep small children…

Your donation in support of United Way’s Climb for the Community will help people hard hit by the economic downturn keep their homes and have enough food to feed their families.

To thank you for giving, we have some fantastic giveaways available.

Give $50 and be entered in a drawing for a limited-edition Seahawks football and helmet signed by Seattle Seahawks Coach Jim Mora.

Give $75 and be entered in a drawing for a First Ascent “Ultralight Rain and Wind Jacket” from…

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is getting a lot of attention for his participation in United Way of King County’s Climb for the Community. The 50-year-old sports executive was a three-sports star athlete in high school and has been underdoing a rigorous training regimen in preparation for the climb up Mount Rainier.

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ElderHealth Northwest is an organization that focuses on helping the elderly stay in their homes with their families.  I was able to speak with Meggie LaValley, their AmeriCorps VISTA Outreach Coordinator about the great work they do there and the importance of taking care of our elders.

So what exactly is ElderHealth Northwest all about?

Meggie: ElderHealth Northwest is a community-based nonprofit which enhances the quality of life of elders, adults with disabilities and their caregivers. Basically our goal is to prevent…