This post was written by Anisa J. Khaleel, Community Outreach Specialist/AmeriCorps at WithinReach

For over two decades, WithinReach, a statewide non-profit, has helped Washington families take steps towards healthier lives by connecting them with health and food resources while promoting health education and disease prevention among vulnerable populations. Two years ago WithinReach partnered with the United Way of King County to build the Bridge to Basics program – a volunteer effort that trains community members in public benefits eligibility and places them…

This post was written by guest blogger, Erin Milliren, an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Bridge to Basics program, a partnership between United Way of King County, Within Reach, the City of Seattle and Americorps 

Hi, my name is Erin Milliren. I am one of the four AmeriCorps service members who staff the Bridge to Basics outreach team. Based out of WithinReach in North Seattle, we travel all throughout King County. We visit food banks, public libraries, WorkSource offices and public service centers.…

Bananas, bread—and a Bridge to Basics

If you’re looking for a new volunteering opportunity, consider the Bridge to Basics program. In just a few hours a week, you can help connect low-income people with things like food stamps, utility assistance and low-cost health care.

I work full-time as a writer at United Way of King County. It’s been two years now, and it’s been a great experience. Through United Way, I’ve discovered so many programs and services available for people who need the help.  The…

Meeting people’s basic needs, welcoming more people home, giving all kids an equal chance to succeed, helping our neighbors in need—it’s all because of generous people like YOU who give and volunteer. Thanks for your continued support of United Way of King County and best wishes for 2011!

10 Ways You Did More in 2010

10. You were one of the 32,000 people in King County who volunteered your time and talents to improve the community.

9. You helped 7,000 struggling people…

I may be able to take credit for starting the United Way of King County blog, but I can’t take credit for making it awesome. That would be Yuri Kim.

Yuri started at United Way of King County as an Americorps VISTA volunteer with our ending homelessness team. He provided key support to the Community Resource Exchange and the Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

A year and a half ago, he was one of the first contributors to our fledgling blog, and…

On Sunday, the New York Times featured a wonderful frontpage article on a program very near and dear to our hearts here at UWKC:  the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),  known colloquially as food stamps.

We’ve written a good deal about food stamps on this blog,  especially with regard to our new Bridge to Basics program (which incidentally has just wrapped a highly successful pilot run). But I thought it worth highlighting this article for several reasons, as it chronicles national trends we’ve…

In Washington state, there are many resources available to help people who are low-income or who are struggling financially. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that they are eligible for services that can help. For example, in King County, only 66% of those eligible for food stamps are claiming them. This is the lowest rate in the entire state.

Families and individuals who have to choose between paying rent or buying groceries don’t know that there is a safety net available to them. With that…