To ensure that children with developmental delays/disabilities reach their highest potential, United Way of King County supports programs throughout the county that address their needs. We know that a critical piece of success for these children is direct support and engagement from their parents and families. When parents learn their child has delays, they may feel scared, helpless and powerless. But when they are connected to services and information that support and nurture their child’s development, parents feel empowered and supported as a result.
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The United Way of King County’s next Community Resource Exchange (CRE) is scheduled for October 18 at the Seattle Center. We need volunteers to spearhead supply drives to collect more than 2,000 items to be provided to participants that attend the CRE. Items that are needed include NEW socks and hygiene items (razors, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, etc.) as well as books (can be second-hand). Interested in leading a supply drive in your neighborhood, club, church, organization, and/or community? Register on our…

Oh winter time…don’t you just love it? I love putting on warm socks, a hat and a fuzzy pair of warm gloves. It
really makes me smile. What if that wasn’t an option for you though? What if there were not any means to obtain clean warm socks, a hat and gloves by the time we stop seeing the sun in Seattle? It might get pretty cold and it would be worse if you got sick.

This is the reality that many homeless…

Recently the legislature made significant changes to Disability Lifeline (HB 2082) for FY 2011-2013.  It eliminated the current Disability Lifeline Program effective October 1, but preserved medical services for eligible clients.  In place of the old program, it created 3 new programs—the aged, blind and disabled program (similar to the current DL-X and is the only program to keep cash assistance grants), pregnant woman assistance program, and the Essential Needs and Housing Support program funded at $64 million and offered to those eligible for…

Last Friday United Way of King County held it’s 6th Community Resource Exchange (CRE) at Qwest Field. While we’re still crunching the numbers, it is estimated that about 1,700 people experiencing homelessness accessed services, from foot washing to dental work, at the event. Seattle’s Q13 Fox News was on site covering the event and interviewing guests. Check out their short piece below.

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…

In a guest Seattle Times editorial, United Way of King County CEO, Jon Fine, and Board Chair, Dan Fulton, “see a community brimming with creativity about how to make things better for those who are struggling” and call on people to resolve to do what they can to help their neighbors in need. Read the full editorial.

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…

“Token days are not the ebb and flow of life.  They ease our feelings of regret about the way things have to be for the remainder of the year.  They do not really change the way things are.”–Jonathan Kozol, “The Shame of the Nation”

Last Friday was Day of Caring, my 13th with United Way of King County.  I was among about 300 volunteers (there were over 10,500 total throughout the county) that spent the day at Qwest Field for the Community Resource Exchange.  In…

One of the more under-reported obstacles for people experiencing homelessness is the sheer number of social service agencies they must visit not just to get their lives “back on track”, but simply to guarantee day to day survival. The labyrinthine route to housing or employment or affordable healthcare often involves multiple trips to different locations spread throughout the city. This constant trekking from agency to agency is especially difficult when you consider a homeless individual’s limited transportation options, especially if they are aged or disabled.…