United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) is celebrating a year of significant accomplishments, including the deployment of emergency food and shelter funds to organizations across Central Oregon. These efforts, combined with strategic initiatives and partnerships, have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and impact in 2025.
In 2024, UWCO administered federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and Emergency Food and Shelter Grant (EFSG) funds totaling nearly $300,000 to support critical services addressing food insecurity, housing stability, and community resilience across Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties. Awards included:
Crook County EFSP:
Crook County Rotary Foundation: $8,250
Love Dustina: $2,473
Prineville Senior Center: $27,000
Salvation Army: $6,144
The Giving Plate: $11,963
Jefferson County EFSP:
Jefferson County Faith Based Network: $18,488
Madras Community Food Pantry: $41,618
Salvation Army: $2,276
Deschutes County EFSP:
Bethlehem Inn: $12,500
J Bar J Youth Services: $17,145
NeighborImpact: $5,000
Salvation Army: $11,379
Saving Grace: $5,000
Shepherd’s House Ministries: $12,500
The Giving Plate: $7,500
Thrive Central Oregon: $15,000
Deschutes County EFSG:
Assistance League of Bend: $4,750
Bend Church – United Methodist: $6,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend: $7,500
Central Oregon Council on Aging: $4,000
Central Oregon Villages: $10,395
Diaper Bank of Central Oregon: $7,500
Family Kitchen: $7,500
Friends of the Children Central Oregon: $2,500
Home More Network: $5,000
Jericho Road: $7,500
Nativity Lutheran Church Food Pantry: $4,000
Society of St. Vincent De Paul Redmond: $2,500
Society of St. Vincent De Paul La Pine: $1,755
St. Vincent de Paul Society Bend: $7,500
2024 also marked the successful merger of United Way of Central Oregon and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, enhancing operational efficiency and expanding the organization’s reach. This milestone, coupled with the release of United Way’s ALICE Report, a study of financial hardship
highlighting the challenges faced by Central Oregon households, underscores UWCO’s\ commitment to addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly proud of all we have accomplished, including the deployment of funds for critical services supporting our community members, as well as the completion of a strategic merger that has strengthened our organization. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch our new transportation program, which promises to bring much-needed solutions to our community, and to award more federal funds across our region. We are poised for another year of growth and success, and thankful for the support of our community,” said Diana Fischetti, Regional Executive Director at United Way of Central Oregon.
Building on these successes, UWCO is preparing to allocate new EFSP and EFSG funds for Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties in 2025. These resources will continue to address food, shelter, and clothing needs throughout the region.
In 2025, UWCO will also launch Ride United, an innovative program aimed at eliminating transportation barriers for individuals in need. By providing free, reliable transportation to critical services such as medical appointments, job interviews, food pantries, veterans’ services, and housing resources, Ride United will strengthen community connections and foster resilience.
About United Way of Central Oregon
United Way of Central Oregon envisions a community where every person can meet their basic needs, every child thrives, every family has a stable home, and neighbors unite to recover stronger from disasters. Through initiatives focusing on healthy communities, financial security, youth opportunities, and community resilience, UWCO is building a stronger, healthier Central Oregon. For more information about the ALICE Report, please visit https://unitedforalice.org; for more information about UWCO, please visit https://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org or contact Diana Fischetti at diana@uwco.org.
