Giving Back: United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley Receives Donation for Low-Income Housing

The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is a non-profit organization whose mission is to unite people and resources together to build a thriving and resilient community.

“We actively look for gaps in current services and needs that aren’t being met in our communities,” United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley CEO Rhonda Wolf said. “By bringing people and organizations together with innovative solutions, we impact thousands of lives every year.”

WaFd Bank, through their foundation, recently donated a $50,000 grant to the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley to allow the organization an opportunity to begin construction on 15 cottages to help seniors living on the brink of homelessness. 

The grant helps the United Way pay for the necessary permits and begin construction on the Cottages United project. The first phase was completed in the spring with 10 contemporary cottages purchased and built. 

“I love that this project is geared toward providing seniors who have found themselves on the verge of homelessness with a dignified, and inspiring, place to call home,” WaFD Bank Northern Oregon Regional President Gary Haines said in a press release. “The approach that United Way took to design these homes as well as integrate them into the surrounding community is distinctive from other projects we’ve seen – it feels like a neighborhood, and something that others should visit and learn from. It is thoughtful, creative, engaging and inspiring. It’s a true home.”

WaFD Bank hopes the grant can help inspire others to continue giving to the campaign and the United Way. The Cottages project still needs to raise another $2 million to finish the final two phases of the project.

“Stable housing provides a safe environment for our elders as they age,” said Rhonda Wolf, United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley CEO. “Without a safe home, they face increased risks of accidents, exposure to harsh weather and a lack of access to necessary medical care. The ability to remain in affordable housing is tied to their financial stability and homelessness can quickly lead to a cycle of poverty, making it even harder for seniors to regain stability.”

The cottages are being built on a city infill, which would otherwise remain an empty lot. The rising cost of housing has made it difficult for seniors with inadequate support. 

United Way is a national organization, but each hub focuses on the local community and finds the best ways that work best for their residents.

The Salem branch’s current programming includes the Community Resource Network, United Community Foundation, Cottages United, Enrichment Academy, SafeSleep United, Santiam Long Term Recovery, Community Investment Program, Bus Pass Program, Community Resource Center, Emergency Food & Shelter Program and Awesome 3000. 

“All of our work, whether it be to provide low barrier shelter to women off the streets, or to supply before or after school programming to students affected by poverty or developing affordable housing to seniors at risk of homelessness, flows from our mission,” Wolf said.