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.