United Ways of the Pacific Northwest

06/17/2026

Wildfire season is here, and staying informed is one of the best ways to keep our community safe. 🌲🔥

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, we highly recommend using 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲. It’s an app and website run by active and retired firefighters and dispatchers who provide real-time updates and alerts.

Right now, the 𝐓𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟓% 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝. This is a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change.

Stay alert and stay safe. You can track active fires and perimeters here:

Real-time information about wildfire and firefighting efforts nearby

06/12/2026

Stay cool and stay safe out there this weekend! ☀️🌡️

UPDATE: Heat Advisory now includes the coast on Sunday, June 14th.

🌡️ An Extreme Heat Warning & Heat Advisory have been issued from Sunday, June 14th through Tuesday, June 16th.

Daytime temperatures from 92°F to 100°F with overnight lows of 63°F to 67°F are expected to impact the majority of the Willamette Valley from Sunday, June 14th through Tuesday June 16th, 2026.

The Extreme Heat Warning is for the Greater Portland-Vancouver Metro, Western Columbia River Gorge, and Chehalem Mountains.

The Heat Advisory is for all locations except for the Cascades, the Greater Portland-Vancouver, and Western Columbia River Gorge.

Now is the time to prepare for hot temperatures!

🧢 Have sunscreen & light-colored, loose-fitted clothing
🥵 Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day if possible
💨 Find locations with air conditioning
⚠️ Beware of cold water shock: wear a life jacket when swimming in local rivers and lakes

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Today, we are sharing critical new data that highlights the financial challenges facing our region.

The 2026 State of ALICE report reveals that 37% of households in Washington and Idaho, and 41% in Oregon, are struggling to afford basic necessities. These families are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). They are essential members of our workforce who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but less than the actual cost of living.

For these households, every day involves impossible choices between fundamental needs like food, healthcare, and housing. At United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, we remain committed to addressing the root causes of these hardships and advocating for systemic change to ensure every neighbor can thrive.

We invite you to explore the latest findings and data for your community at unitedforalice.org.

Together, we can build a more resilient and equitable Pacific Northwest.

Explore the ALICE report for the Pacific Northwest. We track Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households to drive better policy and support.

06/09/2026

When we say we Live United, we mean everyone. 🌈

This Pride Month, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest celebrates the diverse LGBTQ+ community that makes our region so vibrant and strong. To Live United is to ensure that every person: regardless of who they love or how they identify: has the foundation they need to thrive.

Inclusion isn't just a value; it's the core of our mission. Across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, we are committed to building a Pacific Northwest where every neighbor feels seen, supported, and empowered. Together, we are working to break down barriers and create lasting systemic change so that everyone in our community can achieve health, education, and financial stability.

Celebrate with us as we honor the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ+ movement. Let’s continue building a community where everyone belongs.

06/02/2026

When disaster strikes, strong communities respond together.

Oregon is facing an elevated wildfire risk this season due to dry conditions and low snowpack — and nonprofits across the state are already mobilizing.

Our partner Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) connects organizations statewide to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Check out this feature from KOIN 6 News to hear how you can protect your home and family this wildfire season.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As we mark the first day of June, state officials warn Oregon could see a longer wildfire season due to dry conditions, low snowpack and increasing drought concerns. Oregon …

05/29/2026

This past week, our board came together in Tacoma, Washington, for an important conversation about disaster preparedness in the Pacific Northwest.

We explored how United Way can best mobilize resources and support those who need it most when a crisis strikes our communities. It was an inspiring and eye-opening gathering and a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Thank you to all of our board members who joined us, whether in person or online. Your dedication to our mission makes all the difference!

05/20/2026

In our region, being prepared for the unexpected is a key part of staying resilient. But disaster readiness isn’t just about having the right supplies: it’s also about helping our little ones feel safe and secure when things get scary. 🏠❤️

We love these "Here for Each Other" resources from Sesame Workshop. From packing an emergency kit together to simple ways to comfort children after a storm, these guides are perfect for families looking to build their emergency plan.

Check out the full collection of interactive family guides and tips!

Explore free, bilingual resources that families can use to prepare for emergencies, recover from the unexpected, and soothe children even on scary, tough days.

05/07/2026

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we are proud to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

At United Way of the Pacific Northwest, we are committed to building communities where everyone — regardless of background — has the opportunity to thrive. That means listening to, uplifting, and advocating alongside the AAPI communities we serve.

This month and every month, we honor the resilience, strength, and invaluable contributions of AAPI individuals who make our region a better place.