From COVID-19 response to recovery and beyond: new investments address systemic change

Though the impacts of COVID-19 are being felt widely across Lane County, communities that have been historically marginalized are experiencing its effects most acutely. In an effort to help local communities recover from continued impacts of COVID-19 and address systemic disparities, United Way of Lane County is investing $447,960 in grants this month.

The funds are part of our Respond, Recover, Reimagine Grants, developed in partnership with the newly formed Lane Community Health Council, and with contributions from Oregon Community Credit Union Foundation and others. These grants are aimed at supporting local nonprofits’ COVID-19 recovery efforts, as well as initiatives to create more equitable outcomes for marginalized communities in Lane County.

The grants will fund 30 local programs and initiatives, most of them led by or serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as rural and low-income communities. Each program will receive up to $20,000 in total. We received grant requests for 76 programs and initiatives totaling $1.3 million.

The funded programs are addressing immediate response and recovery efforts, such as expanding staffing and health care services at McKenzie Valley Wellness, providing support and training for Trans community members through TransPonder, and more.

The McKenzie Little Eagles Preschool is one of programs receiving funding this month.

“The much needed funds will be used to support families in accessing quality Pre-K programming by providing scholarships to offset tuition cost. The preschool is the only program available within the rural 42-mile school district boundaries. Limiting barriers and providing access for all is a priority of the district." - Lacey Joy, Special Programs Director

Funds supporting more systems-level change include advocacy for tenants’ rights through Springfield Eugene Tenant Association, increased access to COVID-19 testing for Black community members through the Drive-Through COVID Testing initiative, and more.

“Especially in the time of COVID-19, we are grateful that United Way has recognized the increasingly dire situation many renters are facing. Our region was experiencing one of the worst housing crises in the nation before the pandemic hit and it is only going to get worse. This grant from United Way will enable us at the Springfield-Eugene Tenant Association to take our mission to the next level and serve many more of the most vulnerable members of our community." - Tim Morris, board chair of Springfield Eugene Tenant Association

“It is good to know during difficult times that United Way of Lane County is always there to help neighbors in need,” said State Senator James I. Manning Jr., one of the co-founders of the Oregon Black Education Foundation. Funds will help expand their partnership with Kalapuya High School to serve students of color in education and career pathways.