Income

Our Goals
United Way of Thurston County aims to increase the ability of Thurston County residents to be self-sufficient through financial stability.

Our Strategies
We fund Income programs that reduce homelessness and that help individuals and families to meet their financial needs. Our funded programs are providing affordable housing and supportive services, vocational training and employment opportunities for those with disabilities, temporary emergency shelter and transitional housing to help alleviate homelessness.

We also partner with the Thurston County Asset Building Coalition to provide free tax preparation, financial education and second chance banking.

How You Can Help 
Last year our donors helped provide 24,745 nights of shelter for homeless people and helped prevent eviction for 350 families. Your donation to United Way of Thurston County’s Community Care fund helps us to continue funding these valuable programs. Please donate and help us continue this good work.

Investments in Income: $125,100 in 2012-14

Catholic Community Services: Drexel House
The Drexel House Emergency Men’s Shelter provides a welcoming, compassionate and safe place for men experiencing homelessness. At Drexel House clients develop affirming and empowering relationships with staff and begin a realistic process of generating income and self-sufficiency. The men are able to establish a mailing address for benefits and employment. They also have telephone access, and a computer lab, to seek employment opportunities. Individual transition plans are developed by building on the strengths of each person and creating a road map to self-sufficiency.

Community Youth Services: Transitional Housing
The Transitional Housing Program provides housing and intensive case management for homeless teens and young adults, 16-21, who are experiencing multiple barriers to living independently. The goal is to foster growth and self-sufficiency through increased responsibility and the promotion of self-esteem, relationship building, independent thinking, and basic problem solving skills. Youth remain in housing as long as they are actively engaged in completing their goals and working towards their independence.

Family Support Center: Family Resource Services and Homeless Family Services
Family Resource Services helps families facing crises that threaten their safety, security, and stability. The program provides a family resource coordinator who helps individuals and families navigate the social services available. Clients are directed to basic resources such as housing, food, and utilities so they can get back to self-sufficiency.

Homeless Family Services helps our community's most vulnerable members. Intensive case management services assist clients in finding permanent housing, and increasing income and skills. Single women and families with children receive screening, referral, and placement with community partner shelters. Families on the streets and in shelters receive resource and referral information and "ready to rent" classes in partnership with Capital Clubhouse. The program supports clients to become self-sufficient.

Interfaith Works: SideWalk
Side-Walk is a volunteer-operated advocacy and support program for homeless adults. The aim is to end homelessness through community engagement and coordination of services – combining volunteerism with the best of evidence-supported practices. Advocates at Side-Walk walk side by side with the homeless on the path to housing. Serving a role that combines mentorship with case management, advocates offer shelter placement, rental assistance, and help with accessing basic services. Side-Walk is also a close partner to the Family Support Center and Community Youth Services through the Homelessness Prevention Partnership (HPP). HPP partners provide coordinated entry to services for the entire homeless population.

SafePlace: Residential Services
Safe Place focuses on the youngest victims of sexual and domestic violence through the Safe Place Children’s Program. This program serves both the children who stay at the 24-hour emergency shelter, as well as those who attend weekly community support groups with their mothers. The Safe Place Children’s Program provides comprehensive support for children, including childcare and prevention activities in our bright and cheery playroom, parenting support, education about domestic and sexual violence, and emotional support and advocacy for children and teens. These education and prevention activities are all provided in addition to the critical and basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and most importantly, safety.

South Sound YMCA: Child Care Financial Assistance
Child Care Financial Assistance from South Sound YMCA ensures that all families in our community have access to affordable child care that meets the developmental needs of the children served. 198 families were served in 2010-2011 with direct financial assistance. An additional 605 state-assisted families were also served. As the largest child care provider of Thurston County, the South Sound YMCA plays a vital role in providing programs for the youngest members of our community.

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