Submitted by United Way of Thurston County
United Way of Thurston County (UWTC) has activated its Emergency Assistance Fund, a community-wide effort to provide rapid financial assistance to furloughed federal workers, essential personnel who are working without pay and federal contract employees affected by the ongoing partial government shutdown. Current estimates from the state of Washington are that approximately 348 Thurston County residents are affected, who are not receiving their paychecks, which total more than $337,000 weekly.
“United Way of Thurston County is prepared to respond to this growing crisis by working to quickly mobilize community resources to assist Thurston County residents who have been directly impacted by the shutdown,” said UWTC’s executive director, Chris Wells. “If the shutdown continues, we know that a much larger population will be impacted, and the collateral damage, both human and economic, will be significant. We’re hoping for a quick resolution, but we’re preparing for the worst. Funds for needy families, nutrition, programs providing housing, senior services, and assistance to numerous vulnerable populations are endangered. We are working now to ensure that we can respond to those emerging needs and help prevent a much larger crisis.”
United Way and its community partners are preparing for an expected increase in calls to 2-1-1 from those seeking assistance with rent and mortgage payments, utility bills and other immediate needs. United Way of Thurston County will address these by bringing our deep community knowledge and our corporate and community partners together to help those in need during the extended shutdown.
The Washington 2-1-1 non-emergency service will anchor United Way’s community support by providing information about local social services, including the availability of public benefits and corporate assistance programs. The Washington 2-1-1 network, Washington 211.org, connects callers to resources and aid for monthly living expenses.
United Way urges those seeking assistance to call Washington 2-1-1 (dial 211) to access the Emergency Assistance Fund and additional services now available to those impacted by the shutdown. Washington 2-1-1 call center operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
United Way is accepting donations to the Emergency Assistance Fund. Donations can be made online here: https://tinyurl.com/UWTC-EAF
Individual and corporate gifts can also be made in person or by mail at United Way of Thurston County, located at 1211 4th Ave., Suite 101, Olympia, WA 98506
100% of donations made to United Way of Thurston County’s Emergency Assistance Fund will be used to provide rapid financial assistance to furloughed federal workers, essential personnel who are working without pay, and federal contract employees impacted by the ongoing partial government shutdown.
Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties will manage the allocation of the Emergency Assistance Fund. All requests for assistance should first go through 2-1-1. 2-1-1 will screen and pre-qualify all individuals seeking assistance. CAC will begin accepting referrals on Monday, January 28. CAC hours are Monday – Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
