United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties

06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we honor freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward true equity in every community we serve.

At United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to thrive—not someday, but now. Our work is rooted in a simple truth: when communities are connected, responsive, and empowered to scale what works, lasting change becomes possible.

We mobilize the resources and people of our communities in collective action to address our most pressing challenges—because no one should have to navigate barriers alone. Together, we center lived experience, listen with empathy, and act with urgency to build solutions that are both meaningful and lasting.

Juneteenth is both a reflection and a call to action. It asks us to see clearly, act collectively, and continue building communities where equity is real and opportunity is shared.

United is the Way—from the Cascades to the Coast.

Join us in advancing equity, strengthening community, and taking action together.

06/19/2026

Heat is arriving on the coast, and many neighbors and visitors will be looking for relief from inland temperatures. ☀️

Together, we can help keep our community safe this week. Stay cool, look out for one another, and enjoy the sunshine!

Learn more and stay informed by checking out the full post.👇

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

06/18/2026

📚 A milestone for Oregon's children—and a reminder that when communities unite around a shared purpose, lasting change is possible.

Today, we were honored to participate in the ceremonial signing of HB 4022, legislation supporting and strengthening the Oregon Imagination Library Program and Oregon’s ongoing commitment to early childhood literacy.

This important step helps ensure children can receive a free, age-appropriate book each month, building a love of reading, supporting school readiness, and creating opportunities for lifelong success.

Since September 2009, United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties has proudly been part of this story. Today, we are honored to be the longest current Imagination Library partner in Oregon and among the early community partners who helped bring this life-changing program to Oregon families.

Right now, 5,601 children across Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties are building their home libraries one free book at a time through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Children from birth to age 5 receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered directly to their mailbox each month at no cost to their family. Thanks to HB 4022, this proven program will continue to strengthen access to early literacy resources for Oregon families for generations to come.

📚 Enroll a child:
https://www.unitedwaylbl.org/imaginationlibrary.html

❤️ Support the program:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/3M3Mlw?vid=1qzp9k

Funding Solutions from the Cascades to the Coast.
United is the Way.

06/17/2026

🔍 Love exploring Oregon? Help create local impact.

🗓️ The begins at 5:00 PM on June 25 and runs through June 28.

BottleDrop is hiding six commemorative bottles across the state. Follow the daily clues, join the adventure, and if you find one, you'll get to keep the bottle and direct a $1,000 donation to a BottleDrop Give nonprofit of your choice.

💙 We hope you'll choose United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties.

Together, we can mobilize resources and people to create thriving communities from the Cascades to the Coast. Follow along for daily clues and learn more at BottleDrop.com/Hunt.

06/16/2026

Today we had the opportunity to attend the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce and support one of our incredible Community Impact Partners, Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care. 💙

For individuals and families facing serious illness or end of life, Lumina provides compassionate care, dignity, support, and comfort when it matters most. As a community-based nonprofit serving the Mid-Willamette Valley, their work reflects the very best of what happens when communities come together to care for one another.

At United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties, we believe United is the Way — and partnerships like this are how we turn that belief into action. By supporting trusted local organizations like Lumina, we help strengthen the network of care that allows our communities to thrive from the Cascades to the Coast.

We’re grateful for the work Lumina does every day for patients, families, and caregivers across our region.

👉 Learn more about Lumina: https://www.luminahospice.org/

👉 Support their mission: https://www.luminahospice.org/donate/

Together, we can mobilize compassion, resources, and action so all can thrive.

06/15/2026

🎉 Presenting Sponsor Spotlight 🎉

We're excited to welcome back Next Door Real Estate Group as the Presenting Sponsor of Crab Fest 2027 on Saturday, May 15!

At Next Door Real Estate Group, relationships come first. Their team believes in putting their clients' best interests above their own, leading with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to reducing stress during one of life's biggest decisions. They focus on quality over quantity because people matter more than transactions.

That commitment to people mirrors what we believe at United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties. Strong communities are built when organizations, businesses, and individuals come together to put people first.

Because of partners like Next Door Real Estate Group, Crab Fest is more than a community event—it's an opportunity to mobilize resources, strengthen connections, and create lasting impact throughout Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties.

Together, we're bringing people together for greater impact and funding solutions from the Cascades to the Coast.

Please join us in thanking Next Door Real Estate Group for their continued support and commitment to helping our communities thrive.

06/11/2026

Today we joined the Albany Chamber of Commerce in support of our community partner, the Albany Greater Rotary Club, as they celebrated their Peace Pole.

Peace Poles are installed in public spaces around the world and carry a simple message in many languages: May Peace Prevail on Earth. They are a reminder of what connects us—across cultures, perspectives, and experiences.

Moments like this reflect what happens when a community comes together with purpose.

06/10/2026

🚨 NEW Data Alert!

How many households in our communities are working hard, earning above the poverty level, and still struggling to afford the basics?

The latest State of ALICE reports are being released TODAY bringing new national, state, and county-level insights into the realities facing households in poverty and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

Behind every data point is a neighbor, coworker, parent, student, or older adult navigating difficult financial choices every day. Understanding these challenges helps communities come together, identify solutions, and take action where it matters most.

At United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties, we believe data should do more than inform—it should inspire action. These insights will help guide how we mobilize resources, strengthen partnerships, and advance solutions that help individuals and families thrive from the Cascades to the Coast.

📅 Follow along and stay tuned for more about how we'll use this information to create lasting impact in our communities.

06/09/2026

📢 Community Update: Corvallis ODHS Office Closure

If you or someone you know needs to access benefits through the Corvallis ODHS office, please note that the office closed mid-day yesterday due to a facilities issue and remains closed today.

Please help us spread the word and save our neighbors from an unnecessary trip.

While the Corvallis office is temporarily closed, you can still apply for medical, food, cash, and child care benefits. Use this checklist to see what you’ll need to apply.
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Documents/one-document-checklist-en.pdf

💻 Online through the ONE Online portal
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/default.aspx #:~:text=%C2%A0Forms-,How%20to%20apply,-You%20can%20apply

📞 By phone: 800-699-9075
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.

🏢 In person at the Albany, Newport, or Lebanon ODHS offices, which remain open.

🚗Find an Office
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx?serviceid=22

Paper applications are also available in multiple languages.
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/default.aspx

When communities share information, people can access the resources they need without added barriers. That's how we create stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Please share this post to help friends, family, and neighbors stay informed.

Funding Solutions from the Cascades to the Coast.
United is the Way.