United Way of Thurston County

03/03/2026

After 90 years of serving Thurston County, United Way of Thurston County will conclude operations on March 31, 2026.

This decision was made with thoughtful care and a deep commitment to stewardship.

All funds raised through March 15 will support the SPSCC Residential Construction Academy.

The remaining funds will support efforts locally through trusted partners, the SPSCC Foundation and the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound.

We are profoundly grateful for every donor, volunteer, partner, and staff member who made this work possible.

https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/news/frequently-asked-questions-about-united-way-thurston-county-transition

03/02/2026

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — households earning above poverty level but still unable to afford basics.

These families exist in every demographic and community across Washington.

United Way’s work is about building pathways so hard work leads to stability — not constant tradeoffs.

02/25/2026

When someone gains skills that lead to a living-wage job, everything changes — for that family and for our community.

Workforce pathways like the Residential Construction Academy connect people to hands-on training and careers that help close the gap between wages and the real cost of living identified in ALICE data.

That’s not just education.

That’s economic mobility.

02/23/2026

What does it really cost to live in Washington?

ALICE research shows that basic survival expenses — housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care — far exceed the federal poverty level.

In fact, 38% of Washington households live below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they earn too much to qualify for many programs but not enough to afford the essentials.

United Way focuses on this gap — helping working families move from barely getting by to financially stable.

02/23/2026

You may be able to file your taxes for FREE.

MyFreeTaxes Washington offers IRS-backed options to file on your own, online with support, or in person — helping families access credits and keep more of what they earn.

Many filers can complete their return in about an hour using the self-filing option.

Get started: https://myfreetaxeswa.org

02/21/2026

Community in Action at Sergio’s Place 💙

During the Thurston County Point-in-Time Count, partners, volunteers, and service providers came together at Sergio’s Place to support our neighbors and ensure every person is seen and counted. From coordinating outreach and resources to sharing meals and information, this effort reflects the power of collaboration in addressing homelessness in our community.

United Way of Thurston County was proud to manage the volunteer effort and work alongside dedicated partners who show up, care deeply, and make this important work possible.

02/20/2026

Free Tax Help in Thurston County

United Way of Thurston County is proud to connect local residents with free, trusted tax preparation services through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.

IRS-certified volunteers provide assistance with preparing and filing federal tax returns—ensuring you receive the credits and refunds you’ve earned. This service is free and open to adults of all ages, with a focus on supporting low- to moderate-income households.

Important: Tax-Aide sites are open only during tax season (early February through mid-April).

To find locations outside Thurston County, visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide locator or call 888-227-7669 or click here: https://taxaidewa20.org/locations/

02/11/2026

Last week, Thurston County kicked off its 2026 Point-in-Time Count with a Homeless Connect event in Olympia—bringing vital services together in one welcoming space for neighbors experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Hosted at Sergio’s Place, the event connected people with food, haircuts, hygiene kits, clothing, survival goods, and direct access to health, housing, employment, and veterans’ services—all while helping ensure voices are counted through the annual census survey.

At United Way of Thurston County, we’re proud to support community-wide efforts like this that meet people where they are and help inform smarter, more compassionate solutions to homelessness—today and for the long term.

Thurston County’s 2026 point-in-time events began Friday, Jan. 30 with a Homeless Connect event in Olympia. Homeless Connect is a multiagency, community-based event designed to bring …

02/04/2026

💙 The Point in Time Count is underway in Thurston County. 💙

We’re deeply grateful to the volunteers who are out in the community helping with the Point in Time Census—and to everyone who donated or helped assemble hygiene kits to support this important effort.

Because of you, our neighbors experiencing homelessness are seen, counted, and treated with dignity. Thank you for showing up, caring, and helping our community better understand and respond to local needs.

01/31/2026

Struggling to keep up with your gas or electric bill?

You’re not alone. Help may be available.

Call 211 to ask about financial assistance for past-due utilities.

Supported by United Way, the 211 network connects people across the U.S. and Canada to trusted, local resources, available 24/7.

01/30/2026

$3 admission, exhibits, activities & guests on Feb. 6th. FREE with dental screening reservation!

🦸🏻‍♀️ Amazon of Olympia as Wonder Woman
🧚‍♀️ Lumi the Tooth Fairy from Light Dental Studios
📖 Book Giveaway with South Sound Reading Foundation
🦷 Tooth Trinkets with Timberland Regional Library
🚲 Prize Wheel & Bike Anatomy Kit with Intercity Transit

Link in bio for tickets!

Tickets: https://46203.blackbaudhosting.com/46203/page.aspx?pid=196&tab=2&txobjid=1b8d69e5-608a-4837-ae6a-7bc8f3b5755f

Presenting Sponsor: Arcora Foundation
Screening Sponsor: Small To Tall Pediatric Dentistry
Community Health Partner: Westside Dental
Exhibit Sponsor: Hawks Prairie Pediatric Dentistry
Leadership Circle: Light Dental Studios, Andrew J. Kapust DDS, PS & Thurston-Mason County Dental Society
Dental Activity Sponsors: Joseph Y. de Jesus, D.D.S., P.S., Floss is Boss Dentistry for Children, Perlot Orthodontics, & Burkhart Dental Supply

01/30/2026

2026 PIT events start on Friday! Please share this PIT flyer to help spread the word.

Alternative Text:
Homeless Census Events for the Thurston County Point-in-Time Count
On Friday, January 30, 2026 from 12:00-3:30 p.m. the Homeless Connect event is at Sergio's Place 3444 Martin Way E Olympia. There will be haircuts, clothing bank, hygiene kits, food, direct service connections, survival goods, census surveys, and more.
And from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army 808 5th Ave SE Olympia, there will be dinner and survival goods shared while completing census surveys.

On Monday, February 2 from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Olympia Food Pantry 220 Thurston Ave NE, there will be census surveys done with survival goods shared.

On Tuesday, February 3 from 6 - 8:30 a.m. at Union Gospel Mission 413 Franklin St. Olympia, there will be food and survival goods shared while completing census surveys.
And the same activities at the Franklin Street Harm Reduction at 704 Franklin St. from 8 - 11 a.m.

The event for youth and young adults is on Thursday, February 5 at Rosie's Place 520 Pear St SE Olympia from 12-3 p.m. There will be food, haircuts, karaoke, and survival goods shared while completing census surveys.

The 2026 PIT Coordinator is Jordan McEachern: [email protected]