By Deborah Neff

United Way of San Juan County

The United Way of San Juan County is seeing an increase in the number of people struggling to make ends meet in the San Juans. The organization has served over 1,800 individuals by midyear 2017. UNSJC currently funds 14 local schools and non-profit working in health, education, and income stability. Like UWSJC, these schools and non-profits are dedicated to improving the skills, well-being, and independence of people in the community going through tough times, and the community as a whole. According to a United Way 2014 report, in San Juan County almost 5000 people struggle to survive on insufficient income – a full one-third of our island population.

In July 2017, UWSJC- supported community organizations reported some of the day-to-day effects of the loss of affordable rental units, homelessness, the need for more food donations to four community food banks. They talked about our workforce shortage, child poverty, the increase in requests for hospice care and equipment, and more.

The number of people struggling to live here is on the rise, and UWSJC is working with community partners to reverse this trend.For information, visit unitedwaysjc.nationbuilder.org. United Way will have a booth at the county fair.