United Way of San Juan County Reports Sobering Trend

From Deborah Neff at United Way…

Serving over 1800 unduplicated individuals at midyear 2017, the local nonprofit, United Way of San Juan County (UWSJC) is seeing an increase in the number of people struggling to make ends meet in the San Juans.

United Way of San Juan County currently funds 14 local schools and nonprofits working in health, education, and income stability. Like UWSJC, these schools and nonprofits are dedicated to improving the skills, wellbeing, and independence of people in our community who may be going through tough times, and for the community as a whole.

According to United Way’s 2014 ALICE 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.

As one nonprofit director noted: “I am seeing our families working more, but still not making enough money to afford the basic necessities, including childcare. Many of these families struggle just to pay for housing and food.”

The number of people struggling to live here is on the rise, and UWSJC is working with community partners to reverse this trend. To learn more, visit their website: unitedwaysjc.nationbuilder.com. United Way of San Juan County will have a booth at the San Juan County Fair.

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