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County employees urged to boost 'Multco Gives' donations as United Way outlines housing and early‑education priorities
Summary
Board heard a briefing on the county's employee giving campaign (governed by MCC 9.605) and United Way's role as processor; United Way highlighted ALICE household data and housing‑stability programs and campaign outreach plans including a post‑COVID 'pizza party.'
Multnomah County commissioners heard an overview of the annual employee giving campaign, known as Multco Gives, and a presentation from United Way of the Columbia‑Willamette about how donated dollars are used to support housing stability, early learning and other services.
"The Multnomah County employment giving campaign is organized and governed by Management Council per MCC 9.605," said Matt Meline, who presented the county program's structure and outreach plans. Meline said the campaign will step up marketing and employee engagement events, including a second annual post‑COVID pizza gathering to connect charities and staff.
Nicola Rose of United Way of the Columbia‑Willamette described United Way's role as the donation processor and summarized regional need. "At United Way of the Columbia Willamette, we're primarily serving a population we call ALICE — asset limited, income constrained, employed," Rose said, adding that about 47% of households in Multnomah County meet that ALICE threshold and face challenges affording housing, childcare and other basics.
Rose highlighted United Way programs aimed at preventing homelessness, saying the organization has kept more than 4,000 families housed since its housing‑stability work began and recently launched a rapid‑response fund for families facing immediate risks after changes in SNAP benefits.
Meline and Rose also explained campaign mechanics: employees can direct gifts via payroll deductions to any certified nonprofit, and United Way processes those gifts with the stated goal of minimizing administrative costs to recipients.
Commissioners thanked the presenters and asked practical questions. Commissioner Megan Moyer asked whether donors can direct funds to stay within Multnomah County; presenters confirmed donors may designate any certified 501(c)(3), including local organizations. Several commissioners encouraged outreach to increase participation and praised United Way's housing and early education initiatives.
No formal action was taken; staff and partners said they will proceed with planned outreach and events aimed at increasing employee participation and overall giving.
