Deschutes United Way to distribute less

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 16, 2014

United Way of Deschutes County has made a 15 percent cut in funding to social service agencies for 2014-15, it announced Tuesday.

“We wish we had more money at our discretion,” said Ken Wilhelm, executive director of United Way of Deschutes County.

Donations made through United Way’s annual fundraising drive totaled about $1.383 million, less than the agency’s $1.5 million goal and also less than the $1.399 million raised last year.

Representatives of agencies that receive funding through United Way said the cut will have an impact. But they still appreciate whatever funding United Way provides.

“We are sorry to hear that their efforts fell short,” said Gwenn Wysling, executive director at Bethlehem Inn, a Bend-based homeless shelter. “We will have to work harder to fill that 15 percent void. We hope that people will continue to donate to the great work that United Way does.”

Along with the fundraising shortfall, many donors directed their contributions to specific agencies, which may not rely on United Way funding as much as other organizations. Those donor-directed contributions totaled $303,402, according to United Way.

That left United Way committee members about $442,000 in discretionary funding, which goes to social service agencies that provide emergency food and shelter, violence and abuse prevention, youth development or early childhood intervention. Last year, United Way had $505,000 in discretionary funding available.

“We prorated that, and if an agency got 10 percent of the $505,000 last year, they basically got 10 percent of the $442,000 this year,” said Wilhelm.

Three programs run by United Way — Days of Caring, Central Oregon 211 and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance — known as direct services, will receive $103,000, he said. The remainder covers operational costs.

“We think the amount is still significant,” said Wilhelm. “It’s unfortunate for our agencies. They can all use it, and we wish we were able to provide more. But you can only do what you’re able to do.”

— Reporter: 541-383-0325

vsmith@bendbulletin.com

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected. In the original version, the amounts raised in the annual fundraising drives this year and last year were incorrect due to incorrect information supplied to The Bulletin.

The Bulletin regrets the error.