Meeting People's Basic Needs
To meet people's pressing basic needs, United Way of King County invests in programs that keep people housed, end hunger, and help people secure the tax credits and public benefits they need to get back on their feet.
We're all struggling with the nation's economic downturn, but it's especially hard on vulnerable people in King County. The recession has sent an alarming number of families deeper into crisis, or into financial distress for the first time.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in King County was 8.2 percent in June, 2010 which is up 0.5 percent from May's adjusted unemployment rate.
Foreclosures
Home foreclosures continue to be recorded at high rates in King County compared with years before the recession. South County is disproportionately affected by foreclosures. The rate of increase in foreclosures in the Seattle area was among the highest in the US in late 2009.
Visits to food banks
Since 2008, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of people going to food banks. Some providers have reported a 30 percent increase in clients.
Requests for rent, utility and financial assistance
The number of calls to the 2-1-1 community help line regarding for basic needs requests has steadily increased from 2007 to 2010.
