Heatlthy Economy / Healthy Family Initiative | United Way of Lane County, Oregon

When William Jones, a former Marine from Chicago, was laid off, he was forced to empty his savings to keep his family afloat. Through a United Way funded rent assistance program, they were able to stay in their home until William could find work. Now, William has a full time job, a baby boy and a new dream – to become a Lane County Sheriff. “We just needed a little help,” says William, “and now we’re going to be OK.”

Saving the American Dream:
Lane County's Financial Stability Partnership

Community leaders agree that people who work hard and play by the rules should have a reasonable shot at the American Dream. Yet, United Way's periodic community assets study has shown that a significant portion of households in Lane County face multiple challenges in meeting their basic needs. This effort, "Saving the American Dream: Lane County's Financial Stability Partnership" aims to help Lane County residents earn it, keep it and grow it.

The purpose of this emerging initiative is to help individuals and families in Lane County build assets and become more financially secure and to organize and inspire community-wide efforts to support and empower individuals to increase their personal income and create savings. Through the partnership's efforts, individuals and families will have access to the needed tools to gain and benefit from assets such as home ownership, increased education, personal savings, retirement planning and small business development.