We mobilize the caring power of community to advance equity and the common good. For over 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been working to meet the needs of vulnerable families in our region.
What We Do
We convene changemakers to empower our entire community to make change. Our work is centered through a lens of racial equity, and we know that the insidious and prevailing persistence of systemic racism continues to harm and divide our community. Through efforts in Early Learning, Disaster & Crisis Resiliency, Housing Stability and Volunteerism, we hope to begin the journey toward correcting this historic inequity and building a more equitable region for all.
Our mission is centered on our community and empowered by our community. Nowhere is this collaborative spirit clearer than our volunteer program, Hands On Greater Portland. We are a nonprofit connecting volunteers to other nonprofits. We believe that doing good transforms our community and each of us individually. This belief comes alive when we connect volunteers with meaningful ways to help. We work year-round to bring together individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in our community. Through volunteering, these individuals not only contribute their time and skills but also experience personal growth and fulfillment.
Through our volunteerism initiatives, United Way:
- Connects volunteers to volunteer opportunities through our Hands On Greater Portland program.
- Connects area nonprofits to volunteers ready to make a difference.
- Designs special volunteer days for local businesses.
- Produces a concentrated week of community engagement for nonprofits, volunteers and businesses during Community Impact Week.
What We Need
- Administrative Support/Clerical
- Caring for People
- Cleaning
- Collecting/Sorting/Packaging
- Disaster Services
- Fundraising/Campaigning
- Painting
Opportunities
- In person: One-time
- In person: Ongoing
- Virtual: One-time
- Virtual: Ongoing
Hands On Greater Portland’s Community Impact Week is a dynamic, week-long initiative that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to tackle pressing community needs across the region. Through 30+ service projects, skill-based volunteering, and nonprofit partnerships, this annual event creates meaningful impact across our region. Join us Oct. 6 – 10, 2026! Learn more at unitedway-pdx.org/community-impact-week-save-date and join in yourself at handsonportland.org.
Get in Touch With United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
Please fill out this form or contact us directly.
Our Headquarters
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
619 SW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97205
United States
Please note that depending on role, volunteers may work at other locations and/or at other times. Contact our volunteer coordinator to find the best fit for you.