Register here. 

At United Way of Whatcom County, our main goal as an organization is to lift everyone in our community to a place of financial stability. Our network encompasses a wide range of programs and services, from meal programs to affordable housing services, substance abuse programs, and more.

Between rising gas prices, soaring grocery costs, inflation, pandemic recovery, and stagnant wages – this year has hit us all hard. Any one of these factors could be devastating for those struggling to get by. All these pitfalls at once can be catastrophic for those in need.

While hard times can befall anyone, some people are more susceptible to financial struggle, through no fault of their own.

A Past Divided

Race, gender, and power dynamics have long-since affected certain groups’ ability to earn, keep, and build wealth. Years of past injustice have led to present day inequity in wealth. As a result, certain groups are more likely to have a harder time making ends meet than others.

Here are some quick facts:

• Women in the US could not open a credit card account under their own name until 1974.
• Racist lending practices in the early 20^th century kept black and brown Americans from purchasing homes in high-value areas, and directly impacted the market value of homes in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods.
• Despite being afforded the same benefits as white soldiers, black G.I.s who fought in WWII were often denied loans to purchase homes.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Latino (72%), Black (60%), and Native American (55%) households reported facing serious financial struggles, as opposed to only 36% of white households dealing with the same problems (Forbes).

Even with laws in place to prevent discrimination, the effects of past injustices can still be felt today. Before the pandemic, data showed that Black Americans were still less likely to own their homes, lived shorter lives, and earned less than their white counterparts.

A Future United

As a champion for change, United Way of Whatcom County believes in ensuring everyone has the tools they need to thrive – regardless of race, gender, ability, or other factors. One of the best ways to create change is to educate ourselves and others.

Racism, misogyny, and finance abuse are complex issues. While we can’t go back and change the past, we can learn today to create a better tomorrow.

This year, United Way of Whatcom County is proud to partner with Next Gen Personal Finance to present their History of Discrimination in Finance Series.

We invite you to join us for this four-part educational series on the history and present reality of discrimination in finance.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 2:00pm – Racial Discrimination in Finance Overview

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 2:00pm – Inflation and its Impact on Communities of Color

Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 2:00pm – Women and Finance

Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 2:00pm – Financial Abuse: What Are the Signs?

Register here.

One registration covers all four sessions. Come learn and Live United with us as we confront uncomfortable truths in pursuit of a more equitable tomorrow.

Making Change in Our Present Context

Each year United Way of Whatcom County reaches roughly 50,000 people in our community.

Our team plays an active role in helping people throughout our community become financially stable. We are educating and lifting up. We are helping give people access to the resources, job training, housing, and skills they need to get ahead. What one person may need to get by can look different than what someone else may need. It’s our goal and privilege to fund a safety net of services to help everyone get what they need to rise up and thrive.

United, we help break the cycle of poverty in our community. We look forward to seeing you at this incredible series.
Your support is changing lives in our community. Thanks for Living United!