HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/5/2020 Item 3, Wingert
To: City of San Luis Obispo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force
Re: Letter of Support for the United Way of SLO County’s Application for DEI Grant Funding
I am writing in support of the funding application submitted by the United Way of San Luis Obispo
County. For over 60 years, the United Way of SLO County has been actively working to support our
community through programs that focus on education, health, financial stability, and community
strengthening. They have done this by focusing on root causes and structural change. United Way SLO
county is unparalleled in the depth, breadth, and reach of their community support and engagement.
The recently launched Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative makes explicit their organizational
commitment to the ongoing work of dismantling structural inequality.
As a Staff Member I am grateful for the opportunity to help guide the important work this organization
does in our county. In the 2019-2020 fiscal year alone, United Way of SLO County provided more than
$51,000 in school supplies for needy students in 5 school districts. We also awarded ten Community
Impact Grants totaling $75,000 and serving over 10,700 local residents. Our COVID-19 Rapid Response
Grant Fund has awarded 13 local organizations to date, awarding more than $25,000 and providing
support to more than 1,000 additional community members. Last year, through 2-1-1 SLO County, we
received 6,321 phone calls, 294 texts, and 4,852 unique IP visits to 211slo.org, viewing over 15,947
resources. Our VolunteerSLO.org has 338 active agencies, and received 5,095 volunteer signups
between 4/1/15 and 6/30/2020. Through our partnership with MyFreeTaxes.org we have helped
families become more financially independent. Tax payers can file their state and federal taxes for free,
and take advantage of important refunds like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 387 state and federal
tax returns filed with average refund of $1,237.21; 82 EITC returns filed with refunds averaging
$1,490.20. These refunds enabled over $478,800 to stay in our county. Before COVID-19 closures over
th
200 returns were filed at 4 partner library locations through March 16 of this year.
The work this organization does is substantial, and we are committed to showing up for all who need
support in our city and county. We ask that you consider granting the full funding request of the United
Way of SLO county so that we can continue to meet the needs of marginalized and underserved
populations within our community.
Thank you,
Linda Wingert