Winter 2023 Newsletter

UCAN is known locally as an agency that addresses poverty, providing an array of services so local folks live self-sufficient lives. But our work goes well beyond addressing poverty. We play a major role in supporting the health and well-being of our residents. To find out how we improve health, click here.

If you have some availability this winter, you could make a huge difference in your community by volunteering at a UCAN warming center. Not only will you provide comfort to our homeless neighbors, you will reduce the burden otherwise faced by local emergency rooms. UCAN will be supporting center operations, but without volunteers, we won’t be able to operate them. Click here to learn more about the vital role you can play in your community.

On January 24, 2024, UCAN will host events in both Douglas and Josephine County for local homeless residents. Those attending will have opportunities to meet with many agencies, obtain services, and receive much needed supplies. Learn more about the events here.

Amber Russo, like all of UCAN’s Grants Pass staff, spent many hours this past winter keeping the doors of our local warming center open. While she worked late into the night, it was hard to keep track of all those she was helping. Until she met Carl Littleton, a man she still remembers for his gentle, humorous demeanor. Read about the impact Carl had on Amber, and the impact she had on him, here.

Some maintain that visible signs of disorder in a community, like broken windows, encourage further disorder and misbehavior, even leading to serious crimes. We don’t necessarily believe this is true. But we do believe that people living in homes with broken windows should have the opportunity to get their windows fixed. Learn more about how we helped a local resident change his life by fixing his windows (and more) here.

Nothing makes us happier than when a family we help lands back on their feet, able to live independently. The Hopper family recently made the big move from renting one of our affordable housing apartment units to leasing their own home. Their persistence was remarkable. You can learn more about their tale of success here.