Your Local United Way: United Way of Northern California

You may have heard the name — United Way of Northern California (UWNC). Maybe you’ve seen them at a community event or heard stories about lives transformed through their South Market Micro Shelter. But you might not realize just how many ways this organization is making a difference across our region.

“We do a lot of things!” says Kalie Brisbon, UWNC’s CEO. “So it makes sense that people aren’t always sure who we are. But chances are, they’ve already felt the impact of our work in some way.”

United Way of Northern California offers opportunity, resiliency, security

Headquartered in Redding and Chico, UWNC helps North State residents reach their full potential, centering their work around four key areas:

• Healthy Communities
• Youth Opportunity
• Financial Security
• Community Resiliency

Whether you’re looking for help — or a way to help others — UWNC offers something for everyone.

Help with taxes

UWNC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax filing for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. This service helps thousands keep more of their hard-earned income — money that often goes right back into the local economy.

Housing, food and child care

Whether you need shelter, food assistance, mental health resources or help with child care, dial 211, a free, confidential help line connecting people to essential services across Shasta, Tehama, Siskiyou and Plumas counties. 211 NorCal is a lifeline, available 24/7, in multiple languages.

Disaster relief and resiliency

UWNC has been a vital force in disaster recovery, responding to wildfires like the Camp, Carr and Park Fires. Since 2018, they’ve distributed over $13 million in relief — but the true impact lies in personal stories like Mike and Sue’s.

After losing their home in the McKinney Fire, the couple turned to United Way for help. Longtime donors, they never imagined needing assistance themselves. “We pitched in every year, not thinking we would ever need help,” said Mike. “Now we understand the impact of that generosity.”

Sue added, “It didn’t just help us. It helped our neighbors, too.”

Beyond financial aid, UWNC provides real-time emergency updates through 211 NorCal — including evacuation notices and road closures — ensuring residents stay informed during crises.

Support for the unhoused

One of UWNC’s most impactful programs is the South Market Micro Shelter Community — a small-scale emergency housing site in Redding. With just eight units, it offers a safe, supportive environment where people experiencing homelessness can stabilize and take steps toward permanent housing. So far, over 80% of residents have made that transition.

“This is the strongest sense of community I’ve had in any shelter,” one resident shared. “It allowed me to rest, to plan for my future — not just for the next month, but for the long-term.”

Building Bridges

In 2024, UWNC launched Building Bridges — a bold initiative aimed at healing political and social divides in Shasta County and beyond. Through guided conversations and community resources, participants learn to listen, empathize and find common ground, even when they don’t agree. “This initiative is about restoring connection in a time of growing polarization,” says Kalie Brisbon.

Your role in a thriving North State

United Way of Northern California supports the region through every season — from blue skies to wildfire recovery. But their work is only possible because of people like you. As Mike says after being on the receiving end of help from UWNC: “Your support matters.”

Whether you give, volunteer or share their mission, you’re helping families rebuild, neighbors recover and communities grow stronger.

“A thriving community doesn’t happen by accident,” says Kalie Brisbon. “It takes all of us — showing up, reaching out, building together. Because when we unite, everyone has a chance to thrive. United is the way!”

To learn more, volunteer or donate, visit norcalunitedway.org.