Recognizing that no one should go without the essential service of safe, reliable water, California American Water launched a new hardship assistance program to provide relief for its most financially burdened customers. The Cal Am funded program covers the outstanding balance of qualified customers who are currently in arrears with their water bill or in receipt of a 3-day notice of water shut-off.
Now that tax reform is a reality, you may be wondering, like many taxpayers, how the new law will impact your bottom line. It’s our view that the tax overhaul falls short of providing relief to low and middle income families, as well as donors to charity. Here are four ways tax reform impacts communities and nonprofit organizations throughout the country.
This is the Season to give thanks to those who make Monterey a safe, prosperous, thriving community. A community we're proud to call our home. 
As we greet Halloween, we also come to the end of Domestic Violence Awareness month. October has reminded me of the importance of standing up for the victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Although Novemb
er is just around the corner, I know that we will continue to raise awareness about this issue and it’s effects on residents of Monterey County.
You may be looking for a way to make a big difference to help further our mission. If you are 70½ or older you may also be interested in a way to lower the income and taxes from your IRA withdrawals. An IRA charitable rollover is a way you can help continue our work and benefit this year. Please contact Lynda Patrick, 831 372-8026, x112 if you'd like to discuss further.
Benefits of an IRA charitable rollover
The Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT), a joint program of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and Housing Trust Silicon Valley (HTSV), announced its first loan — $500,000 to Community Housing Improvement Systems & Planning Association, Inc. (CHISPA) to assist in the development of the Castroville Oaks Affordable Housing Community. This loan marks the first use of United Way Monterey County's investment in MBEP. Funds will be used for design, environmental review, and other pre-development expenses, allowing construction to begin in 2019.
Deisy Castro, a Salinas parent and United Way's Coordinator for CalWORKs, joined Francine Rodd from First 5 Monterey County and Shannon Watkins, Children’s Planning Council Chairperson and Bright Futures Steering Partner, to testify before the California State Assembly Committee on Human Services in favor of AB300, a bill that would allow Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties to develop localized county child care subsidy plans. The bill passed (6-0) out of the committee and will hopefully be heard in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations in May.
Any gift to a charity should be seen as an investment, and you want to invest in a charity that will make a major impact on its recipients while also giving you personal satisfaction.
An excellent way for you to invest in United Way's mission is to leave us a bequest in your will, living trust or with a codicil. One significant benefit of making a gift by bequest is that it allows you to continue to use the property you will leave to charity during your life. Another benefit is that you are able to leave a lasting legacy.
Monterey – United Way Monterey County has committed $200,000 in funding to the Monterey Bay Housing Trust (MBHT). By leveraging the investment through MBHT, United Way’s dollars will be matched 4:1 by the Housing Trust of Silicon Valley (HTSV). The result is a $1 million revolving fund that will increase affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families and those with special needs.
Want to ensure that your legacy lives on after you?
Make Your Final Wishes Clear
Active volunteers in their community, Kelly and Juan believed the time, talent and treasure they gave to local organizations would leave a lasting impact. To ensure their work live on, they updated their estate plan to include favorite charities.
One Step at a Time
Reviewing your estate plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Start the process by following these six simple suggestions:
