The FIFA World Cup men’s soccer tournament is underway, and the area’s first match will be held on Monday, June 15, at the newly renamed Seattle Stadium. But for all its excitement, the World Cup has raised local concerns, particularly regarding some of our area’s most vulnerable populations.

Hourglass recently sat down with Derrick Belgarde of the Chief Seattle Club, a United Way-funded organization that provides shelter, services, and spiritual support to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. Chief Seattle Club is in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, adjacent to Seattle Stadium, where much of the foot traffic during the World Cup is expected.

We chatted with Belgarde about topics including the precautions Chief Seattle Club is taking as it continues to support populations experiencing homelessness during the World Cup and how he’d like to see the financial windfall from the tournament be used to address our homelessness crisis.

We will also discuss ways you can still get your taxes prepared for free by United Way and an upcoming summer event sponsored by our grantee, CHOOSE 180.

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, which each year provides 20 local college students with $5,000 each for basic needs and other expenses.

We sat down with Emily Portillo, United Way Bridge to Finish Senior Program Manager, to discuss her work with the Nordstrom Scholarship, its impact on local students and colleges, and how students can apply now, as applications are accepted through June 30th.

We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle and a July event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with United Way partner Symetra Financial Corporation, a Bellevue-based diversified financial services company. Symetra has partnered with United Way for more than 15 years through programs such as Bridge to Finish, a United Way one-stop resource on local college campuses that helps students access services to complete their education.

We’ll chat with Sharmila Swenson, Symetra's Vice President of Public Affairs and Social Impact, and Beth Osborne, Symetra’s Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Community Partnerships, on topics including how our Bridge to Finish program aligns with Symetra’s commitment to strengthening communities.

And we’ll chat with Emily Portillo, United Way’s Bridge to Finish Program Manager, about how the support from partners like Symetra helps United Way serve local college students in areas such as financial and housing stability.

We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle and a July event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.

Thanks for tuning in.