United Way Response and Resources for COVID-19
The conversation is moving from how we take care of ourselves, our family and friends to how can we help the most vulnerable among us.
United Way is positioned with the staff expertise, volunteers, donors and a network of agency service providers to help in the COVID19 response. We’re working for individuals with no safety net and families without support systems.
Our proactive strategy includes:
· Providing information through our 2-1-1 Information and Referral Center. Just dial the numbers 2-1-1 and you’ll be connected with a live operator who will provide the latest information from several credible sources and direct you to resources if needed.
· We’re gearing up to continue the nutrition services through our Meals On Wheels program and congregate meals at senior center for the most vulnerable in our area. We have ordered shelf-stable meals for the homebound in case there is not a volunteer to deliver their meal. But have an immediate need for volunteers. Many of our delivery drivers are seniors themselves. If they aren’t available, we need to be ready to fill the gap with a volunteer substitute
· We are bringing back our community crisis fund that we use in disasters and other large emergencies to help people facing food and financial challenges. Contributions to the fund will be used as grants to other nonprofit organizations to help people they serve. These organizations will help with utility bills, prescription drugs and other financial needs brought on by the COVID 19 disruption. These nonprofits are already working in their neighborhoods and communities and they will provide a faster response.
So, what are we asking you to do? · Volunteer- our website is 211connects@uwca.org there you will find a list of opportunities to help.
· Donate to our Community Response Crisis Fund to help with basic needs of vulnerable populations at uwca.org/COVID19
We are well-positioned to work with direct service provides to get the dollars there faster to go further.
