Submitted by United Way of Whatcom County
United Way of Whatcom County established a fund to help local nonprofits respond to increased demand for services due to COVID-19, and has made over $90,000 in emergency grants so far.
“United Way partner agencies are seeing a surge in requests for food, housing assistance, and other basic needs due to COVID-19. There’s also an immediate need for childcare for families of first responders and essential workers,” said Peter Theisen, CEO of United Way of Whatcom County.
“As the crisis continues, additional issues related to social isolation are also emerging. For vulnerable populations, sheltering in place may not be healthy or safe. Individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues may find them exacerbated by a constant state of crisis. And because domestic violence and abuse rates are closely tied to rising levels of mental and financial distress, those who live in unstable households are at a much greater risk for violence,” said Theisen. “Our emergency fund is focused on these critical needs, and we are working closely with other local funders to make sure our collective investments will allow these services to continue in our community.”
United Way has contributed over $135,000 to this fund and is currently seeking additional donations from the community. 100% of these dollars will go to agencies working the front lines to keep our community as safe and healthy as possible. Emergency Recovery Fund grants are in addition to the over $780,000 United Way has committed to local nonprofit organizations for the 2019-2020 grant cycle.
“We’ve received some really great support from our corporate partners, including Whatcom Educational Credit Union, Peoples Bank, and Puget Sound Energy.” said Theisen. “Our Board of Directors has also stepped up, contributing over $10,000, and our generous staff and donors have continued to demonstrate their giving spirit by supporting this fund as well. We’re so thankful to be able to help our community through these challenging times. It’s really what our LIVE UNITED motto is all about.”
United Way is working in partnership with several groups including Chuckanut Health Foundation, Whatcom Community Foundation, Mt. Baker Kidney Foundation, and Whatcom County Unified Command to make sure our community’s COVID-19 response and relief efforts are effective and that donated dollars can get where they are needed most.
To learn more about United Way’s Emergency Recovery Fund for COVID-19, go to:
How United Way is Helping During COVID-19
Emergency Recovery Fund for COVID-19: United Way of Whatcom County
You can find additional information at www.whatcomcenterforphilanthropy.org.
