SAVANNAH, GA (May 29, 2020) – United Way of the Coastal Empire has received a $100,000 contribution, the largest by far, to its COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund from The Chatham Foundation, according to a release received by the Courier.
One hundred percent of the donation will be used to help individuals and families in the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s four-county region retain stable housing by assisting with rent, mortgage, and utility payments when grace periods are not offered and to provide financial assistance for additional critical needs such as medical expenses and child care.
Jennifer Darsey, Vice President, Direct Services and Impact Senior Administrator, Landings Military Family Relief Fund United Way of the Coastal Empire said those funds will add to what the Liberty branch has already used to help people in Liberty County.
Darsey said $72,827 has been spent in Liberty County with 97 percent of those funds used to pay rent/mortgage for families and individuals in need and three percent addressed utility needs.
“The Liberty County UWCE service center has assisted 289 unduplicated clients since March 24th with direct emergency financial assistance through the COVID rapid Response Fund,” Darsey said. “Of the 289 clients receiving supportive assistance through the COVID Rapid Response Fund- 94 percent have never requested assistance from UWCE.”
Darsey added that the Liberty County branch of the UWCE has provided 241 households with food boxes delivered to their homes.
“Because these residents either fell into the higher risk health category or because they lacked transportation to get to a food resource,” she said. “Through safe social distancing practices, our UW volunteers and staff delivered this food resource to help combat food insecurity during COVID.”
The press release said the United Way was grateful to receive the leadership gift. The Chatham Foundation continues to lead through giving in good times and bad, the release stated.
As a grantor to 53 of the highest performing and most impactful nonprofit agencies in our region, the United Way of the Coastal Empire was designed to deliver community resources where and when they are most needed. Funds raised during the typical fall fundraising campaign help ensure a safety net of social services exists throughout the year to provide for the long-term stability of the region. During a crisis, the organization strategically manages awards to United Way agencies and delivers direct services to individuals and families to promote resiliency.
United Way established the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund in March. To date, nearly $600,000 has been raised to help those in need since the coronavirus pandemic began. “From this incredible $100,000 contribution to an online gift of $10, every gift counts, and every gift matters in our collective efforts to recover and rebuild,” said Grant.
To give to the United Way COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, visit uwce.org or text UWCOVID19 to 41444.