United Way’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund continues to serve the growing and immediate needs of the Peninsula community. There are many local residents suffering from the health and economic devastation of the pandemic, and donations to this fund ensure critical resources and services are available to those in need, the agency said in a news release.
As an organization dedicated to the well-being of our community, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula (UWVP) quickly launched the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to address the greatest needs as they arise. The fund provided flexible resources to nonprofit organizations working on the frontlines of the pandemic, supporting the essential needs of economically vulnerable populations that have been negatively impacted financially due to closures, cancellations, and/or health issues related to COVID-19.
With the COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, some funding streams have already shifted from crisis response to relief and recovery initiatives. As other funding has declined or ceased, United Way’s Emergency Fund may be one of the only options for emergency assistance to local nonprofits and families.
The nonprofit community and local human service agencies have seen increased needs for childcare, rent/mortgage assistance, and basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Contributions to this fund are designed to support agencies with responsive solutions to these issues continuing to rise as a result of the pandemic, and to address the evolving aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible. For more information on UWVP’s response to COVID-19, visit www.uwvp.org/covid-19.
“People who never thought they would be in a position to need help have encountered challenges too significant to overcome on their own, even with savings,” said Steven Kast, President and CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. “Any contribution, small or large, is immensely appreciated and unites our community for the greater good. There is still a long road ahead, but together, we can make a difference for our neighbors in need.”
To donate to United Way’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund, visit www.uwvp.org. Checks can be mailed to United Way of the Virginia Peninsula at 11820 Fountain Way, Suite 206, Newport News, VA 23606.
If someone is in need of assistance as a result of COVID-19 and resides in the Virginia Peninsula, they can contact a United Way information and referral service. For residents of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Gloucester, Mathews, and Lower York County, call First Call at 757-594-4636. Residents of Williamsburg, James City County, and Upper York County, call the Community Resource Center at 757-229-2222.
