United Way of Southeast Missouri Establishes COVID-19 Recovery Fund to Help Network Nonprofits
In the last year, businesses and individuals generously donated $73,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund established one year ago today by United Way of Southeast Missouri; the nonprofit used these funds to acquire a matching grant. One year later, United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) has given $110,000 of more than $150,000 collected to help families and individuals financially impacted by the coronavirus. Organizations like The Salvation Army, Jackson Senior Center, New Life Mission Inn, Community Partnership, Safe House for Women, area food pantries, and many more received COVID-19 Relief funds from UWSEMO to help those with nowhere to turn.
Now United Way intends to grow a COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND for organizations helping the community recover from the impact and move forward, especially programs and services that did not qualify for COVID-19 Relief funds. Executive Director, Elizabeth Shelton, explains that many of the thirty funded partners in the UWSEMO network were ineligible for COVID-19 Relief funds from United Way, as well as federal, state, and county governments, because they do not meet urgent need. Generally, urgent needs refer to assistance with housing, utilities/electricity, and food.
While donations to the COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND will go to the general campaign, Shelton explains, “We established the COVID-19 RELIEF FUND to remind the community that all of the programs and services United Way invests in are especially valuable as our community begins the slow recovery process. The impact of COVID-19 on our community and partners will last long after people have been vaccinated and stopped wearing masks.”
Shelton explains the COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND was established to help the entire UWSEMO network, since so many, including United Way of Southeast Missouri, had to cancel fundraisers and are suffering revenue loss. She adds, “While it has been a hard year for the people of Southeast Missouri, it has been a very difficult year for the nonprofits trying to help them. We are extremely grateful to those who donated to the original relief fund. Now we are calling on the rest of the community to help with recovery.”
There are numerous ways to give. Donors can:
• Visit www.unitedwayofsemo.org and select the COVID-19 RECOVERY option
• Text UWSEMO to 26989
• Call the UWSEMO office at 573-334-9634 with credit card information
• Mail a check to UWSEMO at 1417 D N. Mt. Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.
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About United Way of Southeast Missouri
United Way of Southeast Missouri serves as the leader in uniting people and resources to build a stronger, healthier community. We focus on the building blocks of a strong family and a good life: Education, Income and Health. Our network of partners works together to create lasting change designed to reduce the need for emergency services. We envision a community where people LIVE UNITED, choosing to Give, Advocate, Volunteer. For more information please visit www.UnitedWayofSEMO.org or call 573-334-9634.