Created in Response to COVID-19 Crisis on March 20, 2020
United Way of Etowah County has established the Community Crisis Fund in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
We are all facing unprecedented and uncertain times when dealing with COVID-19 concerns. While there is no doubt that this is a health crisis, as social distancing and self-quarantining become our new normal, the communities we serve are facing new economic challenges. Local businesses providing non-essential goods are seeing sales plummet and are temporarily closing stores. Many workers are losing tips, wages, and even their jobs because of lay-offs, canceled events, school closures, and quarantines.
Since 1953, United Way of Etowah County has provided resources to our residents in need of assistance. During times of crisis or disaster, United Way takes an active role in Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). We work directly with our local EMA personnel, city and county governments, churches, non-profits, and other groups to provide accurate, real-time information to the public surrounding a current crisis. United Way, along with our 211 Call Center, is also a conduit to connect community members to invaluable, crisis-related resources through its funded Community Partners and Initiatives, as well as other pertinent services available to residents.
In addition, because United Way of Etowah County, like other local United Ways, has a unique finger on the “pulse” of local needs, our corporate partners and individual donors can rest assured knowing that United Way of Etowah County can direct donated dollars to where they are needed most, always stewarding those donations responsibly and with transparency.
Our greatest concerns at the moment are centered on having the resources and capacity needed to serve the unmet needs of our residents in the next three to six weeks and beyond.
100% of donations received through United Way of Etowah County’s Community Crisis Fund will be used to gain additional resources for local programs meeting food and emergency assistance needs (utilities, rent/mortgage assistance, and other vital basic needs). These dollars will stay right here in our local community to help local residents in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. And, as always, your contribution is tax-deductible.
As always, we are grateful for your support of United Way of Etowah County and the communities we serve.