Florence | United Way of Northwest Alabama has established the Northwest Alabama COVID-19 Emergency Fund to assist with needs that are certain to arise during and in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The first distribution of funding will take place this week to provide support to food pantries throughout the area. Food pantries can call 2-1-1 to obtain an application to receive funding.
CEO, Jennifer McNulty states, “because United Way of Northwest Alabama has fiduciary responsibility for VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), it makes sense for us to do the same for those who will need services in this situation as well. We are responsible stewards who can utilize 211 Information & Referral to connect those in need with assistance. Our call volume has increased 300% from residents that are already feeling the economic impact of this, and we are working diligently to try and minimize the number of people that we are unable to help”.
United Way of Northwest Alabama is asking for members of our community to give to this fund to help with the following target areas of concern:
- Assistance with rent and utilities
- Assistance for basic human needs and services (including hygiene and other care products)
- Assistance for food
- Support for distressed nonprofit agencies
- Any other target areas, as assessed
United Way is also seeking corporate matching gifts for this fund. Corporate matching gifts are a great way to incentivize donors because they can see their gift make an even larger impact in our community.
“It’s not IF people need help, it’s when,” said Kerry Del Pizzo, COO of United Way of Northwest Alabama. “We know that people are working fewer hours. We know that some are not working at all, and this is no fault of their own. We always say, ‘you never know when it could be you asking for help’ and this is the time it really and truly could be anyone.”
There are a number of ways you can contribute to the Northwest Alabama COVID-19 Emergency Fund. There is a Facebook fundraiser, you can give directly on the website at www.uwnwal.org, you can text COVID19HELP to 44321, or you can mail in a check to United Way of Northwest Alabama, Attention: COVID Emergency Fund to PO Box 1228, Florence, AL 35631.For more information about how to donate, please call 256-366-9278 or if you are in need of assistance with rent, utilities, or food, please dial 2-1-1.
