UNITED WAY OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE COVID Rapid Response Fund
Story by Katrice Williams | Photos by Michelle Holloway
12
www.PoolerMagazine.com | July/August 2020
A
brupt change, enormous uncertainty and widespread fear can obviously impact the livelihood of many individuals. Even more, when these things are faced within the climate of a pandemic, it can be challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel; however, it is there. For nearly six decades, United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE) has persisted to aid those in need within the community. The organization services four counties (or regions): Effingham, Chatham, Bryan and Liberty. Elizabeth Waters, United Way Area Director for Effingham County, has been a part of the organization for several years. Elizabeth and the rest of the UWCE team have a true heart for what the organization stands for: providing help by bringing “people and resources together.” The Rapid Response Fund Diligently seeking to help the community in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the organization created the COVID Rapid Response Fund—a special fund implemented to aid those affected most by the pandemic. UWCE “seeded the fund with $80,000;” at present, the organization has attained over $550,000 to assist their four counties. What is more, 100% of funding goes back into the community. Thus far, $318,000 has been dispersed, providing aid to almost 800 individuals. The fund was initially created for individuals in serious need of rent and mortgage assistance—those who experienced such misfortunes as job hours being cut, lay-offs or even company shut-downs due to the pandemic. UWCE is also using the COVID Fund to provide emergency aid to any of their 53 funded agencies which have been hit hard, many compelled to cancel events and fundraisers. “We saw the immediate need to help. When we first started vetting clients for assistance, we were primarily focused on helping with rent or mortgage needs to prevent homelessness,” Elizabeth said. UWCE understands the nearly insurmountable adversity associated with homelessness and seeks to help residents avoid its hardships as much as possible.
