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United Way partners with other nonprofits to establish COVID-19 relief fund

Staff Report //March 16, 2020//

United Way partners with other nonprofits to establish COVID-19 relief fund

Staff Report //March 16, 2020//

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A collection of Greenville nonprofit organizations led by the United Way of Greenville County has established the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to assist vulnerable residents who may face additional struggles as routines are disrupted by the new coronavirus.

Partnering with the United Way are Hollingsworth Funds, the Community Foundation of Greenville, and the Jolley Foundation, along with others expected to join the effort, according to a news release. 

The COVID-19 Community Relief Fund will focus on supporting local nonprofit organizations working in areas with high numbers of affected individuals, and those who are working with the most vulnerable populations in those areas to help respond to the physical health, mental health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the news release said.

The effort, working with partners such as Greenville County Schools and others across the region, will coordinate with social service organizations and businesses focused on supporting children and families, hourly wage earners, workers in the gig economy, older adults, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable communities, the release said.

“As the community and state implement plans to address the novel coronavirus situation, many in the area who are living in or near poverty often lack disposable income, and cannot afford a day without pay, or to seek medical attention when they or their children may need it,” the news release said. “The virus and its after-effects will be another source of stress on already vulnerable members of the community.”

Donations to support the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund can be made online.

“We know the near and long-term impact of the coronavirus will surely have long lasting implications across all sectors, and will disproportionately affect those earning hourly wages, those without health insurance or access to child care, and those already living in poverty,” Meghan Barp, United Way of Greenville County president and CEO, said in the news release. “The COVID-19 Community Relief Fund is here to serve the critical needs of our most vulnerable neighbors as we work together in response to the coronavirus, as well as look ahead to ensure inclusion of those furthest behind, who may otherwise face the worst effects of the pandemic in the months ahead.”

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