Nearly a dozen local agencies in need of some extra support amid the COVID-19 pandemic have received a combined $167,540 from the United Way Elgin Middlesex.
The grants, issued Tuesday, are the first to be awarded through the United Way's Local Love in a Global Crisis COVID-19 community response fund. In total, 11 agencies in the London region were each given between $5,000 and $20,000 to address urgent basic needs, minimize social isolation, and to provide technology and staff training to pivot to digital service delivery.
"The goal of our rapid response fund is to get money quickly out the door and into the community where it can do the most good," said Kelly Ziegner, president and CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex. “We’re delivering on that promise through this first round of investments. We couldn’t do it without the incredible generosity of corporations and individuals in our community."
The funding has been divided among the following 11 agencies as follows:
-Across Languages Translation and Interpretation Service is receiving $20,000 for more community interpreter access programs.
-Anova is getting $5,000 to extend its operating hours at SafeSpace.
-Big Brothers Big Sisters of London has been given $7,050 for more digital community-based mentoring and case management services.
-CMHA Middlesex has received $10,000 for meals and harm reduction items at My Sisters Place and the London Coffeehouse.
-Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre and Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre have been given $20,000 each for neighbourhood-based provision of food, hygiene items and other basic needs.
-Daya Counselling Centre has also been handed $20,000 to allow for subsidized counseling for essential workers and social services frontline staff.
-John Howard Society received $19,990 to help deliver digital counselling services and maintain physical distancing measures/barriers for in person services.
-Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre has been given $20,000 for 125 children and mental health wellness kits, which include grocery store gift cards, books, crafts, games, mental health resources.
-West Elgin Community Health Centre is getting $12,000 for provision of food, hygiene items and other basic needs, including delivery where needed.
“The support from United Way is coming at a time that is so crucial for individuals and families in need in south London,” said Nancy Needham, executive director of South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
The organization had been forced to close its emergency food cupboard last month due to the pandemic, which forced its clients to have to travel to Northwest London Resource Centre for emergency food support.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to quickly re-open in south London at a different location," said Needham. "We will be able to support local families with urgent needs including formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and of course food."
The United Way’s community response fund was launched after the organization received a flood of offers from corporations, community leaders, and individual donors looking to provide financial assistance to those struggling due to the economic impact of COVID-19. Companies who have contributed to the fund include 3M, Libro Credit Union, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Old Oak Properties, and Tricar.
Additional agencies will be given a boost through the community response fund in future rounds of grants awarded by the United Way.