#ConnectingCommunity Week 5: The Care of Our Community

May 26, 2020 | United Way Team

Stay in touch with UWECI and our projects through our weekly #ConnectingCommunity updates.

The sense of getting back to normal is starting to take root in Eastern Iowa, even if it means a quieter summer than those of the past. We’re opening up parks, businesses, and restaurants. Despite this, we see the effects of COVID-19 hanging on tightly.

Just recently, our 211 system started receiving phone calls from individuals who once had a cushion and that cushion is no longer there. It’s why our COVID-19 CARE Fund just awarded over $56,000 in support to non-profit agencies who are battling the emerging needs our community is facing.

Our CARE Fund is putting dollars into getting more food into people’s hands and allowing for safe spaces for kids to be while mom or dad go back to work. United Way of East Central Iowa is also supporting shelters for women, immigrants and refugees. And we’re providing emergency assistance for people can’t pay rent and mobile advocacy to those in domestic situations.

Your generosity and these 15 agencies are fighting the tip of what our community will experience in the near and distant future due to COVID-19. It’s also why we are strategically releasing our funds over three different time frames. We want to make sure we can continue to support the most vulnerable as their needs change in the coming months.

Thank you for giving our neighbors and community members the direct help they need at this moment in time. Your continued support is deeply appreciated. Thanks again for standing by United Way of East Central Iowa. We’re in this together. Be well.

-Kristin Roberts

President & CEO