UWDR Community Relief Fund
About
The COVID-19 emergency is having a profound impact on the lives of all Canadians and we in Durham see and feel the impacts every day. What began as a medical crisis/emergency very rapidly morphed into an economic crisis and what is needed to mitigate the impacts on all of us, is a broad and robust community response. Donor dollars are, and will be, scarce. At the very time that social service supports will be leaned on more heavily than perhaps at any time since the Great Depression many charities and agencies themselves are facing shortfalls and challenges.
The United Way is uniquely positioned to work with our existing agency, program and community partners to help diminish overlap and duplication and to address the areas of greatest need. We are equipped to do so with great agility and provide for rapid deployment of those dollars we have at our disposal.
Our priority is to help those least advantaged.
Fund focus:
Basic needs – access to life’s essentials, such as food, cleaners and hygiene products, or other resources essential to helping the most vulnerable stay healthy
Help for Seniors – to support those who are already vulnerable as they are isolated. Funds raised will support activities such as virtual programming, telephone check- ins, low risk engagement activities, transportation and basic needs product delivery for those who are self-isolating.
Capacity for community services – so that community partners can continue their vital local work. From 211 to food banks and to shelters (to name a few) funds raised will help those organizations maintain services. Funds will also be used to scale up the most important services and programs needed to support a larger or expanded population of need. This includes support for those precariously housed, or suffering from hunger and other vulnerable populations.
Mental Health Support – enabling crisis lines and system navigation services that benefit us all. Funds raised will help these vital programs meet the growing needs for mental health and crisis supports and scale up as needed during this crisis.
Support for Volunteers – There are amazing people rallying to support others – they need our help too. Our funds raised will be used to support the engagement and deployment of volunteers where they are most needed and where other sources of funding may not be available.
How to apply
The COVID-19 Community Relief Fund can be accessed by local organizations that are providing COVID-19 relief to individuals and families in Durham Region. We will be working closely with local organizations in the coming weeks to respond where support is needed most. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis as we respond to the ever changing needs of local agencies during this difficult time.
Decisions will be based on need and the availability of funds.
For further information and to apply for funding, please email the following information to our Community Investment Coordinator, Barbara Fannin at bfannin@unitedwaydr.com
Charity Name:
Charitable Registration Number
Brief Description of urgent need
Your contact information:
Name
City
Email address
Phone number