United Way of Lawrence County launches COVID-19 Fund United Way of Lawrence County announces the launch of a special fundraising campaign designed to support our most vulnerable friends and neighbors as we brace for the potential impact of COVID-19. The Lawrence County Commissioners were the first to donate $5.000 to the COVID-19 Fund. One hundred percent of the funds raised through these efforts will be distributed through our trusted community nonprofit partners who are responding to the increased needs of local families during this challenging time. These funds will complement the government relief being deployed to fill any potential gaps to ensure support for local community members.
United Way already has the infrastructure required to be able to collect and distribute throughout the community in response to the needs that are changing daily. The Coronavirus is not just a health threat, but an economic one as well. The ‘Sheiter in Place’ precaution mandated by Governor Wolf and the CDC best practices and social distancing have disrupted our lives in serious ways. The United Way in collaboration with the Board of Directors recognized the need to act swiftly and strategically to provide a collective community fund as we prepare for short-term and long-term impact on our local community stated Terri Stramba, President United Way of Lawrence County.
In Lawrence County 42% of people live in poverty or in A.L.I.C E. (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed). Individuals living in A.L.I.C.E are those who fail above the 100% poverty line and are working one or two jobs but still struggle to make ends meet. These individuals often live paycheck to paycheck and any disruption to employment or one emergency can cause an unprecedented financial hardship. We expect to see an increase in requests for assistance from our local norprofit partners as families may be faced with lost wages and lack of basic needs. Funds raised will support the increased financial strain on the organizations to allow them to step up to meet the increased need.
If you are in need of any COVID- 19 information or health and human service assistance you can call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. The 211 operators are working remotely but will respond and direct you to the proper agency or program that can meet your need.
We are asking individuals that are receiving stimalus checks and can afford to donate a portion to the United Way COVID-19 Fund. If you wish to make a contributon you can visit www uwawicty org and there is a COVID-19 Fund button to click or mail contributions to United Way of Lawrence County 223 North Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101