United Way allocates $38,000 to meet demand for emergency assistance
United Way of Greenville County announced Thursday it will supply local agencies with an additional $38,000 in one-time allocations to help meet the increased demand for emergency assistance this winter.
American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina will receive a $20,000 United Way allocation designated for its disaster relief/emergency assistance programs, while six other area nonprofits will each receive $3,000 in emergency assistance funding.
United Way’s Community Impact Cabinet provided the additional funds after the local Red Cross reported last week it had responded to 20 separate incidents and gave more than $25,000 in disaster assistance in just over a week’s time.
“United Way of Greenville County is committed to helping meet the immediate needs of the people in our community and we’re pleased to be able to distribute these additional resources to our local chapter of American Red Cross as they provide critical support to victims of disaster in Greenville County,” said Margaret Clark, chair of the United Way board of trustees.
Foothills Family Resources, Golden Strip Emergency Relief and Resource Agency, Greer Relief and Resource Agency, Harvest Hope Food Bank, The Salvation Army and United Ministries will each receive $3,000 grants to help meet the spike in demand for emergency assistance services. The allocations are designated for direct service to the community in the form of rent/mortgage assistance, utilities assistance and/or food assistance.
“These additional funds will ensure those who need us most can get the help they need to stay in their homes, keep the lights on, and put food on the table,” said Clark.
Over the past two years, United Way has provided $150,000 in special emergency allocations to help these six relief organizations meet the increased demand for assistance brought on by the national recession.
For more information or to contribute, visit www.unitedwaygc.org or call 864-467-3333. To be linked with programs to get help, dial 2-1-1, United Way’s referral helpline.
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