In a news conference, United Way of Central Alabama’s President and CEO Drew Langloh, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, introduced the establishment of a statewide United Way Community Crisis Fund.
Joined by representatives from the American Red Cross and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA), Langloh stated that the fund will do the following:
- Help feed people
- Provide emergency assistance for people who need help paying bills, such as utilities and rent
- Support distressed nonprofit agencies serving people negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Providing support for nonprofits is new to the fund, which has been activated during past statewide emergencies.
“I’ve been hearing from my colleagues around our community, across the state and across the country. The nonprofit sector, just like the business sector, is stressed. Our budgets are stretched and at the same time, we’re being asked to do more with less.”
All twenty-three United Ways across the state of Alabama will have access to the fund. However, the board of the United Way of Central Alabama committed $1 million to get the fund up and running.
Langloh concluded the news conference urging the public to donate to the Community Crisis Fund and consider volunteering for United Way’s Meals on Wheels program in Jefferson County.
He encouraged residents to use United Way’s 2-1-1 information referral system, an invaluable service that assists people in need. Moreover, he reminded the community to contact United Way about resources they may have available, so it can be included in their database.
Lastly, Langloh thanked the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield who has committed $200,000 to help Meals on Wheels feed its seniors.
To give to the Community Crisis Fund and access additional information and resources related to the coronavirus, visit www.uwca.org/covid19