We hope that you’ve been able to respond to the Coronavirus in ways that protect you, your family and your neighbors. At United Way of Central Alabama, we have temporarily suspended some operations to focus on the safety of our staff and volunteers.
We are making arrangements for some employees to work from home, temporarily closing our Free Tax Preparation site, reassigning some staff to critical services such as our senior feeding programs and our 2-1-1 Information and Referral Center.
Now, the conversation is moving from how we take care of ourselves, our family and friends to how we can offer relief and assistance to the most vulnerable among us.
United Way is positioned with the staff expertise, volunteers, donors and a network of agency service providers to help in the COVID-19 response. We’re working for individuals who have no safety net and families who lack support systems.
We are in a unique position to offer these responses:
- Meeting the immediate needs of people in our community by providing food access, basic needs for struggling families and emergency response. We have reactivated our Community Crisis Fund that we have used in disasters and other large emergencies. Contributions to the fund will be used to serve immediate needs of individuals and other nonprofit organizations.
- Providing information through our 2-1-1 Information and Referral Center. Just dial the numbers 2-1-1 and you’ll be connected with a live operator who will provide the latest information regarding available resources. If you have resources or services to add to the 2-1-1 database, please dial 2-1-1 and they will work with you to get them added.
- Continuing senior nutrition services to this vulnerable population. We have ordered shelf-stable meals and are making other arrangements for those we serve through our Meals on Wheels program and congregate meal service at senior centers. Since many of our drivers are seniors themselves, we may have to fill the gap in service with a volunteer substitute.
- Providing daily updates on services and information related to the Coronavirus. To stay current with needs, information and resources, go to www.uwca.org/covid19.
So, how can you help?
- We need Meals on Wheels volunteers immediately. Please click here to submit your information online. We will assign projects as they become available.
- Donate to our Community Crisis Fund to help with basic needs of vulnerable populations.
- Go to United Way’s Community Response Web page if you have any questions about available resources, services or updates.
We are well-positioned to be a resource and a unifier in times of crisis. Thanks to your previous support, we will be at the center of Central Alabama’s efforts to recover and revitalize.
As always, thank you for your support as we respond to the needs of our community.
Drew Langloh
President and CEO
United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.