Dear Community Members,
As we are continuing to learn more about the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are all looking for ways that we can support our community. We recognize that many have been impacted by the virus—by job loss, illness, and financial strain. We also recognize the added pressure on local non-profits to serve the capacity of increasing needs.
Last week, United Way of the Black Hills (UWBH) developed a COVID-19 Community Response Fund, as an effort to provide financial assistance to non-profit agencies to serve the increasing demand for services.
The development of the application is currently under review, and agencies will be notified when the application for funding is available. These are the guidelines and level of importance UWBH will take into consideration for funding:
1) Basic Needs - I.e - Food access, financial assistance and other types of basic assistance
2) Mental Health - I.e access to counseling and supports
3) Child Care & Education - I. e. Child care access and educational supports
100% of the donations raised for this fund will go directly to agencies that qualify for a grant. When you make a donation to the Community Response fund, you are ensuring that your financial gift is serving needs that have yet to be fulfilled in the community.
To make a contribution to the Community Resource Fund, please visit: www.unitedwayblackhills.org/donate and select "COVID-19 Community Response Fund" located in the "Designations" section, or text "BHCovidHelp" to the number 41444.
In addition, we are also taking action by facilitating weekly virtual meetings with community leaders and service providers throughout the Black Hills to understand the immediate and long-term needs. We will be hosting online webinars with mental health, financial and educational resources that will be available at a later date. We are also assisting Black Hills Area Community Foundation in creating connections with Black Hills area organizations that are providing food to local communities.
We recognize that this is a difficult time for everyone in our community. While we invite you to make a contribution if able, we also encourage you to continue to take care of yourself and your family. If you are in need of assistance during this time, please dial the 2-1-1 Helpline Center. We can only tackle this issue as a community, when we are UNITED.