COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund for Passaic County
United Way of Passaic County
The Need
In this unprecedented time of crisis, the community needs feel overwhelming right now. From the shortage of medical equipment to job losses and business failures, the needs are great and everywhere. In order to be most effective, we have focused on understanding the needs in the space where we have expertise. Focusing on Education and Health, and nonprofits in Passaic County, we have identified three priorities that we believe we are well-suited to address.
- Access to healthy food. Loss of income and social distancing have exacerbated the challenges that low income residents face in obtaining healthy food. While food pantries have stepped up their distribution of shelf-stable foods, there is a need for fresh produce as well.
- Maintaining literacy. Children attending high-need school districts have lower literacy rates than the state average, and the digital divide, where students do not have access to online learning and e-books only widens the gap. Academic progress made during the school year is at risk now that the school year has been cut short. The documented effect of the “summer slide” is sure to take effect at this time.
- Sustaining vital nonprofit services. Local and grassroots organizations that serve/distribute food, provide shelter, and provide other essential services to children and families are vital to our community. But they are at risk for financial failure during this time of economic uncertainty. Demand on their services is up while cash receipts are expected to go down. Many of these organizations are very locally based and do not have the cash reserves or access to credit that would sustain them through a time like this.
What We Can Do
Right Now: As we continue to experience social distancing and the closure of schools and businesses, the fund will support the work of local food pantries. The fund will also identify ways to support childrens’ literacy while school is not in session.
Recovering from COVID-19: The fund will distribute grants to local (Passaic County) nonprofits to ensure that nonprofit providers of basic and emergency needs services do not go out of business as a result of economic stressors. Grants will focus on local and grassroots nonprofits that do not have significant cash reserves. At this time the fund is still developing and grant plans have not been announced.
Nonprofit organizations interested in being informed when funds are available: please complete this form.
Background
United Way of Passaic County has played a role in the relief and recovery from many disasters, including September 11 Attacks, Hurricanes Sandy, Irene, and Floyd. In this role United Way has raised and distributed funds to address unmet community needs, both during disaster and in the recovery periods that followed. We have experience in identifying community needs and galvanizing community partners to do the work.
Local United Ways across the country have stepped forward to raise and distribute charitable funds to address community needs caused by COVID-19. As a member of the United Way Worldwide network, we are able to access additional supports and expertise to manage a relief and recovery fund.
United Way of Passaic County has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and all donations are monitored by our local board of directors.
We Promise:
Your gift will help right here in Passaic County.
Your gift will help vulnerable residents and non-profit organizations in Passaic County.
How you can help: Donate here.