United Way Perth-Huron is proud to announce it is providing three organizations with Emergent/Emergency Need Grants to assist them in continuing important pandemic relief programs and services.

“This has been a challenging time for organizations,” said United Way Perth-Huron Executive Director Ryan Erb. “If this past year has taught us anything it’s the need to respond quickly to the shifting environment. Emergent/Emergency Need Grants are built to allow us to invest in time-sensitive needs outside our regular funding cycle, ensuring organizations and the programs they deliver can survive and thrive.”

Already, United Way has invested in local organizations through the grants — particularly in the area of food security. Among the organizations receiving funds are:

• The Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre to help them supply nutritious foods to food banks and community organizations across the region
• ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services for their grocery delivery service
• The Community Table in Exeter for their food hamper service

“These investments help address a gap in pandemic relief funding which ran out at the end of March,” added Erb. “That means pandemic-related services will be able to operate for the next few months.”

Along with helping local organizations and programs, United Way continues to focus on supporting individuals and families across Perth-Huron through the Urgent Needs Fund. Since its creation in May of 2020, the Urgent Needs Fund has provided more than $100,000 to over 700 people across Perth-Huron for urgent, pressing needs including help paying bills, buying groceries and emergency car repairs. The fund is administered by the City of Stratford Social Services Department on behalf of Perth County and the Huron County Social & Property Services Department on behalf of Huron County. Individuals are encouraged to apply.