Stratford, ON — The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the discussion for many organizations, placing unexpected demands on resources and forcing changes in direction to meet local needs that didn’t exist even a week ago. United Way Perth-Huron’s (UWPH) COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund (UNF) was created as a means to get organizations the funding they need quickly to make these changes and serve the people who need help. To date the community has raised $17,435.

Along with individual donations UWPH has invested $20,000, and Libro Credit Union stepped forward and contributed $60,000 to Perth-Huron of its $320,000 total commitment to United Ways across Ontario. Another $10,000 came from the Stratford-Perth Community Foundation (SPCF).

“The response from the community has been tremendous,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “The generosity of neighbours helping neighbours through donating whatever they can is wonderful.  We are so thankful to SPCF and Libro for their generous contributions”.

UWPH has accelerated their ability to receive applications and to get the funds out, with turnaround being approximately one week.  “I want to give huge accolades to our staff and volunteers, who have made this possible and to the organizations to date that have mobilized to serve their community”, said Erb”.

Funding offers are currently out to:

• Huron and Area Search and Rescue who have jumped in to help Huron-Perth ‘Meals on Wheels’ program to deliver prepackaged meals to those with disabilities, seniors and other vulnerable individuals.
• Town of St. Marys to support its resident’s well-being, access food and nutrition and essential medication and to work with the communities’ social connectivity.
• One Care grocery delivery program to increase to 500 clients twice a month (delivery being free)
• John Howard Society to improve technology to deliver service remotely.
• Huron Safe Homes for Youth to improve technology to deliver service remotely and to obtain personal protective equipment for in necessary in person service
• Exeter Pentecostal Church (The community table) – providing food hampers to anyone in need in South Huron and emergency funding to help individuals who have suffered income loss.

Applications by organizations for up to $5,000 will continue to be accepted and will be continue to be funded as donations grow.  The application form can be found at the bottom of the urgent need page at https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/community-resources/urgent-needs-fund/

To donate to UWPH’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund, go HERE.