In response to the COVID -19 pandemic, United Way of Greater Yankton has established the Greater Yankton COVID – 19 Community Response & Recovery Fund, a disaster fund to help local nonprofit organizations responding to residents’ immediate and long term needs due to the COVID - 19 pandemic.
“This pandemic is a new challenge for us, but the community spirit required in response is not,” said Lauren Hanson, Executive Director at United Way of Greater Yankton. "We know Yankton is generous and always rallies around challenges. We are honored to work alongside community partners to help our neighbors during these difficult times. We continue to hope for the health and safety of our community, our country and our world."
For more than 65 years, United Way of Greater Yankton and their community partners have faced crisis head-on, doing whatever is required to comfort and care for those in need.
“Although social distancing separates us physically, we are still as connected to each other as ever. And we still have the power to come together in hope and in generosity, to act when duty calls by giving with open hands and an open heart.”
United Way’s Community Impact Allocations Committee will coordinate to distribute the funds, ensuring investments support verified nonprofits and community organizations that are
1) addressing the immediate and long term needs of those affected by COVID - 19 or
2) are experiencing an unanticipated, substantial change in client need which, if left unaided, compromises the ability of
the program to deliver on immediate or long-term results.
FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR AVAILABLE FUNDING:
The Greater Yankton COVID – 19 Community Response & Recovery Fund, was established to help provide additional support to local programs that experience an unanticipated, substantial change in client need. Examples of immediate or long-term needs include but are not limited to: Access to food for people of all ages; Shortage of volunteers, social distancing protocol has many stepping back from their volunteer duties, requiring many nonprofits to re-evaluate how they deliver services to those in need; Families who are in need of child-care and other supportive services; Access to mental health services; Rental, mortgage or other economic assistance to families.
Greater Yankton COVID -19 Community Response and Recovery Grants will utilize an open application process starting April 1, 2020 and be available until further notice. Any local nonprofit organization interested in applying may request a funding application by emailing info@yanktonunitedway.org. We ask that each organization please allow 2 weeks for an award determination.
COVID 19 RESPONSE & RECOVERY FUND ALLOCATIONS: (as of June 2020)
Pathways Shelter for the Homeless - Rapid Rehousing $3,600.00
The Center - Meals on Wheels $7,500.00
Yankton Food for Thought - UW Emergency Food Box Distribution $13,220.29
FOR INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
211 Helpline Center provides a 24/7 hotline which is connected to a trained team that is able to provide up to date information.
If you need assistance finding food, or basic essential needs, call 211 to speak to someone who can help.
If you or your organization are offering help to those in need, have restricted hours of operation or cancellations, please let the 211 Helpline Center know by submitting that information through the links below.
https://www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1-community-resources/helpsheets/closures-cancellations/
The most fundamental instructions we can provide to our community members helping one another are the directions provided by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and WHO (World Health Organization), local and government officials, which are as follows:
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
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Stay home if you are sick and call your doctor for next steps.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
For more information, please contact Lauren Hanson at lauren.h@yanktonunitedway.org or call (605)665-6766.
