More than 90,000 local residents helped by United Way of the Coastal Bend's COVID-19 Fund

 
By mobilizing the caring power of community, United Way of the Coastal Bend has helped more than 90,000 local residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The ability to meet immediate needs in the community has been made possible through donations to United Way of the Coastal Bend’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Established in March, the fund has raised more than $413,000 to support local non-profit agencies providing food, rent/utility assistance, medical and mental healthcare, and more to those affected by COVID-19. 
 
"The close partnerships we have with local non-profits have allowed us to work quickly to identify the needs of our community," said Libby Averyt, President & CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. "Thanks to our donors, we were able to help 90,607 Coastal Bend residents in April, and provide the support they need to face the challenges brought on by this pandemic."
 
In addition to financial grants, United Way of the Coastal Bend has also donated hundreds of facial masks to several non-profit agencies for use by their employees, clients and visitors. Local agencies who have received masks include:
 
  • Boys & Girls Club of Kingsville
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend
  • The Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
  • Greenwood-Molina Children’s Center
  • McLeod Bethune Early Child Development Nursery 
  • Neighborhood Centers of Corpus Christi
  • Timon’s Ministries
  • Wesley Community Center
  • YMCA of the Coastal Bend
Getting funds and essential supplies to agencies quickly is vital, as many have seen a tremendous upsurge in those seeking aid. 
 
"Many people have told us that they weren't sure how they could get help because they've never needed help before," said Bea Hanson, Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Food Bank. Her organization has seen a sharp increase in the number of families needing assistance, and is one of the local non-profits who has received support from the COVID-19 fund. "We're so thankful for the support we've gotten from the community. We are happy to help. That's what we're here for."
 
One hundred percent of donations made to the COVID-19 fund go toward local response and recovery efforts. A total of 26 Coastal Bend agencies have received support and used the funds to serve the various needs of Coastal Bend residents:
 
  • Amistad Community Health Center - $15,000 for medical and mental health services to underinsured and uninured; instituted hotline
  • Aransas Pass for Youth – $15,000 for utility assistance/water/basic needs for affected Aransas Pass residents
  • Beeville Vineyard – $2,500 for food assistance
  • Boys & Girls Club of Kingsville - $5,000 for drive-up food/snacks for Club kids and families
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend - $2,000 for the distribution of program supplies and snack packs to Club youth at Greenwood, Flour Bluff and London ISD sites
  • Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi - $20,000 for food/financial assistance
  • Coastal Bend Food Bank - $20,000 for food assistance
  • Corpus Christi Hope House - $14,500 for direct services to individuals/families (material assistance, shelter, social service assistance, basic needs)
  • Corpus Christi Metro Ministries - $30,000 for food/shelter/medical/ social services, financial assistance
  • The Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse - $10,000 for counselor salary for outpatient treatment services for 2 months
  • Family Counseling Service - $25,000 for mental health services via telehealth
  • Food Bank of the Golden Crescent - $5,000 for food assistance for Refugio County residents
  • Live Oak Community Health Center - $5,500 for personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff
  • Live Oak County Child Welfare Board - $20,000 to assist families experiencing job loss/reduction of hours-rent/utility assistance/food
  • Mary McLeod Bethune Early Child Development Nursery - $10,000 for childcare for essential workers
  • Mission 911 - $10,000 for food and utility assistance
  • Mission of Mercy - $10,000 for medication
  • Mother Teresa Shelter - $10,000 to cover costs for providing two meals per day, rental fees for portable toilets and handwashing stations, motel rooms for COVID-19 positive homeless persons 
  • The Purple Door - $15,000 for shelter and supportive services
  • R.E.A.L., Inc. - $10,000 for weekly care packages of food, toiletries, essential items delivered to vulnerable populations (disabled, elderly, those without transportation)
  • Ronald McDonald Charities of Corpus Christi - $5,000 to purchase thermometers, face masks, cleaning supplies, food for families
  • The Salvation Army - Corpus Christi - $20,000 for food pantry support
  • Timon's Ministries - $10,000 for food/telemedicine costs/staff costs
  • USO of South Texas - $5,000 for drive-thru food pantry for military members and families
  • Wesley Community Center - $10,000 for food pantry support for pantries in Corpus Christi and Robstown
  • YMCA of the Coastal Bend - $10,000 for lunches and snacks, instructional materials, staffing costs, sanitizing materials to provide childcare for essential workers
"As this situation evolves, so do the needs of our community," said Averyt. "We must continue to help where we can, when we can, to support one another. We're in this together."
 
To donate to the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, click here.