CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – Mobilizing the caring power of community, United Way of the Coastal Bend has provided more than $247,000 to help families and individuals being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Meeting the immediate needs of the community has been made possible thanks to contributions to United Way of the Coastal Bend’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery fund. The fund has raised over $342,000, and is supporting local non-profit agencies providing food assistance, rent and utility assistance, mental health services, and more to those impacted by COVID-19.
"We work in close partnership with 56 local non-profit agencies throughout the Coastal Bend," said Libby Averyt, President & CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. "This allows us to work quickly to support those on the front lines working tirelessly to meet the evolving needs of our community."
Getting funding to agencies as soon as possible is crucial, as many have seen explosive increases in the number of local families needing assistance. "We were unsure how we’d be able to meet the higher demand we’ve seen," said MaLinda Conway Faughn, Executive Director of Wesley Community Center. Her organization operates food pantries in Corpus Christi and Robstown. "The funds we received from United Way of the Coastal Bend have enabled us to meet this increased need and continue serving our community at a time when so many are turning to us for help."
One hundred percent of donations made to the COVID-19 fund will go toward response and recovery efforts in the Coastal Bend. Support of the fund has gained steady traction, with the AEP Foundation, Kleberg Bank, the Port of Corpus Christi, and several anonymous donors among those who have contributed to ensure efforts continue.
Coastal Bend agencies supported through the COVID-19 fund thus far include:
- Amistad Community Health Center
- Aransas Pass for Youth
- Beeville Vineyard
- Boys & Girls Club of Kingsville
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Bend
- Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi
- Coastal Bend Food Bank
- Corpus Christi Metro Ministries
- Family Counseling Services
- Corpus Christi Hope House
- Live Oak Child Welfare Board
- Live Oak Community Health Center
- Mary McLeod Bethune Early Child Development Nursery
- Mother Teresa Shelter
- Salvation Army of Corpus Christi
- The Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
- The Purple Door
- Timon’s Ministries
- USO of South Texas
- Wesley Community Center
- YMCA of the Coastal Bend
"The needs of our community are ever-changing," said Averyt. "It’s important that we continue to help where we can, when we can, to support one another as this crisis continues."
To donate to the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, click here.