Photo: Northampton Shelter Volunteer Coordinator Loren Davine: “We couldn’t have done it without the United Way."
Traditionally, United Way of Hampshire County focuses support towards the 34 programs we fund through grants each year. These are programs focused on basic needs for our neighbors struggling with poverty and low-income.
A few weeks back, though, several people asked if United Way of Hampshire County could support Grow Food Northampton--a program we did not currently fund--as they were stepping up their food support in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
We didn’t hesitate.
Grow Food Northampton works closely with the Northampton Survival Center, an agency we do grant. Furthermore, their work addressing basic needs—in this case food—fit squarely with our mission to help the neediest. More to the point, in this time of COVID-19, we are being asked to help in a myriad of ways beyond our normal focus. It is important that we help to the best of our abilities.
Another example of helping beyond our normal scope was the Northampton shelter at the high school. The shelter was in danger of not opening in time because they couldn’t find volunteers. We found dozens over a weekend, eventually helping to find 90, enough to get them going and keep them going. We also provided hand sanitizer and hand washing stations.
“We were afraid we wouldn’t get enough volunteers to open or stay open,” said Volunteer Coordinator Loren Davine, “but United Way was able to quickly get the word out and help make this important resource available in our community. We couldn’t have done it without the United Way. “
Here are other examples of our work during COVID-19:
We are finding supplies, like hand sanitizer for Highland Valley Elder Service, 28 cots for the City of Amherst, and face masks for food distribution programs.
We are finding volunteers, for various programs. We even developed an online volunteer database ( https://www.uwhampshire.org/covid19 )
We started our diaper drive early and will expand it: We have already collected and distributed thousands of diapers and wipes, and have brought in close to $10,000, all before the campaign has official begun.
We are promoting, like Big Brothers Big Sisters toy drive and fundraising for other organizations.
We are convening Hampshire County agencies to identify and meet evolving needs.
We are helping Individuals looking for shelter, food, money, diapers, and guidance/information.
We continue to raise funds
In short, we are being asked to help and lead more than ever. We have been asked to find hundreds of thousands of dollars above what we normally raise. We’ve been asked to participate in large, new projects.
We expect this to continue with the economic fallout of COVID-19. Our ability to lend our expertise, guidance, and support can grow in proportion with the support of our donors.
Some have suggested that United Way cut back on asking for donations as so many of our neighbors are facing more hardship. We believe it is our duty to bring those needs to light and advocate for them, regardless of the economy (or to be more exact, because of the economy). Hardship is when we step up, not away.
United Way will continue to help in response to this current crisis. We will rally resources. We will link volunteers with opportunities. We will advocate for the neediest. We will fill gaps as required. Our task is clear. As more is asked of us, we will fight harder.
Join us.