UWEP COVID-19 Recovery Fund Receives $50,000 Grant

UNITED WAY OF THE EASTERN PANHANDLE COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND RECEIVES $50,000 GRANT

The P&G Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Awards Grant to United Way with a Recommendation from Procter & Gamble Tabler Station Site

MARTINSBURG, WV – United Way of the Eastern Panhandle has received a $50,000 grant to the UWEP COVID-19 Recovery Fund from the P&G Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, with a recommendation from Procter & Gamble Tabler Station Site. The funding will support recovery efforts for individuals and families experiencing hardship as a result of coronavirus and related closures.

United Way of the Eastern Panhandle created the UWEP COVID-19 Recovery Fund to provide flexible resources to agencies in our region working with those who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund is designed to expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible. 

All donations to the Recovery Fund will quickly be disbursed to local nonprofits to assist area residents with food, emergency shelter, transportation, medical supplies, utility and housing bills, childcare, and mental health services. There are no administrative fees assessed to the Recovery Fund. One hundred percent of all donations will go to support those in need.  Organizations in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties that directly support local residents and families who are most affected by the health, economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for grants through the fund. 

Funds will also be directed to 2-1-1 and the Regional Resource Connection (RRC). 2-1-1 is a local information and referral helpline that connects people to essential health and human services. The Regional Resource Connection is a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Telamon, and United Way of the Eastern Panhandle. The RRC  links people to social and community services and coordinates efforts to provide households with assistance when state or federal aid is not available or insufficient.  

“We have seen an increase in the number of calls from individuals and families in the community seeking assistance through 211 and the RRC,” said Penny Porter, CEO of United Way of the Eastern Panhandle.  “We also know many of our nonprofit partners are responding to the immediate needs of the pandemic directly, and in doing so are having to exhaust financial resources that may have already been limited.  This Recovery Fund will help our community respond to those needs, and we are so thankful for Procter & Gamble’s support in this effort.  Their generosity will provide support for our Eastern Panhandle families at a critical time.”

"Procter & Gamble remains committed to providing resources to those who need it most through our philanthropic support", commented Keith Busby, Human Resources Leader at Procter & Gamble Tabler Station Site. "This donation represents our focus on meeting the needs of our community during this uncertain time.”

Procter & Gamble was named United Way of the Eastern Panhandle's Gold Award Winner in 2018 and 2019 and continues to demonstrate their commitment to give back to the residents of the Eastern Panhandle through payroll deductions, special events, and community volunteering. 

Agencies interested in applying for funding should visit uwayep.org/covid19fund to complete the application.  

Anyone interested in making a donation to the Recovery Fund can donate now at uwayep.org/covid-19, text COVID19UWEP to 41444, or mail a contribution to United Way of the Eastern Panhandle at 24 District Way, Suite 201, Martinsburg, WV 25404. Those mailing donations should address them to the attention of the UWEP COVID-19 Recovery Fund.  100% of all donated funds will go directly to COVID-19 response and relief efforts.