August 12, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties Grants $92,144 in COVID-19 relief grants to local organizations.
KOKOMO, IN – PRESS RELEASE – The United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties created the COVID-19 Emergency Fund at the beginning of the pandemic that allows us to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations that are offering emergency relief to families and individuals in need and also working with unbudgeted expenses related to COVID-19.
“While we are acting quickly, the needs of our community continue to grow exponentially. To date, we have awarded 12 Rapid Response Grants to community partners in total of $92,144 on top of the annual grants awarded by the United Way. We are incredibly proud to award these grants to our community’s organizations who are providing uninterrupted resources during this time” – Rex Ambrose, United Way Serving Howard and Tipton County Board Chair
The Boys and Girls Club of Tipton County was awarded $1,500 to provide lunches for TIpton County Students.
Bona Vista Programs was awarded $4,500 for technology to work from home plus supplies to help continue providing services for individuals with and without disabilities in Howard County.
Advantage Housing was awarded $15,000 for an Isolation Center for homeless COVID -19 residents.
Area 5 Adult Guardianship VASAI Program was awarded $2,550 for technical equipment to keep staff and volunteers connected to vulnerable elder populations during COVID quarantine.
Gilead House was awarded $16,750 for therapy/counseling services for uninsured clients. Funding will also help with housing expenses for clients in residential programs.
Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry was awarded $10,000 for processing cost approximately 8,600 pounds of donated livestock.
Kokomo Rescue Mission was awarded $5,000 for meal services, sanitation and protective supplies.
Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center was awarded $9,844 for medical supplies, baby essentials and a pregnancy/parenting training curriculum.
Samaritan Caregivers was awarded $8,000 for a new telemedicine service to connect vulnerable seniors to remote medical care.
Turning Point Systems of Care was awarded $15,000 for cell phones and phone plans to keep connected with clients at risk during COVID closures.
The Family Service Association of Howard County was awarded $3,000 for technology that will allow employees to work from home and continue to safely serve families 24 hours a day. The funds will also be used to provide food and essential supplies for families in crisis.
Coordinated Assistance Ministries (CAM) was awarded $1,000 to supply food and hygiene items for homeless individuals in our community.
Bona Vista Programs, Family Service Association of Howard County, Samaritan Caregivers and Turning Point were awarded COVID-19 grants on top of their annual grant.
We are continuing to review grant applications, making it possible to share resources quickly and provide funding to adapt to the evolving needs of Howard and Tipton Counties. Applications should be emailed to Carman Toler, at ctoler@unitedwayhoco.org
Call or text 765-457-4357 or text ACCESS to 85511
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About United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties
United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Using community input, the non-profit crafts local impact plans that work to end generational poverty. In Howard and Tipton counties, United Way is working to put children on a pathway out of poverty with the #75in5 initiative, with the goal of having 75% of children ready to learn by Kindergarten. Learn more at UnitedWayHoCo.org