The Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund has grown to almost $700,000 and continues to raise and deploy resources to local organizations.
The fund was launched recently through a partnership between United Way of the Ohio Valley and the Green River Area Community Foundation. The selection council — which is made up of philanthropic partners, city and county government representatives, and community representatives — has already awarded 19 grants totaling more than $125,000, according to a release.
The following agencies have requested and received funds:
• Audubon Area Head Start
• Catholic Charities – Diocese of Owensboro
• Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club
• Daniel Pitino Shelter
• Help Office of Owensboro, Inc.
• Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky
• Lewis Lane Baptist Church
• Methodist Home of Kentucky – Mary
• Kendall Campus
• New Life Church of Owensboro
• Ohio County Food Pantry
• Owensboro Faith Fellowship
• Owensboro Family YMCA
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• St. Benedict Joseph’s Shelter
• St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children
• Tenth Street Missionary Baptist Church
• The Salvation Army-Owensboro
• Wendell Foster
Grants are made based on agency and population needs, population served and the impact of the services on the target group.
The Fund targets capacity-expanding funds to agencies who are:
• Providing food to food-insecure populations
• Helping vulnerable populations access medical needs
• Helping area residents in need of transportation assistance
• Helping those sheltering vulnerable populations
“As there are many unknowns with this pandemic and its economic impacts, the fund is designed to be adaptable and transparent in its goals and focus, which will evolve as community members and nonprofits in our region share their needs,” the release reads. “We expect that there will undoubtedly be a crucial need for funds to aid in the rebuilding of people’s lives, along with many unanticipated community needs many months from now.”
In its first phase, grant distribution will be limited to the following services:
• Organizations providing food assistance to food-insecure individuals
• Shelters providing care to clients with current and emerging medical needs
• Organizations providing assistance to the most vulnerable populations
Funding requests received prior to noon on Wednesdays will be considered for funding that week. The council will choose to fund, not to fund, or to hold applications for consideration for a future date.
Successful applicants will be notified by email, and checks will be mailed once the council makes funding decisions.
Donations to the Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund can be made online or checks can be made to “Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund” and mailed to P.O. Box 705, Owensboro, KY 42302.
Information for charitable agencies to request funds can also be found online here.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
