The United Way of the Ohio Valley and the Green River Area Community Foundation have joined forces to launch a COVID-19 response fund with the goal to quickly raise and deploy resources to local organizations in Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties.
“The Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund is designed to complement the work of local public health, nonprofit, faith-based organizations, and government entities to expand local capacity to support the influx of individuals and families experiencing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 virus and related economic disruptions,” according to a press release from Amy L. Silvert, executive director of the Green River Area Community Foundation.
Both Daviess County Fiscal Court and the City of Owensboro each already pledged $150,000 each.
Judge-Executive Al Mattingly said he was pleased to hear the organizations were joining forces.
“For years I have encouraged our local non-profits to work together, to break down invisible silos, and this partnership between the United Way and the Community Foundation does just that,” he said in the release. “I applaud the creative and selfless service of these two organizations.”
Mayor Tom Watson offered the City of Owensboro’s support and encouragement.
“This is what makes our community so special,” he said.
Other initial sustaining partners are the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation, the Public Life Foundation of Owensboro and the Lawrence and Augusta Hager Educational Foundation. Owensboro Health, Independence Bank and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce committed to supporting the effort before the launch.
“I have always been proud of my community for many reasons, but the compassion and generosity we have seen before this effort has even left the gate is so encouraging,” Silvert said. “Individuals and organizations were looking for a way to help, and were relieved to find we were creating a fund where they could combine their donation with others to make an even greater impact.”
Grants will be administered by the Green River Area COVID-19 Response Council consisting of representatives of United Way of Ohio Valley, Green River Area Community Foundation and representatives from additional Response Fund sustaining partners. Grants will be distributed on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs.
Donations to the Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund can be made online at https://uwov.org/covid-19-relief-fund/ or checks can be made to Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund and mailed to P.O. Box 705, Owensboro, KY 42302.
Grant applications for nonprofits are currently being developed. The process for charitable organizations to request funds will be made available and announced by Friday.
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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.
