PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Amid the uncertainty created by the global COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of Aroostook has announced plans to help Aroostook nonprofits during the crisis.
United Way has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund to give emergency financial assistance to 501-c3 non profit organizations who work with people directly affected by issues related to the pandemic, such as housing, unemployment, community health, senior citizen and youth outreach, among others.
Sarah Ennis, United Way executive director, said there is no deadline for organizations to apply, and that the fund amount for each nonprofit will depend on the emergency it is facing and its most immediate needs. An organization can apply as many times as needed, but only if facing an emergency.
United Way has $25,000 in the Response Fund, which has come from the community, through specifically designated individual and business donations, as well as statewide gifts, grants and a partnership with local television.
Thus far United Way has assisted Aroostook County Action Program provide diapers, wipes and toilet paper to 50 families who found themselves in dire need after the pandemic in Maine led to increased financial hardships.
United Way also provided funds to Adopt-a-Block in Houlton to purchase necessary supplies that became in-demand for the people they serve.
“We’re working collaboratively with different organizations to help solve problems and make sure people’s immediate needs are met,” Ennis said, about the mission of the Response Fund.
With COVID-19 cases rising in Maine and beginning to occur in Aroostook County, area nonprofits have led the way in providing additional meals to school-aged children, delivering food to senior citizens and connecting with community members during the time of social distancing.
But the unexpected and quick changes that have occurred in Maine and locally have brought more financial pressures to the nonprofits themselves.
“They’re all seeing a large increase in the need for their services,” Ennis said.
COVID-19 has also affected how United Way operates many of its programs.
Typically in mid-May and early June, United Way staff and volunteers from Katahdin Trust visit elementary school classrooms for the Summer Slide program. Children receive backpacks filled with free books and activity sheets that they can complete and submit for the chance to win prizes. United Way ends the summer with special reading celebrations.
But this year staff and volunteers are putting together packages of books and activities that they will send to children at their homes, in an effort to abide by social distancing.
After initially postponing its largest fundraiser, Northern Star, to May, United Way has now canceled that event to focus on meeting immediate COVID-19-related needs. Ennis said that United Way is looking at possibly holding the talent competitions in October.
“Northern Star was a big loss for us, but right now COVID-19 needs to be our focus,” Ennis said.
People who wish to contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund can donate online, or by texting. Organizations who want to learn more about the funds can email Ennis at sarah@unitedwayaroostook.org.
