The United Way of Chatham-Kent is continuing to work with the community to help out those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the pandemic started several weeks ago, the organization has introduced several initiatives to assist the municipality's most vulnerable.
Some of the initiatives include opening up an emergency support application and need discovery surveys with the over 550 non-profit groups in Chatham-Kent.
According to CEO Steve Pratt, identifying and helping to fund critical needs including food, transportation and mental health support, was one of the first priorities.
"We're really trying to keep our fingers very firmly on the pulse of the community and its been really great, it's been working really well right now," said Pratt. "Just the sheer number of people involved, literally hundreds of people are involved in this process. "
One of the groups most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, according to Pratt, is those facing poverty.
Pratt added that a big challenge has been encouraging people to reach out for help if they find themselves becoming overwhelmed during the pandemic. Although he recognizes it can be hard to ask for assistance, he's reminding people to reach out as soon as possible.
"People who run into challenges often don't reach out for help at the first sign of trouble. Usually, it's two, three, four, five things that slip out of control before you're able to reach out and ask for help," said Pratt. "That becomes a very challenging situation to try and address."
At the start of the pandemic, United Way Chatham-Kent also announced CKGives, a website that acts as a centralized source where people can find different resources for support.
The United Way has recently received $49,800 in funding from the federal government for the New Horizons Seniors Program. Pratt said those funds should be distributed within the next two weeks.
"Those dollars are to support the current organizations that are already working with vulnerable seniors in our community to help fill some of their immediate needs which has disrupted their ability to provide services during this time," he explained.
The United Way is also going to be receiving federal funding through the Emergency Community support Fund.
"We'll be working together to identify the local needs to disperse funds in the community locally. We're still awaiting details from the government on how this will work," said Pratt. "They've announced the funding but not the details."
In addition, so far the United Way has raised $168,000 throughout the community, which will stay local.
"That's dollars that have actually come through the door. Through all of that, we've already invested over $100,000," Pratt said.
One of the biggest topics, according to Pratt, is the need for access to food during the pandemic.
The United Way, in collaboration with community leaders and local businesses, has organized the May 16th Miracle. The food drive encourages every Chatham-Kent resident to leave non-perishable food items on their doorstep at noon on May 16. All donations will be given to food banks and organizations across the municipality
Pratt said within the first 48 hours, over 200 volunteers signed up to help with the event. He praised the community for its willingness to make sure no one in Chatham-Kent is left behind.
"In the communities where the community comes together and they work in a united way... in terms of doing that, the outcomes are much, much greater," he exclaimed. "We know that we are doing that in our community, we're coming together like we always do."
Pratt is encouraging anyone who is struggling right now to call 2-1-1 or visit the United Way's website.
