The United Way Perth Huron has added a new charity to their annual campaign.
The Perth Huron United Way's Manager of Community Development, for Goderich, Central Huron, A-C-W and Huron East, Michelle Millar, said the Urgent Needs Fund has existed for some time but this year, they're including it in their regular campaign in recognition that these are very difficult times.
“The Urgent Needs Fund is designed to support local people," said Millar. "In a time of crisis, things like rent, groceries, car repairs, child care, any of those incidentals that just might put them over the edge. We know that when you have that emergency come up it might just be the breaking point.”
The 211 telephone service is another program run by the United Way and helps them deliver the Urgent Needs Fund program.
“Someone who is in crisis or in need would call 211 and then that person who answers the phone, with 211, would know the community, knows there are other programs or agencies that could help them first," said Millar. "They would get them connected.”
If there's nothing available that works, those people would then be able to come back and draw from the Urgent Needs Fund. The 211 phone line is available 24/7 and can provide help in 150 languages.
Millar said it's very important that people know the 211 program exists and can help them navigate tough times.
More information about the Urgent Needs Fund can be found here.
