In just weeks of existence, the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund has disbursed funds to a number of organizations aiding those impacted by the pandemic. This week, the fund announced its second round of grants.
In mid-March the fund launched with $50,000 from the United Way of Bucks County and Penn Community Bank. In the time since, financial support has come from PECO, Dow, Foundations Community Partnership, the Bucks County Foundation, and a number of individual donors.
Below are a list of the organizations receiving funding in the second round:
- Ivins Resource Center is using the grant to ensure that prepared meals and groceries can be delivered directly to vulnerable seniors – particularly low-income seniors who are unable to leave home due to COVID-19 concerns. The agency has significantly expanded service to older residents over the past few weeks. They offer contact-free delivery.
- Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank, which has seen a significant increase in need in the past weeks, will provide more than 15,000 diapers in addition to what they are already distributing in Bucks County. They want to be sure that parents of young children get the help they need.
- Salvation Army Lower Bucks Corps is using their grant to provide rental assistance to families whose income has been disrupted by COVID-19. Salvation Army has a track record of effectively supporting clients during difficult times – particularly those who need help with basic needs.
- Emergency Relief Association Food Pantry will use the grant to restock their shelves, including food and personal care items. Prior to COVID-19, the agency was serving approximately 630 children, 686 adults, and 205 seniors each month. The need is growing, and the funds are urgently needed.
- Penndel Mental Health Center is using the funds to provide food and shelter for those who are homeless and experiencing serious and persistent mental illness. This will include tents for those who are displaced, but do not wish to utilize shelters. The nonprofit will also get more Personal Protective Equipment for their staff who continue to assist clients – including those who are unsheltered – in person during the COVID crisis.
“The Ivins Resource Center is extremely grateful to United Way of Bucks County and its partners for this emergency grant. It will help us expand our capacity to serve more shut-ins and other vulnerable residents of Lower Bucks County and keep them safe from coronavirus,” said Eric Stark, a Bucks County nonprofit leader and consultant at Ivins Resource Center.
United Way of Bucks County member agencies can submit grant applications that will be reviewed by a panel of business and nonprofit leaders before being awarded. The funds are quickly released to assist those impacted by COVID-19.
Donations to the fund can be made at uwbucks.org/COVIDrecovery or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 with “COVID Recovery” in the subject line.
Editor’s Note: Publisher Tom Sofield is a member of the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors.
