Special to Iredell Free News
The Iredell County COVID-19 Response Fund has awarded $109,890 to nine local organizations serving those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The funds will help groups on the frontlines of response to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare and education assistance.
The fund was launched in March by the United Way of Iredell County and the Iredell County Community Foundation (a regional affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas) in partnership with United Way of Central Carolinas. Grants were awarded by a volunteer-led advisory group of local leaders.
In total, through five rounds of grantmaking, the fund has awarded more than $554,000 to 26 local organizations.
“The economic, educational and social disruptions caused by COVID-19 have been an incredible challenge for families across our community,” said Brett Eckerman, executive director of United Way of Iredell County. “Our organizations were tasked with stepping up to meet that immediate need, and have worked in close partnership with local partners, donors and volunteers to serve the food, shelter and health needs of more than 70,000 of our neighbors since March 15. As federal grants continue that vital work, our organizations will strive, as always, to meet the most pressing and urgent needs of our community.”
The latest round of grants includes:
• $28,250 to Iredell-Statesville Schools to provide Wi-Fi for students;
• $19,500 to FeedNC (Mooresville Soup Kitchen) for food for distribution;
• $20,000 to HealthReach Community Clinic for prescriptions and medical supplies;
• $3,940 to G4G Ministries for food for distribution;
• $5,000 to Pharos Parenting for parent training and support;
• $4,000 to South Yadkin Baptist for food for distribution and cleaning supplies;
• $4,200 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Piedmont for cleaning supplies and at-home kits;
• $15,000 to Iredell Christian Ministries for food for distribution; and
• $10,000 to Salvation Army – Iredell County for food and utility support.
“These grantees are offering support to our neighbors who need it the most,” said David Green, chair of the Iredell County Community Foundation. “These funds guarantee that emergency assistance persists at this unprecedented time. We have shown the impact we can have when we come together as a community.”
“We are so proud of the commitment and hard work of the grants committee,” added Shane Ruffin, regional development director at United Way of Central Carolinas. “When we began this effort months ago, everyone was ready to roll up their sleeves and do what was necessary to get financial resources to the agencies directly helping the people in need. United Way is more necessary because of the coronavirus pandemic, and we will continue to meet the growing needs of the community through our annual grant process.”