You Can Still Apply for United Way’s COVID-19 Response Fund

According to a press release from United Way of Greater New Bedford, area residents are still feeling the impact of COVID-19. It’s an uncertain time and many are finding themselves in financial situations where they have to choose between food, rent, and/or medication.

United Way of Greater New Bedford has stepped in to help, and the City of New Bedford is actively supporting the effort. United Way established the Help United – Greater New Bedford COVID-19 Response Fund at the beginning of the pandemic to assist residents affected by the Coronavirus. This fund provides cash assistance to out of work service workers and retired or out of work seniors over 65 in the Greater New Bedford area.

‘United Way is no stranger to helping those in most need in our community. We have been working around the clock to ensure people have what they need during this difficult and uncertain time,’ said Michelle N. Hantman, President & CEO. ‘We’ve set up the Help United Fund to assist residents financially and our Hunger Commission is making sure local food pantries are well stocked.’

‘The COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly turned upside down the lives of many of our fellow residents of Greater New Bedford, some of whom will not be eligible for federal relief. It is with them in mind that United Way launched this fund,’ said Mayor Jon Mitchell. ‘I encourage everyone in our region to step forward with whatever you can afford in support of our friends and neighbors.’

You can make a donation to the Help United Fund by texting HELPUNITED to 313131 or visiting unitedwayofgnb.org.

‘We aren’t sure how long our community will be impacted by the coronavirus, but the more donations we receive, the longer we will be able to support residents and keep them in their homes,’ said Hantman.

Those looking for assistance from the fund can review the guidelines and apply at unitedwayofgnb.org/help-united.”