GURNEE – United Way of Lake County has established the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support local nonprofit organizations serving Lake County’s most vulnerable neighbors.
The fund, established in collaboration with Lake County Government, Lake County Community Foundation, and Lake County Municipal League, unites monies raised by Lake County philanthropies, corporations and individuals to be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the county, according to a news release.
Lake County’s health and human service organizations are experiencing a huge surge in demand for critical services from neighbors and communities significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Across industries, commerce is suffering as people remain in their homes. Hourly and tipped workers with little to no savings are already losing vital income, and as the economic impacts spread, many jobs may be at risk. As schools close, children who receive free meals at school are in danger of going hungry and people who are homebound are having difficulty accessing food.
For nearly 75 years, United Way of Lake County has been there for children and families in the community. The 211 information and referral helpline is responding 24/7 to increased calls and texts providing personalized help guiding people in need to available resources.
As of March 18, pressing needs identified are food programs, especially for the elderly and homebound, rent and utility assistance, access to health care, as well as many others.
Residents can support United Way's local nonprofit partners through the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Together, we can ensure they have the vital resources needed to address critical needs in this time of crisis, including emergency food assistance, rental and stable housing assistance, utility assistance, access to health care, and the many unforeseeable needs that are arising and being identified through the 211 information and referral helpline.
To make an online donation, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/covid19.
To pay by check, make payable to United Way of Lake County and note “COVID-19 Community Response Fund” on the check. Mail to United Way of Lake County, 330 Greenleaf Street, Gurnee, IL 60031.
For information or questions about supporting the fund, contact Quinton Snodgrass, United Way of Lake County’s VP Resource Development, at Quinton.snodgrass@uwlakeco.org or 847-775-1046.