United Ministries is one of fifteen agencies to receive funding from the United Way of West Florida COVID-19 Response Fund. Funding was awarded to agencies in Escambia and Santa Rosa county that directly serve clients in need of food, rent, or utility assistance. United Ministries values this partnership with United Way of West Florida, and the efforts all agencies to serve our community in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Read the full release below:

UNITED WAY OF WEST FLORIDA DISTRIBUTES $246,266 IN PHASE ONE OF COVID-19 RESPONSE FUNDING

PENSACOLA, FLA. – April 16, 2020 United Way of West Florida (UWWF) has distributed its first phase of COVID-19 Response Funding to nonprofit agencies providing direct support to impacted individuals and families in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The COVID-19 Response Fund will target assistance to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households that have been economically impacted by the pandemic with expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, childcare, and other household expenses.
“The ALICE population has been significantly affected by this pandemic,” said President and CEO, Laura Gilliam. “These are hardworking individuals, but one missed paycheck can lead to financial crisis, which is where many of them are now.”
Phase One is disbursing roughly 70% of the fund for immediate, basic needs via an expedited grant process to current UWWF Certified Partner Agencies. Remaining and additional funding will be distributed at a later date and will focus on community priorities. To facilitate the distribution process and approve Phase One grants, United Way of West Florida convened a COVID-19 Response Fund Committee comprised of board members and community volunteers.
The following organizations are receiving Phase One disbursements totaling $246,266. As United Way of West Florida Certified Partner Agencies, these organizations are annually vetted to ensure their financial health, governance, and nonprofit best practices.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
• Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida 
• BRACE
• Covenant Hospice
• Epilepsy Florida
• Community Health Northwest Florida
• Feeding the Gulf Coast
• Gulf Coast Kid's House
• Health and Hope Clinic
• Manna Food Pantries
• Outreach Navarre
• Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola
• The Salvation Army
• South Santa Rosa Interfaith Ministries
• United Ministries

Agencies will not give money directly to individuals but will work with local vendors like landlords or utility companies, and food will be distributed by agencies. Recipients of COVID-19 funds through this grant process will be required to submit bi-weekly reports regarding disbursement of their funds.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, BRACE, Covenant Hospice, Epilepsy Florida, Gulf Coast Kid’s House, and Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola will assist their own clients. For information on how to access assistance, please dial 211.
UWWF’s COVID-19 Fund has received corporate contributions from the Gulf Power Foundation, Florida Blue, Beach Community Bank, and Navy Federal Credit Union. An additional 66 individual donations total nearly $11,000.
“The outpouring of support from our community has been inspiring,” said UWWF Board Chair, Jack Lowrey. “We’ve had significant corporate contributions, individual gifts, and some folks have donated their Economic Impact Payments to us,” he added. “No matter the size, they all make a difference in our ability to respond to this unprecedented time as a community.”
To make a donation to United Way of West Florida’s COVID-19 Response Fund, text 850Respond to 41444 or visit www.uwwf.org/covid19fund. Businesses considering a corporate contribution are encouraged to contact Director of Development, Bart Hudson, at bart.hudson@uwwf.org.
Individuals in need of information about available resources or services are encouraged to contact 211 Northwest Florida, powered locally by United Way of West Florida. Simply dial 211 or visit www.211nwfl.org to speak with a trained Information and Referral Specialist. The program is completely free, confidential, and available 24/7.

United Way of West Florida is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every citizen in our community. UWWF has operated locally for 96 years with a vision of a community United to create better opportunities for all. By investing in programs, participating in partnerships, and leveraging resources, UWWF works to meet a mission of Uniting our community to improve lives.
-END-

Dear United Ministries partners, donors, volunteers, and clients

At United Ministries, our preeminent concern is the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and clients. Therefore, due to concerns regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), effective Monday, March 23 United Ministries’ office will be closed. United Ministries staff will continue to monitor client requests and referrals.

Clients in need of assistance can click here to submit a web request  Additionally, clients are encouraged to contact landlords and utility companies, many of whom are making accommodations in light of COVID-19 and may offer some form of relief upon request. 

On or before April 6, United Ministries will announce continued office closure or resumption of normal operations. We will continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.

Families in our community have already and will continue to experience the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. To support families with rent and utility bills, click here to donate.