HELP NEEDED: COVID-19 Funding Requests to Trident United Way Exceed Balance

Press Release

More help is on the way to Tri-County groups in phase two and three awards from Trident United Way’s Tri-County COVID-19 Response Fund, but the needs are far outweighing resources available.

This week, Trident United Way will be distributing the second and third phase of awards totaling $74,000 to seven organizations. Those groups had requested $214,000, which was more than what is left in the response fund.

Last week, Trident United Way awarded $165,000 in grants to eight community groups in the first phase of COVID-19 response.

Needs will likely continue as a recent economic analysis by Trident United Way shows COVID-19 will have up to a $2 billion negative economic impact by the end of May.

“We are proud to help our partners who are working so hard to help people across the Tri-County, but the reality is this crisis is not going away and more help is needed now,” said Caroline Byrd, Trident United Way vice president of advancement. “The regional unemployment rate has tripled in the past two months and people who never imagined needing help before now find themselves in desperate need.”

Groups were selected via a peer review process that ensured a wide range of basic needs were met in several areas including housing, food, financial, utility, medical and basic needs assistance. The Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina has assisted in this process.

COVID-19 Response Fund phase two and three awardees

• Charleston Area Senior Citizens’ Services
• Charleston County First Steps
• Charleston Jewish Family Services
• Palmetto Community Cares
• Humanities Foundation
• James Island Outreach
• Origin SC

The Tri-County COVID-19 Response Fund is administered by Trident United Way, in partnership with The Post and Courier. Trident United Way is underwriting all costs associated with disbursing 100% of the funds going directly to COVID-19 response and relief efforts.

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