Rapid Response to Wildfires: initial $200,000 invested in local efforts
Initial investment supports organizations in McKenzie River Valley meeting urgent needs of those impacted
Thanks to a significant outpouring of support from the community in the last few days, United Way of Lane County has just disbursed $200,000 in wildfire response funds, the first in multiple rounds of funding for organizations addressing immediate needs of those impacted by the fires.
Knowing how urgently financial support would be needed, United Way launched its Wildfire Response Fund on Wednesday, September 9, pivoted staff time and resources to fundraising, understanding immediate needs on the ground and coordinating with service providers, and has already received over $300,000 in response funds to invest.
As of Monday, September 14, United Way has invested $200,000 in the following organizations serving the McKenzie River Valley communities:
McKenzie Community Development Corporation ($50,000) to provide support to multiple community building efforts in the McKenzie River Valley.
McKenzie Education Foundation ($20,000) to provide support for local school district efforts
Blue River Health Clinic/Orchid Health Clinic ($20,000) to provide support for health care services for clinic patients.
McKenzie River Food Pantry ($10,000) to provide food and other services to pantry clients.
and an additional $100,000 to Catholic Community Services to provide direct financial support to individuals and families impacted by the fires.
“We are heartbroken by how these fires have upended lives and communities throughout the region,” said Noreen J. Dunnells, President and CEO of United Way of Lane County. “We’re ensuring organizations on the ground can continue to provide for people’s safety, health, and day-to-day needs. We know the impacts of these wildfires will last weeks, months, even years, so we thank the community for showing up so quickly, and encourage that we all brace for the long haul as we continue to find ways to provide for the immediate and long-term needs of our communities.”
United Way is currently reviewing applications from other organizations seeking funds to address immediate needs of those impacted, with the next round of funds being disbursed later this week. Applications from organizations will be accepted on a rolling basis at www.unitedwaylane.org/response-fund-application, and United Way will continue to distribute grants as long as funds are available.
Community members and organizations interested in giving to United Way’s Wildfire Response Fund can donate online at http://egiving.unitedwaylane.org/wildfires; by mailing checks with “Wildfires” in memo line to United Way of Lane County at 3171 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477, or by calling (541) 741-6000.
With the long term impacts of the fires still yet to be seen, community members can also support United Way’s on going work in the community by making a contribution to the Live United Fund at www.unitedwaylane.org/donate.