Unprecedented Need: Unprecedented United Response

BOSTON -- Eighteen United Ways from across the Commonwealth announced today that they are responding to widespread increases in need by uniting for a new statewide drive to provide emergency assistance for basic needs this winter. The emergency appeal, called the Community Support Fund, will leverage the support of residents from all corners of the Commonwealth to create a safety net for individuals and families in crisis. The Fund will work in concert with Mass2-1-1, United Way’s free health and human service hotline, which will enable people to donate to the fund or access help.

“The United Way is stepping up its efforts at a time of great economic uncertainty in Massachusetts,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “I commend the spirit of community and common cause that this shows.”

It is the first time that United Ways across the state have joined together under a singular community-wide response. Because the community need demands immediate action and because so many families and individuals will need help this winter, United Ways across the state have agreed to distribute 100 percent of the funds raised in their local communities without overhead costs.   The special appeal comes at a time when many United Ways are raising annual funds in their regions for work on behalf of children, youth and families, but the increased need necessitates a response on top of those targeted efforts.

 “Changes in the economy have created a new breed of need,” said Michael K. Durkin, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “Nearly a million people from towns and cities throughout Massachusetts are finding themselves in the position of earning too much to qualify for public assistance but not enough to make ends meet. The Community Support Fund aims to keep individuals and families from the point of financial crisis.”

The community is already responding to United Way’s emergency appeal. Liberty Mutual and the Barr Foundation gave significant gifts to jump-start the Community Support Fund in Boston and the Merrimack Valley region. On Monday, The Boston Foundation also announced a contribution to the Fund.  Award-winning advertising agency PARTNERS + simons developed a multi-media advertising campaign for the Community Support Fund pro bono, and is seeking additional partners to produce television and radio public service announcements to raise awareness of the community need and how people can help.  WCVB-TV, The Boston Globe, New England Cable News and Comcast have signed on to provide the campaign with pro bono media placements for the ad campaign.

The community response comes as the challenges facing families and individuals in the region continue to grow. A survey in the spring by a group of Massachusetts hunger relief agencies found 52 percent of pantries ran out of food and couldn't meet their demand in the past year. This year food prices have seen their highest increase in 17 years. Milk prices have increased 21% over the past year and egg prices are up 35%. All of the state's emergency shelter beds for families (2,400) are currently filled due to these economic pressures, forcing housing officials to resume the practice of sheltering more than 600 families in hotels and motels around the state. 

One hundred percent of the United Way Community Support Fund dollars will be distributed in the communities in which they were raised as emergency assistance to families and individuals.  United Way will issue grants from the Fund to partner agencies able to assess the greatest need, act swiftly, and provide supportive services this winter.
 
Residents who want to learn about where to go for emergency financial assistance can contact 2-1-1 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or visit http://supportunitedway.org/csf. The Mass 2-1-1 hotline is prepared to connect callers with help for basic needs and other health and human services. 2-1-1 is also equipped to collect donations to help families in need.  

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