United Way continues wildfire investments with second disbursement of funds

Second round of funding provides shelter, food, and mental health supports to those impacted

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As contributions continue to pour in for wildfire response efforts— coming from McKenzie Valley residents themselves to communities across the U.S.— United Way of Lane County made a second investment in organizations serving those most impacted by fires. On September 17, an additional $64,250 was distributed to 17 organizations working on the front lines of wildfire response efforts.

“Knowing the needs are vast, we prioritized investments to organizations providing food, shelter, transportation, and strong mental health support for those particularly vulnerable at this time and with fewer access to resources,” shared Kori Rodley, United Way’s Equity and Engagement Director.  

Programs Funded

Lane Senior Support Coalition’s grant, for example, will provide low-income senior community members living in rural areas with propane, generators, gas cards, temporary shelter, and other supports. The Center for Community Counseling funding will support no-cost crisis counseling services to low-income, uninsured, underinsured community members and anyone else seeking counseling. The Eugene Family YMCA’s grant will help provide showers and community building activities for families displaced.

The following programs are receiving funding in this first round of applications:

  • Marcola School District 79J ($2,500)

  • McKenzie Bridge Christian Church ($5,000)

  • One Hope ($5,000)

  • Oregon Community Programs ($3,000)

  • Rural Organizing Project ($5,000)

  • Screamin' Jay's Hot Lunch (with Oregon Hospitality Fdn) ($2,500)

  • South Lane Mental Health Services, Inc. ($5,000)

  • The Child Center ($1,250)

  • 8:46 Justice Today ($5,000)

  • Center for Community Counseling ($5,000)

  • Community Outreach through Radical Empowerment ($5,000)

  • Diabetes Community Care Team ($2,500)

  • Eugene Family YMCA ($5,000)

  • Friends of Fish Lake ($2,500)

  • Full Access ($2,500)

  • Lane Senior Support Coalition ($5,000)

  • Mapleton Food Share ($2,500)

“We know we are still in the early stages of responding to this crisis, and will continue making grants prioritizing both immediate response as well as longer term recovery efforts as needs shift,” said Jared Pruch, United Way’s Director of Community Impact. “With the support of donors, we hope to continue investing in community organizations working directly with those most affected by the fire in the weeks and months to come.”

Earlier this week, United Way distributed an additional $200,000 to organizations in the McKenzie Valley outside of a typical application process, knowing rapid access to funding was crucial. Those organizations include McKenzie Community Development Corporation ($50,000), McKenzie Education Foundation ($20,000), Blue River Health Clinic/Orchid Health Clinic ($20,000), McKenzie River Food Pantry ($10,000), and Catholic Community Services ($100,000).

United Way is accepting and reviewing applications from organizations on a rolling basis, and programs can submit more than one application for funding. More information can be found at www.unitedwaylane.org/response-fund-application.

Community contributions ensure Funding response efforts

These grants are possible because of the generosity of our community. If you or your organizations want to contribute to United Way’s Wildfire Response Fund, you can give online at http://egiving.unitedwaylane.org/wildfires; mail checks with “Wildfires” in memo line to United Way of Lane County at 3171 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477, or call 541-357-5709.

With the long term impacts of the fires still yet to be seen, community members are also encouraged to support United Way’s on going work in the community by making a contribution to the Live United Fund at www.unitedwaylane.org/donate.

Wildfires, InvestmentsUnited Way of Lane County