Resources for our Community

During this time of crisis, heroes ask for help.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another. Sometimes it's tough to know where to start when seeking resources. Whether your employees, co-workers, friends or neighbors are struggling, we want to help find the resources needed. Your support has enabled us to bolster the 2-1-1 service in our area as well as help establish a legal hotline for those adversely affected by the pandemic. Find out more about what resources are available in our area and where to go for help.

COVID-19 Resources

A Path Forward, Together.

A message from our CEO

The past few months, in many ways, transformed our lives and our community. Yet, in such a challenging time, the thing that gives me great hope and inspiration is seeing how quickly our community has come together.

Since the establishment of the United Way of North Central Iowa COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund, we have been able to distribute $37,000 to area nonprofits during this crisis. Twenty-one agencies have been funded through our relief fund program. The support that our community has given has enabled our partners to provide families with meals and emergency assistance, ensured the safety at child care centers, helped our direct services providers with PPE, and established a legal hotline for those affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our 2-1-1 service has covered thousands of calls and helped match countless north Iowans with resources with the help of dedicated resource specialists.

The total impact is truly remarkable, but what I’ve found incredibly encouraging is hearing the stories of why our neighbors give. One donor shared that they felt the need to make sure that those in the community he called home, were safe during this time. Corporate partners stepped up and helped even when their own future was uncertain. This is what it means to be in community with each other. The relationship between giving and receiving is not a straight line, but circle where we give because we receive. We build each other and as a result, we make our community stronger.

From $10 to $1 million, each gift is making an impact. This amazing network of donors are ensuring that resources continue to flow into our neighborhoods, providing services and support to our neighbors. They continue to demonstrate the power that we have when we come together – individuals, businesses, government and nonprofit – to address the needs of our region.

We couldn't do what we do without you!

Sincerely,

Jen Arends

COVID-19 Disaster Relief Spotlight: Mohawk Market

Since being awarded COVID-19 Disaster Relief Funding, Mohawk Market has been able to help over 100 families receive food during the pandemic. Often times, children and families rely on the food provided by the schools to supplement their grocery budget. Nearly 42% of kids in north Iowa qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. This program has grown tremendously since it began with a United Way Small Grant in 2019. One Mohawk Market teacher stated, " We box up food on Mondays. On Tuesdays, as our volunteers set out to deliver, we get to see the smiling faces, the children that this grant has impacted. We know that we are providing them with their basic needs during an incredibly difficult time." Watch their video below to find out more about the Mohawk Market. (Video is from 2019).

Find out more!

Find out more about the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund, the agencies that have been funded, and how United Way of North Central Iowa is making a difference during the Coronavirus Pandemic. We believe in our community and we know that we couldn't have done any of this with out the generous support of our donors.