United Way's Response to COVID-19
The Need
The COVID-19 pandemic created a crisis upon a crisis for Greater Cleveland. Families who were one missed paycheck or unplanned expense away from poverty suddenly found themselves unemployed and unable to buy basic resources and at risk of losing their apartments or homes. People of color, already facing poor health outcomes, have suffered from the coronavirus at more than twice the rate compared to other populations.
The Help
But our neighbors did not face this crisis alone. Our community came together to extend a hand to those who needed help. United Way of Greater Cleveland and a coalition of community partners from across every sector led and strengthened efforts to weather this storm.
March 2020:
United Way 211 began a partnership with the Cuyahoga and Cleveland Departments of Health to establish a Coronavirus Helpline to address health-related questions.
When the economy shut down, community leaders, donors and United Way saw the urgent financial needs in the community and sprang into action by becoming part of the Greater Cleveland Rapid Response Fund. As of October 2021, the Fund had awarded nearly $19 million to 215 nonprofit agencies in Northeast Ohio.
April 2020:
The All for the Land: COVID-19 Relief Live Telethon raised $160,000 for United Way and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
United Way and nonprofit partners provided sanitation stations in easily accessible areas to help Cleveland’s homeless population protect themselves from the virus.
Learn More
United Way 211
United Way 211 connects callers to nonprofit agencies that provide emergency housing and other housing-related needs. Dial 211 or visit 211oh.org to connect with a navigator who can help.
United Way of Greater Cleveland is funding four Community Hub grants that are tackling issues related to housing stability. Learn more about our partner agency programs:
