United Way helping area residents hit by virus
Organization is leading our community in caring for those who are suffering in other ways, from food insecurity to job loss
As you know, we are faced with an unprecedented crisis. As of Friday, there were more than 475,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our country. More than 17,900 have died —
121 in Virginia. More than 17 million people filed for unemployment in the last three weeks. Lives are disrupted due to fear and uncertainty. Worse still, there is no clear end in sight.
As a leader in health care, I can attest to the tremendous response by our frontline teams. I am immensely proud of the way the health care community in Hampton Roads has pivoted to care for the needs of our patients and our team members.
As the chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads Board of Directors, I am also extremely proud of the way this organization is leading our community in caring for those who are suffering in other ways, from food insecurity to job loss to family instability.
In the three weeks since launching the Coronavirus Response Hotline, United Way has received more than 1,800 calls. The stories are heart wrenching. “I have a 9-month-old daughter and need support to find formula,” said one desperate mom. “We are not prepared. We have no funds,” said a caller. “I am a bartender and my income has been cut … I will not be able to pay my rent or buy groceries … and I don’t know what to do,” shared another.
I heard a story last week that particularly impacted me. A client who recently escaped a domestic violence situation was working hard to make a better life, finally living on her own. Then the economic impact of COVID-19 hit. She was working overtime at three jobs and was laid off by all three. Thankfully, United Way was at her side, keeping her safe and independent, by helping her navigate the unemployment application and by providing financial support for utilities.
An unprecedented crisis requires an unprecedented response. Accordingly, United Way created a focused plan with three priorities:
Provide Direct Resources & Support to Community Members: Direct service is offered through the Coronavirus Response Hotline (757-858-7777). Individuals and families facing challenges who call are connected to various resources through the Unite Us system. The case management team — a collective effort of United Way and its partners — provides guidance and connects the client to partner agencies or to gap funding from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund.
Support Frontline Partner Agencies: United Way is committed to agencies serving the urgent and essential needs of people impacted by COVID-19. In collaboration with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, United Way launched a rapid response grant program for frontline agencies seeded with $250,000 from each organization.
Build a Bridge to the Future: Following the immediate crisis, United Way will assess the longterm impacts and bring together cross-sector stakeholders — state and local government, school systems, corporations, nonprofits and individuals — to develop and fund collaborative solutions.
What inspires me most about healthcare professionals is how they run toward a medical crisis, ready to help, regardless of the circumstance. They are calm, compassionate and methodical, pulling in other team members when needed. That’s how United Way approaches crisis in our community. If you’ve never fully understood the role of United Way, this is your chance to see them at work. They are both the boots on the ground, jumping to action, and the backbone, mapping out the plan. Through collaboration with key stakeholders across the continuum, United Way helps us forge a path forward out of crisis.
My challenge to you is this — whether of time, resources, money or support — do something to help your community and its members. For those of us who are still blessed with an income and with a safe, healthy family, please step up. Explore virtual volunteer opportunities with VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads. Donate to the foodbank. Make a gift to the Coronavirus Recovery Fund at unitedwayshr.org/coronavirus. Strong community bonds can be forged during times of crisis but only through collective action in support of the greater good.
Finally, and importantly, please keep our community healthy by staying home unless absolutely necessary. Through individual sacrifice for the benefit of the whole, we will flatten the curve of this devastating pandemic.
Joanne Inman is president of Sentara Leigh Hospital and chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads Board of Directors.