United Way of Greater Nashville is calling on anyone and everyone who is capable of helping to contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund.
100 percent of the funds raised will go directly to nonprofits and will, in turn, go directly into the pockets of those individuals impacted by wage loss due to COVID-19.
“Government programs can only go so far. It’s up to us to take care of our neighbors, to lift them up when they cannot,” said Brian Hassett, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. “Unemployment is spiking. Paying rent and utilities, getting food and finding basics like diapers is tougher than ever before. We owe it to each other to show up.”
The Fund, led by Mayor John Cooper and philanthropic, corporate and government partners, will quickly deploy resources to community-based organizations to provide emergency assistance including rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and direct financial assistance to those in need. The Fund currently has just over $2 million, thanks to generous gifts from the Frist Foundation, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, and Music City Center. But the need is still vast and funds are already dwindling.
The first round of grants was distributed to five community-based organizations that are working directly with individuals including The Salvation Army, NeedLink Nashville, Catholic Charities, Martha O’Bryan Center, Conexión Américas, and Rooftop Nashville.
“Just days after the Fund was activated, individual donations began to pour in. But we know that these funds will go quickly,” said Hassett. “Our neighbors are suffering; they don’t know how they will provide for their families. We desperately need community support. All gifts—big or small—will make a real difference for those who are struggling: the servers, the musicians, the moms and dads who have kids to feed.”
To contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit nashvilleresponsefund.com or text NashvilleUnited to 41444.