United Way Distributes $250,000 to Struggling Agencies Aiding Families in Need

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Following reports of reductions in charitable giving this holiday season, United Way staff members, including president and CEO Michael K. Durkin, personally distributed $250,000 in emergency relief funding to 10 agencies assisting families with basic needs. The funds were released from United Way's Family Financial Stability Fund which provides basic needs assistance funding to partner and nonaffiliated agencies helping Massachusetts residents each year. United Way is challenging the community to match these funds to address the rising need of families in the region. United Way requests that matching donations be made at www.chooseyourimpact.org/FFSF. 

"The individual residents of our community are hurting, struggling and facing seemingly insurmountable odds," said United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley president and CEO, Michael K. Durkin. "For many residents this is a frightening experience that they feel compelled to manage alone with hard work and determination. We are here to tell these residents that they are not alone. We are here to tell them that we can help and we will help. Now we ask ‘Will you join us?'"

According to data reported today, the Census Bureau is classifying 97.3 million Americans as low-income. When combined with the 49.1 million Americans classified as falling below the poverty line the number swells to 146.4 million, or nearly 1 in 2 Americans.

The level of need is rising throughout the region served by United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley as well as the Commonwealth. United Way's 2-1-1 service has received a significant increase from callers seeking help with housing, utility payments, procuring food, becoming financially stable, veterans services, emergency relief and childcare help. In 2006 United Way's 2-1-1 service received 30,000 calls for assistance, growing to 90,000 calls in 2010. United Way has projected that the 2-1-1 service will receive nearly 100,000 calls by the end of the year.

"This recession has devastated families. It has worn down mothers and fathers who have weathered tough times before and it has added them to its growing list of victims," Durkin added. "However, with a thoughtful, strategic approach to rebuilding the upturned lives of our friends and neighbors, we can right our community."

This morning's emergency funding distribution was allocated as follows:

• The Salvation Army: $30,000
• Greater Boston Food Bank: $30,000
• The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay: $30,000
• Catholic Charities of Boston: $30,000
• South Shore Stars: $30,000
• Greater Lawrence Community Action Council: $30,000
• Travelers Aid Family Services: $27,500
• Tri-CAP: $24,000
• Project Hope: $11,000
• Merrimack Valley Food Bank: $7,500

In addition to helping people on the brink of crisis, United Way's Family Financial Stability Fund serves as an opportunity to connect families with services to help them regain their long-term financial stability. Research shows that it takes families an average of 21 months to regain their stability after a financial crisis. Through the fund, United Way annually helps thousands of residents gain employment and attain financial skills.