United Way helps meet basic and emergency needs
Food. Shelter. Clothing. These are basic needs most of us take for granted.
Hurricane Katrina. The ice storms last December. The power outage in summer 2006. When an emergency strikes, do you know where to turn? Do you know how to find help or give help?
In metro St. Louis, United Way helps here.
In November, we launched United Way Missouri 2-1-1, an expanded information and referral helpline for health and human services, as well as basic and emergency needs. It now covers more than 9 out of 10 people across the state of Missouri. By partnering with 10 other United Ways, and with funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health, United Way of Greater St. Louis is ensuring that every Missourian will have access to resources that will keep them safe. Trained I&R specialists can direct callers to food pantries, shelters and places to get rent and utility assistance. 2-1-1 also serves as the first call for volunteers during an emergency, sending callers to locations to donate food, clothing or time to help in a crisis.
United Way also helps by funding agencies that provide basic and emergency needs. When the heat wave of summer 2006 hit St. Louis, it was the last thing Louise and Gary needed. Their 29-year-old daughter Michelle had cerebral palsy and epilepsy, and the 100-degree heat could send her into seizures.
“We were desperate, and she was struggling to breathe,” said Louise. “Our other air conditioner conked out, and we had no way to keep the house cool for her.”
To help low-income families who were struggling during the 2006 heat, the United Way awarded Home Services, Inc., with a one-time grant. The grant allowed the agency to screen families in need of heat relief, like Louise and Gary, and provide them with air conditioner units. The one-time intervention from Home Services protected Michelle during one of the most dangerous times of her life.
United Way funds more than 36 member agencies that help meet basic and emergency needs in a variety of ways. Chapters of Salvation Army, American Red Cross and MERS/Missouri Goodwill meet a wide range of needs. Food banks and emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence are there for residents in emergencies. Local funded agencies provide basic needs to residents across metro St. Louis, such as Community Care Center in Granite City, Ill., Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, PAKT Community Resource Center in Ferguson, Mo., and Provident in St. Louis.
February 11, 2008 will be proclaimed “Missouri 2-1-1” by cities and counties across the state. Celebrate with us by telling someone you know about 2-1-1, visiting the Web site at www.211missouri.org to find out more and being grateful for the abundance of resources available to us in metro St. Louis. With your help, United Way is meeting basic and emergency needs throughout the region.