KANKAKEE, IL. — The United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties has established a COVID-19 Community Response Fund to provide flexible resources to 501c3 organizations in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties working with local communities who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic consequences.
The economic impact of COVID-19 has further exacerbated challenges faced by many households within Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. As a result, many of these families will turn to programs funded by United Way to feed their families, access health care and medications or pay rent and other bills.
United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties will respond to the needs of community members by providing operating grants to help fund front line human services organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable communities.
The first phase of rapid-response grants will increase resiliency of households by addressing the economic impact of loss of income due to unpaid absence, illness or job loss directly or indirectly due to the virus, increased childcare needs due to school and child care closures, and potential risk of not being able to pay housing, utility and food bills due to financial strains.
United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties will administer grants from the Fund. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.
Donations can be made online on their website here or by mailing a check to: United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, PO Box 1286 Kankakee, IL 60901 specifically marked for the COVID-19 Response.
