Kahului HI— Maui United Way (MUW) launched Phase 2 of the Emergency Safety Net Fund as the need due to COVID-19 continued to escalate. In Phase 1, MUW was able to support 26 agencies and was able to get the funding to all nonprofits who applied quickly to address emergency needs.
In Phase 2, MUW focused its funding to bridge the gaps in the areas of food security, child care, and personal protective equipment. The nonprofit community
presented these areas of need through MUW’s Phase 1 Safety Net Fund reports and a Safety Net Survey that was sent to the nonprofit sector. In Phase 2, MUW received 27 applications and
was able to fund 13 of them with the funds available. MUW is working hard to bring in additional resources to support the other nonprofits in need right now. The non-profit agencies who have
received Phase 2 Safety Net funds are listed.
The Phase 2 application was due on August 21st and funds were awarded on September 4th, 2020. The safety net funds will provide many families financial relief in this time of uncertainty and for non-profits, the ability to continue providing the vital services our most vulnerable people need.
Maui United Way announced they have distributed $127,000 to 26 Maui nonprofits for “safety net” relief in response to the impact of the pandemic.
Maui United Way staff have been working remotely since March 23, 2020. (Top (left to right) Nicholas Winfrey and Sherry Yamashita. Bottom (left to right) Makana Nunes and Angela Stewart). Photo courtesy: Maui United Way.
The fund, commemorated by Maui United Way’s 75th Anniversary, was set aside from the agency’s reserve resources and launched in late March. Since then, corporate support from Hawaiian Electric Company, Sentry Insurance Foundation, and the Bendon Family Foundation has allowed the fund to reach more non-profits doing critical work in the time of need. The non-profit agencies who have received Safety Net funds are listed.
Funds were distributed beginning April 4, 2020, and will continue to be distributed as needed. The safety net funds have provided many families financial relief in this time of uncertainty. For many they were able to stay safe in their homes, provide food for their keiki, and for many of our non-profits, continue providing the vital services our most vulnerable people need. Below are just a few examples of the great work being done with Safety Net Resources.
Maui Youth and Family Services’ foster parents take in youth who are often unable to succeed in other foster homes and more often than not, they are successful in helping youth learn to trust in their security. Keeping their youth secure is a vital part of their plan to help these young people become successful adults. The safety net funds helped two foster parents make ends meet to ensure the families could afford to continue keeping the youth in their care.
Aloha House was able to keep its participants in the Sober Living Program (SLP) in a safe place during the pandemic while some of them lost their jobs and were on the verge of being on the streets and susceptible to using again. One of their participants shared, “I’m very glad to be housed here at SLP during this pandemic because it is a safe place during these hard times and the staff here are very helpful in making sure our safety and health are of importance and for that I am grateful”.
Hana Arts was able to purchase 36 tablets and 9 laptops for students of the H?na School who did not have access to distant learning before. These students now have access to all the resources available online, and can tap into the wealth of knowledge provided through Hana Arts art instructors and Hana School Schoology.
To donate or to find out which organizations are eligible or receiving funding, click here.
Kahului HI— Maui United Way announces $75,000 to be earmarked as ‘safety net funding’.
The fund, commemorated by Maui United Way’s 75th Anniversary, will be set aside from the agency’s reserve resources. Launched with $75,000, the safety net funding will respond to the following areas impacting residents of Maui County: food, rental and utility assistance, education and medical. These funds will be offered in individual grants to non-profits supporting these specific areas within Maui County.
“We are looking to ‘seed’ the initial fund to support our community with the intention of fundraising throughout the corporate, individual and government sector,” said Nicholas Winfrey the agency’s Chief Professional Officer. “I would look at a rolling grant cycle for a period of 6 months, with the potential to expand the timeframe based upon community needs. We are seeking additional support from the government and corporate partners to join us in our efforts.”
Similar funds have been launched throughout the continental U.S. in response to the projected economic impact of COVID-19.
“Many residents of Maui County in the service, tourism, and hospitality industries are without work for the foreseeable future,” said Jacob Tavares Maui United Way’s board president. “The fund will provide emergency grants to nonprofit organizations above and beyond our programmatic funding.”
Maui United Way is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to empower our Maui community through caring partnerships that enrich people’s lives.
To donate or to find out which organizations are eligible or receiving funding, visit www.mauiunitedway.org
For more information about Maui United Way call 808.244.8787 or visit the above website.
