For Immediate Release
From: United Way Perth-Huron
32 Erie Street, Stratford ON N5A 2M4
1-877-818-8867 (toll-free) 519-271-7730 (T)
Date: April 30, 2020
United Way’s Urgent Needs Fund Expands to Help Individuals Directly
Stratford, ON — Having already funded over a dozen programs through their COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund to help organizations and the people they serve during the pandemic, United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is making funds available through Social Services in Perth and Huron Counties to individuals and families in need.
“COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis and many people are struggling to cope, particularly our most vulnerable,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Organizations are doing incredible work across Perth and Huron but sometimes needs fall outside existing programs and that is where the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund for Individuals comes in. It’s important for us to put our arms around everyone in the community and help them get through this.”
UWPH’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund for Individuals is administered by the City of Stratford Social Services Department on behalf of Perth County and the Huron County Social & Property Services Department on behalf of Huron County. People looking for help, whether paying a bill or buying groceries to get them through the week, are encouraged to visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca and download an application form. Huron residents can also find application forms at huroncounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Urgent-Needs-Fund-Application-Individuals.pdf.
- In Perth County, submit applications via email to rbrown@stratford.ca, or drop off or mail to Social Services, 1st floor, 82 Erie Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 2M4
- In Huron County submit applications via email to owteam501@huroncounty.ca or drop off or mail to Huron County Social and Property Services, 77722D London Road, RR 5, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0
If someone is unable to submit their application by email or postal mail, call Social Services directly at 519-271-3773 x 277 in Perth or 519-482-8505 x 4501 in Huron. Mail applications may be slower due to possible mail processing delays. Funding is limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis provided eligibility criteria is met. Applications open Monday, May 4.
“We’re happy to be partnering with UWPH to help citizens get the help they need,” said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson. “We want to ensure everyone is supported through this pandemic.”
“This is an extraordinary time requiring innovative solutions,” added Huron County Warden Jim Ginn. “Huron County has been working hard to help residents in need and this partnership with UWPH is an added layer of support for individuals and families.”
To donate to UWPH’s COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund, go to give.unitedway.ca/donate/WSTRAT-UWPH or call the United Way offices at (519) 271-7730 between the hours of 8:30 am and noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
About United Way Perth-Huron UWPH is a 100% local organization working to address #UNIGNORABLE issues like poverty, homelessness and mental health in our communities. Thanks to United Way and people across the region, over 39,000 of the most vulnerable in Perth and Huron Counties have a brighter future. To show your #LocalLove by donating or volunteering, call 519-271-7730 or 1-877-818-8867, mail to 32 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4 or visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca
For more information or to set up an interview with Ryan Erb, Executive Director, contact (519) 276-0097 or email info@perthhuron.unitedway.ca