For Immediate Release:
May 14, 2020
For more information contact:
Kerry Richards, City of Brockton
krichards@cobma.us | 508-942-5386
Brigid Boyd, United Way
bboyd@supportunitedway.org | 339.236.1161
Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and United Way Launch Brockton Together Fund To Help People Impacted by COVID-19
Brockton, MA -- In an effort to mobilize resources to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan today announced the establishment of the Brockton Together Fund in partnership with United Way.
As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools, and homes, many in Brockton are being impacted in ways they never imagined. Businesses who make up the backbone of Brockton’s local economy have significantly reduced their hours or have been forced to close. People who are not paid if they are not working are trying to figure out how they will make ends meet. The Brockton Together Fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so, generously, in support of their neighbors.
“I am so pleased that both the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley are working with the City to truly help our community and residents. This collaborative effort will benefit many people within the City of Brockton. During this unprecedented health crisis, the Brockton Together Fund will provide much needed resources and aid,” said Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan.
The Brockton Together Fund, which will be seeded by a $20,000 grant from United Way, is being established to mobilize resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable during the pandemic. National Grid Foundation is contributing $10,000 as an initial supporter of the new fund.
The fund will deploy resources through nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of our city. These funds will cover the costs of essential needs including, but not limited to, rent, food, utilities, internet connectivity, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities. At this time, this fund is not intended to support nonprofit capacity. It will rather focus on the basic needs of families. Priority will be given to those who are most economically vulnerable to this crisis. All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by established Brockton nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds.
“United Ways have always been fighting to meet the most urgent needs of our neighbors, so it makes perfect sense for our United Way of Greater Plymouth County to be working together with our colleagues from United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley to assist in generating life-saving resources for families and individuals in the City of Brockton during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dennis Carman, President and CEO at the United Way of Greater Plymouth County.
“During times of uncertainty and crisis, people come together to support one another. COVID-19 is a test of our collective strength,” said Michael K. Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “As unemployment continues to soar, United Way is proud to partner with the City of Brockton and community leaders to help individuals, children, and families who are worried about feeding their families and paying their bills during this unprecedented crisis.”
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via nonprofits already working in our community. Donations can be made by credit card or through a donor advised fund online or by sending a check to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, PO Box 51381, Boston, MA 02205-1381. Please make checks out to United Way of Massachusetts Bay and include “Brockton Together Fund” in the memo of the check.
In the coming weeks, Brockton Together Fund will add more detailed information on fund eligibility requirements and information about how individuals can apply for assistance. Individuals and families who need immediate help should contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit mass211.org for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus.
###