Search
Close this search box.

$70,000 for COVID-19 relief provided to 15 local non-profit organizations

United Way Emerald Coast released their third phase of grant money totaling $70,000 to 15 local non-profit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties from their COVID-19 Relief fund.  Since United Way began the COVID-19 relief grant process, they have provided a total of $140,000 back to 19 vetted local non-profits.  United Way works with hundreds […]

United Way Emerald Coast released their third phase of grant money totaling $70,000 to 15 local non-profit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties from their COVID-19 Relief fund.  Since United Way began the COVID-19 relief grant process, they have provided a total of $140,000 back to 19 vetted local non-profits. 

United Way works with hundreds of partners to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of Okaloosa and Walton county residents. Their COVID-19 relief grants provide support to non-profits who provide housing assistance, utility assistance, healthcare, child care, and food security to working households negatively impacted by COVID-19. 

“Because of the sudden economic impacts of COVID-19, many local hard-working households are still struggling to make ends meet.  Our non-profit partners are trying to do all they can to rise to the challenge of these uncertain times,” said United Way CEO Kelly Jasen. “We are proud to support their efforts – and thousands of local families – with these COVID-19 Relief Grants. We are incredibly grateful for the corporate partners, individual donors, and volunteers who are stepping up to help our community address these unprecedented needs. Because of these partnerships, Phase 3 funds were allocated to 15 vetted non-profits supporting the people hardest-hit by this pandemic.”

The 15 local non-profit organizations selected to receive funds include:

  • Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
  • Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast
  • Caterpillar 2 Butterfly Outreach Center
  • Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
  • Children in Crisis
  • Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast
  • Feeding the Gulf Coast
  • Fresh Start Children & Families
  • Homelessness and Housing Alliance
  • Mental Health Association
  • Okaloosa County Council on Aging
  • One Hopeful Place
  • Opportunity Place
  • S4P Synergy
  • The Salvation Army

The non-profits were required to submit a COVID-19 relief grant application in order to be considered for funds. Each non-profit will also be required to submit results, showcasing how the funds were able to directly impact the families and individuals their organizations support in the community. 

“Since March 1st, Opportunity Place has received 239 calls from individuals and families seeking shelter. We were only able to shelter 27.  The funds from United Way and Gulf Power will enable us to help those that we are unable to shelter, but who still have pressing economic needs,” said Kathryn McNabb Cochran, PhD, Executive Director. “The funds will be used to prevent homelessness by covering rent and utility costs for those facing eviction and to help those already experiencing homelessness get back into their own home by covering re-housing costs. These funds will go a long way in preventing and relieving homelessness in our County during this pandemic.” 

The COVID-19 Relief Fund was made possible by several local businesses:

  • Eglin Federal Credit Union
  • Gulf Power Foundation
  • Florida Blue
  • Publix Super Markets
  • Wind Creek
  • Beast Code
  • Truist Foundation
  • Beach Community Bank
  • Wells Fargo
  • Whole Foods
  • 40 individual donors

To support the COVID-19 Relief Fund, please visit www.united-way.org/relief.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Very glad to see this project going through,we don’t live here but we brought our bikes here from misssouri and drove over to 30A to ride”
Respond
“I suggest revising this statement: "doubling the number of travel lanes from the current four to six" since doubling four does not yield six.”
Respond
“No there was never one here.”
Respond
“Sad that I know him and had no idea!”
Respond
“One of the most important issue regarding this matter is: was this x-con provided with an opportunity to learn a trade while locked up for 327 months or was he...”
Respond
“Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I seriously question the integrity of the yellow media and low-intelligence commenters for spewing such damagaing rhetoric before this case has even been...”
Respond
“I take it that he only did half of 27 years which is 13 1/2 years .He apparently missed his inmate friends. What made him think he could get away...”
Respond
“How can we get this started at Bluewater ? yeah Mrs Crist , still loving and making a difference in children’s lives .”
Respond
“This is such an awesome idea! Ms. Crist was my daughter Valerie's 2nd grade teacher when Valerie attended Bluewater Elementary School! Ms. Crist was born to teach!! Nellie Bogar, Youth...”
Respond