COVID-19 Fund for Idaho distributes second grants
The COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund for Idaho has approved nearly $600,000 for organizations throughout Idaho that are helping low-income individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, food insecurity and/or domestic violence, along with those in need of physical or mental healthcare, and childcare.
This is the second consecutive week of grantmaking. Approximately $300,000 has been sent each week. Grants will be made every week in April.
In North Idaho, high-need grants will go to the following organizations. Needs are changing quickly, so organizations have flexibility to use the funds to meet their greatest needs.
• Bonner Homeless Transitions – $15,000 for program fees for families for up to two months, including internet access for students to complete homework, facility utilities, client financial assistance for monthly bills, groceries and extra maintenance costs related to COVID-19. Mission statement: Helping homeless families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency and increase the quality of their lives.
• Hayden Senior Center – $2,000 to purchase groceries, carry-out containers and additional sanitation supplies. Mission statement: The Hayden Senior Center is dedicated to reaching seniors in Hayden and surrounding area, to provide resources that aid in achieving a healthy, active and independent lifestyle.
Two organizations received grants for their statewide efforts:
• American Red Cross of Greater Idaho – $25,000 to ensure it has enough workers and resources to collect vital blood products, and to create a public awareness and targeted outreach campaign to remind the public about the importance of donating blood. Mission statement: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
• The Idaho Foodbank – $25,000 to increase food distribution by 30 percent, keep community pantries and school pantries stocked and open, adopt a prepared food box model for Mobile Pantries and provide emergency food boxes to vulnerable populations. Mission statement: to help feed, educate, and advocate for Idaho’s hungry through a network of collaborative partnerships and develop efficient solutions to strengthen individuals, families and communities.
To give, go online to idahocf.org/covid-19. All donations received will go to organizations helping those in need.
• Team Wallace, Inc. – $11,225 to prepare and serve meals in a socially distant manner, seven days a week to individuals who cannot afford food. Mission statement: To assist the population of the greater Wallace community by establishing an infrastructure that would continue to benefit the community for years to come.
• Reliance Ministries – $4,000 to purchase formula, diapers and wipes for clients who are homeless or impoverished because of this pandemic, in addition to medical supplies for STD screening and fees associated with tests. Mission statement: We exist to offer cost free holistic reproductive health care, support and essential life services to the men and women of the Lewis-Clark Valley and surrounding areas.
• St Vincent de Paul Salvage Bureau – $10,000 to maintain the men’s and women’s shelters. Mission statement: To provide supportive services, safe and sanitary emergency shelters and to facilitate a continuum of care that helps end the cycle of homelessness and poverty.
• St Vincent de Paul Society - St Francis of Assisi – $10,000 to help an estimated 100 men, women and children with emergency rental or housing assistance to prevent evictions and homelessness in Latah County. Mission statement: To provide emergency crisis financial assistance to all individuals without regard to race, sexual orientation, nationality or religion affiliation on a person-to-person basis within Latah County.
Grant applications were reviewed by a Rapid Response Team and approved by a Steering Committee. Both are comprised of local community members, nonprofit leaders and others. Final approval comes from the ICF Board Executive Committee.
The COVID-19 Fund for Idaho received significant support from foundations, companies and individuals throughout Idaho. Lead Funding Partners are: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Micron Foundation and Micron’s Boise team members, Wells Fargo Foundation and Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.
The partners in the effort are: Idaho Community Foundation, Idaho Nonprofit Center, United Way of Treasure Valley and United Ways throughout Idaho, including: Twin County United Way (Lewiston), United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, United Way of Moscow/Latah County, United Way of North Idaho, United Way of South Central Idaho and United Way of Southeastern Idaho.