As a convener and provider of resources, United Way has always been uniquely positioned in the community, in partnership with the nonprofit and government sector, to respond, provide assistance and support residents during times of uncertainty.
March 3, 2020
County Executive George Latimer deems United Way’s 211 Helpline as the point of information to Westchester residents about COVID-19.
March 22
Putnam County designated the 211 Helpline as its point of information.
March 1st – May 10th
United Way’s 211 Helpline received more than 29,000 calls with more than 17,000 of them being related to the COVID-19 crisis, and we anticipate these to increase in the hours, days and weeks to come. We are currently fielding up to 400 calls a day, which is 100% more than our normal call volume. These are calls from frightened residents seeking information about symptoms, quarantine protocols, and testing sites, as well as access to basic human needs affected by the crisis.
March 21, 2020
United Way of Westchester and Putnam was deemed an “essential business” by Empire State Development according to the revised New York State Executive Order 202.6 because we provide basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations and provides essential services to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies.
March 12, 2020
United Way and Nonprofit Westchester, along with our partner Nonprofit Westchester, convened executives from Westchester nonprofits as well as representatives from county, state, and federal government to assess the needs that the nonprofits are seeing through their work and develop a collaborative action plan to address these community issues.
A similar event was held in Putnam County for local nonprofits via Zoom on April 14th.
United Way of Westchester and Putnam sent out a survey to over 1,000 nonprofits in our community to hear directly from them what their needs are.
We have also been collaborating local funders in Westchester, Putnam and the Hudson Valley region to ensure coordination and efficient response efforts.
March 18, 2020
United Way of Westchester and Putnam activated up to $50,000 from The John M. Bendheim Community Response Fund to provide grants to local nonprofits directly helping the underprivileged, marginalized or ALICE populations (those who are employed but are living paycheck-to-paycheck) and who are displaced or actively impacted by the Coronavirus in Westchester County.
Additionally through our Bonwit Fund we will provide $15,000 in grants to nonprofits directly providing in-home services, such as telehealth or the delivery of meals or groceries, for senior citizen, or individuals who are chronically ill, or immune-compromised during the crisis in Putnam County.
And we are providing $35,000 in grants around Food Insecurity to nonprofits working to alleviate hunger in both Westchester and Putnam Counties.
These grants represent the first of several rounds of funding United Way of Westchester and Putnam will offer in response to COVID-19 crisis.
Since March 23, 2020
United Way of Westchester and Putnam has partnered with nonprofits and local food establishments to provide more than $10,000 worth of professionally-prepared meals to hundreds of Putnam County and Northern Westchester residents who are senior citizens, disabled, or who are immune-compromised as well as first responders and healthcare workers.
April and May 2020
United Way of Westchester and Putnam organized three food distribution events in Putnam County and distributed more than 25,000 pounds of food to approximately 2,500 families (including more than 600 that were delivered to seniors and immune compromised) during this time of need, thanks to our partnerships with Putnam County Government and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.
While United Way of Westchester and Putnam remains committed to our community, its residents, businesses and the nonprofit sector, WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOU – we need help and financial support now more than ever.
We are all in this together. Thank you.
Other Ways to Give:
Mail a check made payable to United Way of Westchester and Putnam to our secure lockbox at: United Way of Westchester and Putnam Gift Processing Center, Box 8000, Department 952, Buffalo, NY 14267-0002.
You can make a credit card contribution over the phone by calling our controller at 914.997.6700 x 708.
You can make a gift of securities directly to United Way. Please call our controller at 914.997.6700 x 708.
You can make a gift through your Donor Advised Fund by requesting that a grant be made from your fund to United Way.
If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift using the charitable IRA rollover. ($100,000 maximum annually).
You can recognize a special friend or family members by making a gift in their honor or memory.
You can leave a legacy of your local support with a gift to United Way in your will or estate plans.
· Checks mailed to United Way must be postmarked by December 31, 2020. · Credit card contributions must be completed by December 31, 2020. · Stock transfers must be completed and asset received by United Way by December 31, 2020.
Your donations are used to support the Putnam and Westchester communities.
United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s (UWWP) last financial report filed with the office of the Attorney General is available at uwwp.org, and upon request, may also be obtained by calling UWWP at 914-997-6700 ext. 708 or at the UWWP office at 336 Central Park Avenue, White Plains or from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or 28 Liberty Street, NY, NY 10005 or by calling 212-416-8401. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by the law.