United Way of Southeast Missouri to help distribute $5 million statewide grant
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The United Way of Southeast Missouri will help the State of Missouri and the Missouri Association of United Ways distribute a $5 million statewide grant given as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds.
This one-time grant will help support the immediate basic needs of at-risk families in crisis across Missouri.
The Missouri Association of United Ways (MAUWs) serves 90% of Missouri’s total population.
Hundreds of thousands of people throughout Missouri live in poverty and struggle to meet their most essential needs.
The funding will be used to empower them by helping with stable housing and employment-related expenses, emergency rental assistance, and at-risk utilities. Funds also are included for childcare and transportation—two areas United Way of Southeast Missouri has given recent focus to as obstacles to employment.
The funds are being distributed by multiple United Way partners and agencies across the state and are determined by population.
“Funds for the counties we serve amount to more than $100,000 to help people in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, and Scott counties,” said Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of United Way of Southeast Missouri. “This is a huge opportunity to ensure these designated funds are distributed to the families who need them. We are proud to partner with our United Way colleagues and the Missouri State Government to make this possible.”
Funding for eligible families is available through June 30, 2024 or until funds are depleted.
Families living in United Way of Southeast Missouri’s four-county footprint can l First Call For Help at 573-334-HELP (4357), the United Way helpline that is staffed by a licensed social worker.
“Were working with primarily East Missouri action agency, and also with DAEOC for Scott County which we share with the United Way of the bootheel in Sikeston,” says Shelton.
This funding will help families find some relief and help lighten the load of financial burdens for those who need it the most.
Families outside of UWSEMO’s footprint can call 211, which is United Way’s information and referral call center, or visit 211helps.org/uhons/ to learn about participating agencies, eligibility criteria and how to apply.
