Coronavirus Relief Fund Established in Henderson County

Hendersonville, N.C., March 20, 2020 – Today, officials from United Way of Henderson County and Community Foundation of Henderson County announced that the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund has been established to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of coronavirus in Henderson County.

The Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible resources to 501(c)(3) organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the resulting economic consequences. Grants from the Fund will support front line human services organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable populations. The first phase of rapid-response grants will help meet basic needs and increase resiliency for at-risk populations. The Fund expects to move an initial round of grants within the next few weeks. The Fund is designed to complement the work of government and public health officials to address the effects from the coronavirus in Henderson County.

“We believe in the power of community -- to demonstrate care, to lift one another up, and to enrich lives,” says President/CEO McCray V. Benson. “With the coronavirus (COVID-19) now declared a global pandemic, we cannot help but think of all those we know and care about around our community. Working together is a hallmark of how we get through and succeed in the type of conditions we face during this event.”

United Way of Henderson County Executive Director Denise Long notes, “United Way feels fortunate to be part of this caring, generous, and resilient community. Our local government, healthcare providers, emergency service, and schools are doing tremendous work to respond to the crisis. Our local nonprofits are a key piece of the essential services in this community as well, and their efforts will be needed now more than ever. This fund will help to ensure their work continues. “

An advisory committee of representatives from local government and community institutions working directly with impacted populations will proactively identify emerging community needs, strategies to meet those needs, and potential grant recipients. The Fund Distribution Committee will review applications and determine final awards. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout this event and subsequent recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.

An application form for organizations to request phase one funds will be available on United Way’s and Community Foundation’s websites beginning Monday, March 23.

How to Give:

  • Checks: payable to the “Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund” c/o Community Foundation of Henderson County, 401 N. Main St., Ste. 300, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

  • CFHC Donor Advised Fundholders: request a grant transfer to the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund by calling the Foundation at 828-697-6224.

  • Corporations and foundations: to make a donation, contact Denise Long or McCray Benson at the email addresses listed below.

For questions about the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund please contact Denise Long at dlong@liveunitedhc.org or McCray Benson at mvbenson@cfhcforever.org.

NC211 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information & Resources
If you need information about COVID-19 or assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing childcare, or other essential services, dial 211 or visit www.nc211.org to reach United Way’s resource and referral line.

About United Way of Henderson County
United Way is advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life in Henderson County. If you would like more information or would like to make a donation, contact United Way of Henderson County at PO Box 487, Hendersonville, NC 28793, 828-692-1636, or visit online at liveunitedhc.org. You can also find UWHC on Facebook and Instagram.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County
Founded in 1982, Community Foundation of Henderson County’s mission is helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. CFHC accepts gifts from individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create a permanent pool of charitable capital from which grants are awarded. Learn more about Community Foundation of Henderson County at www.cfhcforever.org, and by calling (828) 697-6224.

# # #