COVID-19

 

United Way of Greater Kingsport remains committed in our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. Right now, that fight takes the form of easing access to community resources for families, partnering with food banks and schools to provide basic nutrition, and ensuring that our most vulnerable populations are cared for during this upheaval of daily life due to the effects of COVID-19.

 

The United Way initiative, United WE READ has compiled several resources for things to do with your children while at home with them. Check out the United WE READ Resources

United Way of Greater Kingsport is working to marshal and mobilize local resources to reach those in crisis. But we need you to step up, too. Live United with us today.

  1. Direct people to 211. Contact 211 of Northeast Tennessee is working on the front lines of the pandemic. Expert  211 specialists provide real-time information on social services and other resources to those in need, and make daily reassurance calls to those who are isolated. If you know someone who is struggling, or just looking for a source of reliable information, tell them to call 2-1-1 or visit them online at https://www.contact211netn.org/.
  2. Spare something for the food pantries. As stores run out of bulk food and toilet paper, food pantries are struggling to fill their shelves, even as more people are coming in for help. Consider donating what you can spare, especially non-perishable food and toiletry items. If you or someone you know are in need of food, visit Feed Kingsport for a list of available locations.
  3. Call your friends and family. Even during isolation, modern technology allows us to stay connected. Checking in on friends and family is more than polite right now, it’s essential. And don’t forget elderly neighbors or others living alone. For those requesting daily reassurance calls, call 2-1-1 to be set up for this free service.
  4. Take care of your mental health. If you’re stuck at home, keep busy with hobbies, try out arts and crafts, pick up an old musical instrument, organize family game nights, and step outside for fresh air and exercise. You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself

Even in these uncertain times, no one is powerless to make a difference. Small acts taken together can change the course of the pandemic, bolster those facing economic challenges, and protect the most vulnerable. Today, you can answer the call for compassion, for connection. In a time of uncertainty, you can share the gift of hope.

UWGK continues to follow the guidance from the CDC. We have compiled a few resources for our community non-profits below.

Considerations for Community-Based Organizations

Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People

Choosing Safer Activities


When COVID-19 began to impact our community, we immediately began to assist with relief efforts, setting up a local COVID-19 Relief Fund and joining efforts with our regional United Way partners to form the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia COVID-19 Relief Fund. By the end of June 2020, The United Way of Greater Kingsport provided grants to over 40 nonprofits in our community totaling more than $150,000.