The Clarion County COVID relief fund is open and is an extension of a program already operated by the Clarion County United Way called the Neighbor Aid Fund.
The need is great, said Clarion United Way executive director Melissa Fulton.
“We are trying to help people keep their head above water,” Fulton said.
“It’s great that mortgages can be delayed and that utilities can’t be shut off but eventually those are going to come due. There are still people who have not received unemployment yet or received their stimulus money so they have gone six or seven weeks without any money coming in,” said Fulton.
The United Way set a goal of $5,000 before accepting applications for relief.
“We just opened up the application process on May 1,” said Fulton. “We are working right now primarily with non-profits that have been hit by this. Food banks are serving more clients than usual and first responders have had to cancel fund raising events.
The application is online on the United Way’s Facebook page and through Bridge Builders Community Foundations. The organizations themselves can then apply for that money.
“The non-profits had to cancel fundraisers because of the COVID but they are still going to have clients to serve,” she said. “Some of the people who donated to these organizations in the past are now having to go to these organizations for help.”
The United Way had to cancel its Clarion River Jam Bluegrass Festival. Fulton said other money-raising activities may have to be postponed or canceled in the coming months.
“We see immediate needs as well as long term needs. Even when people get back to whatever the new normal will be there will be a need. Folks will still have to pay mortgages and rents and some businesses may not be operational right now,” she said.
Donations to the Clarion County COVID-19 Relief Fund can be made on Facebook, at the United Way website or by sending a check to United Way of Clarion County, P.O. Box 207, Clarion.