CAPE GIRARDEAU — In partnership with the State of Missouri and the Missouri Association of United Ways, United Way of Southeast Missouri will assist to 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, helping them regain self-sufficiency.
The Missouri Association of United Ways (MAUWs) serves 90% of Missouri’s total population.
Missouri-based United Ways collectively assist millions of local people annually during times of challenge and are well-positioned to support in this manner via their existing infrastructures.
Hundreds of thousands of people throughout Missouri live in poverty and are struggling to meet their most essential needs.
This 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.
Senator Brian Williams, who represents the 14th Senatorial District in St. Louis County, worked closely with United Way of Greater St. Louis in forging this collaboration between United Ways and the state. Williams states, “I have been a champion for the United Way for a long time, but this is the first time that the State of Missouri has made a financial investment in this organization. I am glad we were finally able to do this. Our communities and state government recognize how impactful United Way has been to the people they serve across the state. They are always good stewards over the funding they receive, and we have faith that they will put this grant to good use to serve even more Missourians.”
The funds are being distributed by multiple United Way partners and agencies across the state and are determined by population. According to Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of United Way of Southeast Missouri,
“Funds for the counties we serve amount to more than $100,000 to help people in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, and Scott counties. 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 now through June 30, 2024, or until funds are depleted.
Families living in UWSEMO’s four-county footprint should call First Call For Help at 573-334-HELP (4357), the United Way helpline that is staffed by a licensed social worker.
Families outside of UWSEMO’s footprint can call 211, which is United Way’s information and referral call center, or visit www.211helps.org/uhons/ to learn about participating agencies, eligibility criteria and how to apply.