We all feel how the coronavirus pandemic has derailed our normal lives. But can you imagine if your home, a shelter that provides a nurturing environment and basic resources for your children, was suddenly no longer safe and you had nowhere to go? For too many of our neighbors this is a reality. Organizations like Bethany House are working vigorously to address these immediate needs.

Photograph courtesy of Bethany House

Thanks to the generous support of this community, the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund was able to provide safe shelter to 40 single mothers and their children during this time of crisis.

“The impact of the additional funds we received was tremendous. It allowed us to move forward quickly to move our families to safe hotels,” says Executive Director of Bethany House Services Susan Schiller. “Had we not received this support, I’m not sure what we would have done.”

The funding also helped provide food, sanitizers, and activities for kids. This rapid-response fund was activated by Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) and United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC). The fund has already distributed more than $4.6 million into the community and will continue to support those in our communities who are most disproportionately affected by—and most vulnerable to—the health, economic, education, housing, and social impacts of the crisis.

“The partnership between GCF and UWGC is powerful,” says GCF President/CEO Ellen M. Katz. “Our collective resources and reach will ensure the most ample, effective and efficient philanthropic response. I am so inspired by our generous donors and their unwavering commitment to our community.”

In response to the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic, Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati have activated the cross-sector COVID-19 Regional Response Fund to quickly address the critical needs of our community. To learn more about the organizations impacted by this fund, visit www.covid19regionalfund.org/impact.