https://www.unitedway.org/nourishing-community https://www.unitedway.org/resilient-communities
×

Sign me up for updates. Sign up now

×
Donate Take Action
Press Release

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Contributes to United Way

Alexandria VA, May 7, 2020 – United Way Worldwide today announced that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made a significant contribution to the United Way Community Response and Recovery Fund to support the United Way 211 non-emergency response network. The 211 network, which typically handles between 11 and 13 million conversations with clients by phone, text and web chat per year, is currently experiencing a 200-400 percent increase in call volume as a result of COVID-19.

“We’re deeply concerned about those we consider to be our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of COVID-19,” said Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We want to help and know we can rely on trusted partners like United Way to reach those who are in greatest vital need.”

United Way will use the Church’s donation to support relief efforts in local communities and to strengthen and expand the 211 network. 211 has become the go-to source for people throughout the U.S. seeking the most current information on support services available to them. State and local officials in more than 31 states have enlisted 211s to handle queries about COVID-19 information and where people can get connected with vital services.  Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more families are requesting help for essentials like food, financial assistance and housing.  The 211 network is answering more than 75,000 calls per day (compared to the typical 35,000) and communicating with more than 500,000 people by text.

“United Way extends our deepest gratitude for the generosity and compassion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Suzanne McCormick, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. "The donation to the United Way Community Response and Recovery Fund will provide critical support to communities across the U.S. and to the 211 teams who are working around the clock to help our most vulnerable populations find the help they need in the face of this pandemic."

Please visit 211.org to learn more.

About United Way 
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 8.1 million donors worldwide and $4.8 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited. 

About 211
211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services and childcare and family services. Last year, the 211 network responded to over 12 million requests for assistance across the U.S. The service is available to over 94% of the U.S. population, including in Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, and is also available in most of Canada. Individuals in need or who are looking for information for someone else can call 211 from a cell phone or landline or visit 211.org for more contact options.

Media Contact

United Way Worldwide 
Southerlyn Reisig 

Director of Public Relations 
(703) 836-7100 ext. 321 
Southerlyn.Reisig@uww.unitedway.org