United Ways across Missouri will partner with the state to distribute $5 million in TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) dollars to help at-risk families regain self-sufficiency.
The one-time grant from the state will support the immediate basic needs of families in crisis. It will be administered by United Way of Greater St. Louis, in collaboration with United Way of Greater Kansas City and United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas in Joplin, leveraging the distribution networks and expertise of over 20 United Way organizations across the state, said officials.
Hundreds of thousands of people throughout Missouri live in poverty and are struggling to meet their most essential needs, and United Way officials say this funding will empower them by helping with emergency rental assistance, at-risk utilities, and employment-related childcare and transportation assistance. Each year, officials note, Missouri-based United Ways collectively assist millions of local people during times of challenge and are well-positioned to support in this manner via their existing infrastructures.
“On behalf of Heart of the Ozarks United Way, we are proud to partner with our colleagues in the Missouri Association of United Ways and the Missouri state government to make this possible,” said Stacy Tintocalis, executive director of Heart of the Ozarks United Way, headquartered in West Plains. “This grant will help us empower residents of Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Dent and Shannon counties.”
Heart of the Ozarks United Way runs internal programs that provide furniture, emergency shelter and utility deposits for the at-risk population of West Plains and grant funding to 12 nonprofits in Howell and Oregon counties and Fulton County, Ark.. For this one-time grant, Heart of the Ozarks United Way has expanded its coverage area to include Dent, Ozark and Shannon counties, as well.
“I am proud to be able to secure this funding for the United Way of Greater St. Louis. 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,” said State Sen. Brian Williams of the 14th District and St. Louis County. “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.”
Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis said, “This grant enables us to amplify impact through the power of togetherness to make a meaningful difference for some of our most vulnerable. So many of our local neighbors are struggling, and as we infuse these dollars into communities across the state, we will see a renewed sense of hope as we work to effect positive change.”
Funding for eligible families will be available through June 30, or until funds are depleted. Families should go to www.211helps.org/uhons to learn about participating agencies, eligibility criteria and how to apply. Locally, in the Heart of the Ozarks United Way, families can learn more about qualifying for the one-time grant by submitting a screening questionnaire at www.heartoftheozarksunitedway.org.
