Traumatic events such as the recent winter storm that ravaged San Antonio can devastate a person’s life or family in an instant. Once a crisis hits, the stress can make it difficult to know where to turn.
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County was better able to help those in immediate need thanks to grants from the Nationwide Foundation ($100,000), TEGNA ($100,000), and the Tres Grace Family Foundation ($25,000). The gifts made it possible to quickly provide support to United Way Safety Net Impact Partners who serve the thousands of individuals and families who were affected by the winter storm emergency.
The combined donations resulted in $10,000 grants for those United Way community partners who qualified by providing basic needs during the storm— such as food, housing, utility assistance, and plumbing repairs–for individuals and families.
“We appreciate the trust placed in United Way and our network of caring nonprofits who are making a difference in people’s lives when it’s needed the most,” said Chris Martin, United Way president and CEO.
In an interview with KENS-5 TV, Dawn White, CEO and President of Christian Assistance Ministry, said, “We do like to view [ourselves] as the emergency room of social services. We tried to prepare for it, but once we found ourselves in the middle of this catastrophe, we began quickly distributing items. Groceries, clothing, and even putting some clients into temporary hotels.”
The snow and ice storm threatened many residents’ emotional and physical well-being, but United Way partners always step forward in times of crisis.
“We are … the boots on the ground type of nonprofit. When I don’t have to sit around worrying about how we have to pay for something and I can just do the work that is needed, that’s an incredible gift.,” White said.
In San Antonio, United Way invests in 29 emergency care programs at 15 agencies that provide people with the most immediate safety net needs, focusing on short-term assistance that leads to self-sufficiency. For help anytime, please call the 2-1-1 Help Line 24/7/365. Calls are free, confidential and can be conducted in English or Spanish.
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