United Way of the Desert Starts COVID Relief Fund

United Way of the Desert Launches COVID Recovery Fund to Raise $116,000 By Year’s End

COACHELLA VALLEY – After disbursing over $1.1 million  to the Coachella Valley since the beginning of COVID, United Way of the Desert sets a new goal of raising $116,000 before the end of the year.

United Way of the Desert seeks to maintain household stability among Coachella Valley residents financially impacted by COVID-19 through providing up to $250 in funds. Nearly 50% of families in the Coachella Valley struggle to meet basic needs of food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, and are one paycheck away from homelessness; Families in crisis are often forced to choose between buying food for their children or paying their bills because there is simply not enough money for both. While some Coachella Valley organizations provide rent, utility, and other assistance, funds are exhausted quickly and the increased need for financial supports caused by COVID-19 far exceeds available resources.

Through the COVID Recovery Fund, United Way of the Desert seeks to reduce the financial burden families in crisis face, sustain household stability, and ensure that gaps in existing basic need services are filled, especially for families impacted by COVID-19.

United Way of the Desert CEO, Kristal Granados, expressed her hope for the future amidst COVID. “We know that people in our community were struggling well before the pandemic hit our area. Being one of the oldest nonprofits in the Valley, we’ve seen our area experience many things, but nothing like this. That being said, United Way was built for this kind of crisis. We are already a community convener so when the time came to draw funds to our area to provide resources, we were able to move quickly and effectively. The support we continue to see is incredible and we are well on our way to meeting and exceeding our current fundraising goal of $116,000. Putting money into the hands of people who need it and offering what hope we can is how we will continue to help the Coachella Valley rebuild, reimagine, and recover from this pandemic.”

Through key relationships, United Way of the Desert has raised $109,000 towards this fund before going public and looks forward to not only meeting, but exceeding their goal. To get involved, click here and click the ‘Donate’ button on the right side of the screen. For the first 100 people who donate $50 or more, they’ll receive a United Way mask as a “Thank You” for joining a family of people who #LiveUnited and strive to make the Coachella Valley a better, more equitable place for all to thrive.

United Way of the Desert is an independent 501(c) 3 organization that has been serving local residents for more than 70 years. Its mission is to break the cycle of poverty in the Coachella Valley through mobilizing the caring power of community. Its Community Impact Fund – a focus on the areas of education, financial stability and health programs – allows it to provide more than 150,000 instances of annual support to local residents in need. Collaborative work with local programs, business partners, and community leaders is what differentiates the United Way of the Desert.

The organization caters to critical needs, while simultaneously building positive and long-lasting community change. For more information: (760) 323-2731 or visit UnitedWayoftheDesert.org. United Way of the Desert is located at: 73710 Fred Waring Dr., Suite 104, Palm Desert, CA 92260.