03/26/20

Lafayette, Indiana- United Way of Greater Lafayette, The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, and Greater Lafayette Commerce announce a joint effort to bring relief to the area’s most vulnerable individuals and families as well as funded partner agencies as our community begins to experience the short-term and long-term impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. 

United Way of Greater Lafayette has spent the past week assessing the community’s most pressing needs through reaching out to funded partners with a goal of understanding how the recommendations of state and local officials may impact the day-to-day operations of each organization. In addition, United Way of Greater Lafayette was especially interested in learning how subject matter experts are developing solutions to continue to provide necessary support for individuals battling substance use and mental health challenges and will continue this effort as needs evolve. 

The goal of the Tippecanoe County COVID-19 Response Fund is to rapidly deploy resources to local organizations that are offering emergency relief to families and individuals in need and to those who are looking for innovative means to continue to provide support networks for those who need it most. 

United Way of Greater Lafayette would like to thank its lead partners listed above and First Farmers Bank & Trust, Security Federal Savings Bank, Huston Electric, IU Health, Kirby Risk, Lafayette Life Foundation, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and Wabash National for their early contributions to help launch the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Due to their generosity the fund is opening up for public contributions at $110,000. A hundred percent of the contributions to this fund will go toward response efforts right here in Tippecanoe County.

With your support, United Way and our partners plan to provide aid to those who may have the most difficult time recovering from financial setbacks such as seniors, children and low-income families. The fund will be used for a multitude of efforts to help with recovery, including:

• Food distribution to students affected by school closures and other food insecure populations that are isolated or lack access
• Rent, utility, and prescription medication assistance for those displaced by employment interruption
• Access to childcare for families effected by closures especially for essential medical and emergency response staff
• Services and shelter for people experiencing homelessness who lack the resources to stay safe and receive medical treatment
• Access to mental health and substance use services during a time when isolation can significantly impact progress

While economic relief is a large function of this effort, this is also an opportunity to harness the power of collective action. Several businesses, organizations, and individuals have reached out to offer assistance both financially and as volunteers. Offline donations can be mailed to 1114 E. State Street, Lafayette, Indiana 47905. Please include “COVID19” in the memo.