Beginning in March 2020, York County Community Foundation and United Way of York County joined together to create the York County COVID-19 Response Fund, and through the generosity of the community, raised more than $1,195,000, which has been awarded as grants over the past 18 months.
The York County COVID-19 Response Fund responded to immediate, mid-term, and long-term needs as community needs shifted and emerged since March 2020.
Early in the pandemic, local charitable food sources saw as much as a 300% increase in the need for their services. Through grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund, 12 local organizations were able to distribute 5.4 million pounds of food to more than 93,000 households in York County. Nearly 700 families received rental assistance, allowing them to stay in their homes.
The fund also provided initial funding for Code Blue Emergency Shelter, a ‘cold weather only’ shelter for the homeless during the harsh winter months.
The advisory committees of nonprofits then helped YCCF and United Way identify mid-term education needs for students learning virtually. Four nonprofit organizations received grants to expand care for school-aged children who participated in virtual learning, which allowed their parents to return to work.
Another grant allowed Community Progress Council (CPC) to distribute up to $13 million in CARES Rent Relief Program funding, leveraging local support to disseminate critical federal funds to keep families in their homes. CPC was identified by York County and the Pennsylvania Housing & Finance Agency (PHFA) to process applications for Rent Relief Assistance in York County.
The pandemic raised awareness of some long-term needs in our community, including the childcare staffing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, and housing stability. The fund awarded an $80,000 grant to Child Care Consultants to provide support to York County early childhood education centers with recruitment and onboarding of staff to address the staffing crisis.
The final grant of $376,000 to Tenfold will create a network of support to stabilize households currently in rental housing.
Grants Awarded:
The York County COVID-19 Response Fund has awarded $1,195,000 in grants to organizations that keep families impacted by the pandemic fed and in their homes. Collectively, these organizations are serving thousands of people and reaching even the most rural parts of the County.
Organizations who have received grants include:
Food
House of Reconciliation Ministry
Catholic Harvest Food Pantry
Central Penn Food Bank
Mason Dixon Community Services
York County Food Bank
Community Reach
Northeast Neighborhood Association
York Benevolent Association
New Hope Ministries
YMCA in Southern York County
Salvation Army
Rental Assistance
New Hope Ministries
Community Progress Council
Contact Helpline – PA 211
Salvation Army
CASA
Children’s Aid Society SOPA COB
Nearly 700 families received rental assistance through grants to New Hope Ministries, Salvation Army, CASA, and Community Progress Council (CPC). Thanks to grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund and the dedication of our staff and volunteers, York County was able to allocate more public funds to rental assistance programs than any county in PA.
Between April and December 2020, 11 organizations distributed 5.4 million pounds of food to help more than 93,000 households. Some months saw a 300% increase in the number of households served compared to pre-pandemic times.
The York County COVID-19 Response Fund was proud to be the first to contribute to the Code Blue Emergency Shelter, a ‘cold weather only’ shelter for the homeless during the harsh winter months. Your generous donations to the fund provided protection from the bitter cold to those who needed it most.
Virtual learning was challenging for students, educators, and parents alike, but grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund allowed four nonprofits to expand care for school-aged children. This added level of support permitted children to continue learning and allowed parents and guardians to return to work with some peace of mind.
The Fund commissioned a report through Fourth Economy, a community and economic development consulting firm currently working with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA). The report will help our advisory committees study the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and identify the greatest needs of residents.
To read more about grants awarded from the York County COVID-19 Response Fund, see the press releases below.
COVID-19 Response Fund Awards Final Grant – September 21, 2021
COVID-19 Response Fund Awards Grant to Address Childcare Staffing Issues – July 14, 2021
COVID-19 Response Fund Adds School-Age Child Care to Funding Priorities – December 17, 2020
COVID-19 Response Fund Awards Grant to Open Code Blue Emergency Homeless Shelter – November 24, 2020
Grants from COVID-19 Response Fund Help Keep Families Fed and in Their Homes – June 23, 2020
Grants from COVID-19 Response Fund Help Keep Families in Their Homes – May 11, 2020
$186,000 Invested in York County Nonprofits Providing Food – April 22, 2020
Thank you to our generous donors!
Foundation Partners:
Major Donors:
