United Way Foundation pledges $200,000 for disaster recovery

In this May 23, 2019 file photo, tornado damage is seen in Jefferson City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
In this May 23, 2019 file photo, tornado damage is seen in Jefferson City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

The United Way of Central Missouri has set aside $200,000 to help with intermediate and long-term recovery from recent disasters in the region.

The nonprofit agency's foundation, formed in 2003 as a safety net in case of a catastrophic event in the community, has given the nonprofit organization $200,000 to use for its 2019 Community Support Grants, which are to be named today.

The additional revenue will allow the United Way to spend the money intended for the grants on recovery needs.

After announcing the support grants earlier this year, the organization received 40 applications totaling $624,739 from 14 standing United Way partner agencies and 26 non-partner agencies.

During a news conference today, it will reward 25 grants to health and human services agencies, 12 of which are current partners.

When advertising the availability of the grants this year, the United Way stressed it would give priority to grants that help address behavioral health issues in the community.

Also, a regional charitable grant program is expanding to help low-income people with disabilities - including families with children with disabilities - affected by recent flooding and Eldon and Jefferson City's May 22 tornadoes.

The Midwest Special Needs Trust will increase funding for its charitable grant program by $150,000 to serve the victims.

The MSNT Charitable Disaster Relief grants of up to $1,500 per individual will concentrate attention on the unique needs of low-income people with disabilities. Through the Charitable Trust Program, qualifying individuals with a disability may request grants for dental and medical care, rehabilitative services or equipment, educational assistance, specialized transportation and other needs not covered by public benefits.

For more information, call 573-256-5055.