The United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties has its Community Disaster Relief Fund open to help area residents. United Way is connecting people with local resources as people deal with the COVID-19 public health emergency. Patti Fields vice president for impact and engagement with United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties says there are many ways people can continue to help their communities, “Some of the things that we are seeing as needs that have been emerging. Certainly there’s a great need in the state, all across the state for blood and plasma donations, so that’s something that you can make an appointment and have a one on one with that. There’s also several other organizations, food pantries, food banks who need help with bagging. So not everybody having contact with a lot of people but helping bag groceries that can then go out to neighbors in need.”

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program is helping survivors find housing with social distancing and is in need of beds and sheets, dining sets, and living room furniture. People who need assistance and people looking to help can contact United Way for opportunities that fit their individual situation.