DONATE NOW TO HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

The Dedham COVID-19 Relief Fund, established by Dedham Town Manager Leon Goodwin, the Select Board and other community leaders in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay, will help individuals and families who have been financially impacted by this coronavirus pandemic with a focus on our most economically vulnerable neighbors.

BACKGROUND

As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools and homes, Dedham residents are struggling with how the disease, and its economic fallout, will impact their ability to eat, stay in their homes and ensure access to medical care and other critical supplies. This fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so generously to support their neighbors.

WHAT CAN THE DEDHAM COVID-19 RELIEF FUND HELP PEOPLE WITH?

Immediate needs have been defined as access to food and other basic needs. Funds raised will support expanded food distribution at the Dedham Food Pantry and additional support from Dedham’s St. Vincent de Paul chapters (St. Susanna’s Church and St. Mary’s Church) at the outset. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be working with the United Way and other local human services agencies to provide deeper financial support to individuals and families in need.

HOW CAN I GIVE TO THE Dedham COVID-19 CARE FUND?

You can give to the fund by clicking the yellow GIVE TODAY button or by clicking here. All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via nonprofits already working in our community. You may also give via your Donor Advised Fund by including “The United Way Dedham COVID-19 Relief Fund” in your recommendation details. Our tax ID number is 04-2382233.

HOW WILL MY DONATION HELP?

All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by established Dedham & Dedham-serving nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds. These funds may pay for rent and other housing needs, food, utilities, internet connectivity for families with school-aged children, childcare, medications and other basic needs.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED ASSISTANCE?

The Dedham COVID-19 Relief Task Force has created a Resource Guide, which will be distributed to Dedham residents, and will be made available on the town website. The Resource Guide provides instruction on how to access various types of support for financial assistance, housing, food, utilities, childcare, and healthcare, as well as specific information for our senior community and for veterans. Residents who need help can call 781-751-9126 to connect to be connected to resources.