Community Leaders, United Way Launch Resilient Randolph Fund

Randolph, MA — In an effort to mobilize resources to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic and to respond to needs as they evolve, community leaders in Randolph today launched the Resilient Randolph Fund in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.

The Resilient Randolph Fund will mobilize resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable during the pandemic. This fund will deploy resources through nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of the community.  The fund will be seeded with a $20,000 contribution from United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring our residents receive the aid that they need during this crisis and are fortunate to be able to work with United Way, South Shore Stars, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions to set up the Resilient Randolph Fund”, says Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard.

“We are so grateful to United Way for recognizing the great need in Randolph,” says Sheri Adlin, Executive Director of South Shore Stars.  “As a long-time community partner, Stars is committed to helping residents in any way we can.”

Adds Robert Corley, Chief Executive Officer at Neighborworks Housing Solutions, “Randolph is an incredible community with great diversity.  This fund will have a tremendous impact, and will help so many, but especially those most economically vulnerable during this crisis.  We are honored to partner with Randolph and the United Way to help administer these funds in the community.”

These funds will cover the costs of essential needs including, but not limited to, rent, mortgage, food, utilities, medications, and other basic necessities. At this time, this fund is not intended to support nonprofit capacity. It will rather focus on the basic needs of families. Priority will be given to those who are most economically vulnerable to this crisis. All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by South Shore Stars and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, established local nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds.

As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools and homes, Randolph 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. The Resilient Randolph Fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so generously to support their neighbors.

“During times of uncertainty and crisis, we are seeing people come together to support one another,” said Michael K. Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “As unemployment continues to soar, United Way is proud to partner with community leaders in Randolph to help individuals, children, and families feed their families and pay their bills during this unprecedented crisis.”

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. Donations can be made by credit card or through a donor advised fund online or by sending a check to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, P.O. Box 412866, Boston, MA. 02241-2866. Please make checks out to United Way of Massachusetts Bay and include “Resilient Randolph Fund” in the memo of the check.

For more information on how to donate or how to receive financial help, please visit https://unitedwaymassbay.org/covid-19/local-funds/randolph/. For questions please contact randolphresiliencycommittee@gmail.com. If you need immediate help, please contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit mass211.org for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus. You may also visit our Randolph-Specific Resource Guide at https://bit.ly/RandolphResources.