Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria and United Way Launch Everett Community Care Fund

Everett, MA — Mayor Carlo DeMaria today announced the establishment of the Everett Community Care Fund  in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.  Seeded with a $100,000 challenge match grant from United Way, the Everett Community Care Fund will mobilize resources for emergency assistance to households who are financially impacted, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund will deploy resources through local nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of Everett.

“Many lives have been disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the health of our residents is paramount; the financial burden that many face isn’t far behind.  The need for resources in Everett will continue to grow, I’m thankful to United Way for their assistance and generous seed fund to get us started. I would encourage all of those who are able to donate to help a friend, family member, or neighbor that may be struggling during this time,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria.

As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools, and homes, many in Everett are being impacted in ways they never imagined a month ago.  Businesses who make up the backbone of Everett’s local economy have significantly reduced their hours or have been forced to close. People who are not paid if they are not working are trying to figure out how they will make ends meet. The Everett Community Care Fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so in support of their neighbors.

To kick off the effort, United Way is providing $100,000 to the Everett Community Care Fund.  Grants of $20,000 each will be distributed to Mystic Valley Elder Services, La Communidad, Everett Haitian Community Center, Latinos Unidas en Massachusetts and Eliot Community Human Services.

“As we all struggle to cope with COVID-19 in our homes and in our communities, we can also act — to help others,” said Michael K. Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.  “United Way is proud to partner with Mayor DeMaria and community leaders in Everett to help meet the basic needs of individuals, children and families during this unprecedented crisis.”

The Everett Community Care Fund will 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 established Everett nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds. These funds will cover the costs of essential needs including, but not limited to, rent, food, utilities, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities.

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 “Everett Community Care Fund” in the memo of the check.

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. The following agencies will be distributing assistance for Everett residents:

• Everett Haitian Community Center
• Eliot Community Human Services
• La Communidad
• (LUMA) Latinos Unidos en Massachusetts
• Mystic Valley Elder Services

###