United Way of Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble Counties is offering several resources for residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way of Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble Counties was founded in the 1940s under the name “Community Chest.” After several name changes, the organization underwent their current name change in 2012.
Over the past 10 years, United Way of Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble Counties has allocated approximately $1.5 million to local agencies for them to assist county residents.
The United Way of Guernsey, Monroe and Noble Counties is located on Wheeling Avenue in Cambridge. Residents looking for relief can contact United Way by phone at (740) 439-2667.
Throughout a normal year, United Way works with social service agencies and puts approximately $120,000 towards resources for the community, which is focused on education, health, and financial stability. United Way also hosts its own programs throughout the year.
Executive Director and sole employee Stephanie Laube shared some of the current resources that United Way is offering to residents.
United Way is offering is the COVID-19 Relief Grant to small businesses to help with necessities such as rent and bills.
This grant is for business owners and employees who cannot work in their small business due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.
“We’re thinking about the independent workers, hairdressers, those 1099 [tax] folks who aren’t able to get relief right now because they haven’t been able to file for unemployment yet, they’ve had to close their shops and it’s been over a month and they’ve had no income coming in,” said Laube.
United Way’s Stephanie Laube (R) with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine in December 2019.
Along with this grant, United Way is working with several other organizations in the area for alternative relief programs such as pop-up hot meals and a diaper distribution event.
Laube wants people to understand their local United Way is there to serve the community year-round.
“United Way was really born as a result of difficult times. It [United Way] came together during the world wars. We continue to help those in need. It is what we do. We’re there to fill in the gaps, not only during this pandemic but through the year,” said Laube.
Laube urges anyone who is financially able to donate to United Way of Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble Counties.
“This money that we’re using for our COVID-19 grant is above and beyond what we already give out to the community through our programs and partner agency programs. All of the money, 100% that goes in that fund goes back out into the community,” said Laube.
Donations can be made online on their website, in-person, or by mailing a check.
Any Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble residents looking for relief can contact United Way by phone at (740) 439-2667 or by email at uwguernsey@guernseyunitedway.com. Residents can also stop by in-person at their Cambridge location by calling ahead of time.
Information about the COVID-19 Relief Grant, donations, and hours of operation are available on the web at www.guernseynobleunitedway.com.
