Earlier this week, United Way of West Florida launched our Live United initiative, focusing on rebuilding our community into a stronger, more equitable place in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While United Way of West Florida has always been focused on helping the most vulnerable in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties -- working to close gaps in health, education, and financial stability -- we recognize that the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial and ethnic inequality has widened that gap.
Now, it’s time for our community to work together to reimagine and rebuild as a stronger, more equitable place where everyone thrives.
In Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, United Way of West Florida has worked tirelessly to help our community respond to COVID-19. We’ve raised more than $400,000 for COVID relief and recovery efforts - helping people stay in their homes, keep food on their plates, and providing assistance with everyday expenses such as rent, utilities, childcare, and so much more.
But we also know that our work is far from over. Countless jobs have been lost. Educators and parents worry about learning loss, especially for low-income children of color, and nonprofit organizations throughout our community are still fielding requests for help.
Rebuilding isn’t a matter of going back to where we were. It’s reimagining how we can be better, and building towards that – together.