Last week the Marshall County Commissioners and the County Council each heard a presentation from Brian Teall, Development Manager for Marshall County United Way. Teall was joined by Linda Yoder, Executive Director of United Way and the Marshall County Community Foundation. They were there to request $150,000 to help support Fund the Essentials 2 through United Way.
During the pandemic, the Fund the Essentials program was able to raise $558,000 in 8 weeks to provide critical care needs to those in the county. Fund the Essentials 2 will also help those in need in the county by providing funds to locally based programs and organizations.
Teall said, “The pandemic continues to impact the local economy too. Business closings, supply chain disruptions, rising materials costs, and employee shortages are among the challenges straining local businesses and industries. These challenges are reflected in the United Way campaign as well with workplace campaign results and 39% of pre-pandemic levels.”
Teall and Yoder said the funds will help programs provide basic and essential needs including food, housing and utility, and transportation assistance in addition to education and health services. Teall said a majority of the funds would assist local food banks and those organizations offering utility assistance. He also said they will be seeking funding assistance from other government entities.
Indiana United Way is offering a 1 to 1 match in the amount of $75,000 although the funds must come from several entities.
The County Commissioners sent a favorable recommendation to the County Council for the funding request. When the council heard the presentation last week there were questions and Councilwoman Nicole Cox said she couldn’t make a snap decision and asked to meet one-on-one to find out more about Fund the Essentials 2.
The council didn’t take immediate action on the request. The motion was made to send the request to the American Rescue Plan Committee for consideration. That motion passed 6 to 1 with Councilman Jim Masterson opposing the motion. He was willing to move forward with the request at the meeting.
