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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-23-20 Public Comment - D. Jamison - 2-1-1 and Thank YouFrom:Danica Jamison To:Agenda Cc:Bridget Wilkinson Subject:2-1-1 and thank you Date:Monday, March 23, 2020 7:59:35 PM Attachments:Press Release COVID-19 Southwestern Montana Crisis Response Fund_FINAL.pdfHow to Help Locally.pdfSW Montana COVID Response Fund FAQ Final.pdf Dear City of Bozeman Commissioners and City Staff, Thank you for all the extra hours, care and concern, thoughtful connections, ruminations of thoughts in the middle of the night, etc. that you are putting in these past days and weeks to support the wellbeing of our community. I appreciate the opportunity for Greater Gallatin United Way to partner collaboratively with the City of Bozeman during this health and economic crisis. I neglected to mention in my public comments this evening (and I don’t think I heard any of you announce in your FYI’s) this important public announcement about our community’s 2-1-1 Hotline: If individuals or families require emergency food, housing, transportation, financial or other social assistance, they should call 211. The 211 hotline is an information and resource line and crisis response call center answered by Bozeman Help Center for calls made in the Southwest Montana region. Referrals to the appropriate source(s) of assistance will be made. Call center data will be monitored to understand trends in current needs, which will assist with funding allocation decision-making from the “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” managed by Greater Gallatin United Way and Bozeman Area Community Foundation. Please find a press release, ‘How to Help Locally’, and FAQ for our “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” attached. To make an online donation to the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund, go to www.SWMontanaCOVID-19Fund.org. To learn more about the Fund, go to SWMontanaCOVID-19FundInformation and read the FAQ page on that site. Bridget Wilkinson (ED, Bozeman Area Community Foundation) and I appreciate your assistance with getting the word out far and wide about our joint “Southwest Montanan COVID-19 Response Fund”. Please let Bridget (copied) and me know if you have any questions. Thank you also for spreading the word about people calling 2-1-1 if they are in need of social supports and/or need someone to talk to. A reminder to all of us that Bozeman Help Center staff who answer the 2-1-1 hotline in Southwestern Montana are trained to a kind ear, thoughtful advice, mental health resources and function as our suicide prevention hotline. During these challenging times, people may need to be aware that there is help waiting for them if they find themselves overwhelmed with stress or worry. They should not hesitate to call 2-1-1. Thank you for your support. Wishing you each health and wellbeing and as much ease as possible in the days ahead. Yours in partnership, - Danica Danica Jamison | President and CEO | Greater Gallatin United Way 406.451.1343 cell | danica@greatergallatinunitedway.org www.GreaterGallatinUnitedWay.org March 23, 2020 For immediate release. For more information, contact: Danica Jamison, President/CEO Greater Gallatin United Way (406) 587-2194 covid19@greatergallatinunitedway.org Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director Bozeman Area Community Foundation (406) 587-6262 covid19@bozemanfoundation.org To make an online donation to the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund, go to www.SWMontanaCOVID-19Fund.org. To learn more about the Fund, go to SWMontanaCOVID-19FundInformation. Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund Created to Address Immediate Needs In response to the crisis, two local organizations launch community response fund to address the pressing needs of individuals and the organizations serving them. March 23, 2020 - A new fund, the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund, has been created to rapidly mobilize resources to meet increased needs in our local communities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The creation of the fund is a joint effort between the Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) to streamline support and focus it to the areas of our region that need it most at this time. Those wishing to help people and organizations most impacted during the outbreak in Southwest Montana are encouraged to donate to the Response Fund. AMB West Philanthropies is supporting the launch of this coordinated effort with a $100,000 challenge grant to help leverage donations to the fund. AMB West Philanthropies comprises the nonprofit interests of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in the Western United States. The Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations working with individuals and populations disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the health and economic consequences of this outbreak. Initial funding will focus on five primary areas of need: food and supplies distribution, emergency housing, emergency financial assistance, health and wellbeing, and programs and supplies needed to support crisis response. As the situation evolves and additional needs arise, the Response Fund’s priorities and scope may shift or expand to best serve the region throughout the crisis and recovery. “The outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent need for social distancing, self-quarantine, school and business closures is concerning for all of us – but particularly for those in our community who have serious health concerns, lack access to basic resources, or face long-term economic challenges,” said Danica Jamison, President & CEO of Greater Gallatin United Way. “The Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund will provide funding for critical needs in the region, especially for our most vulnerable residents.” GGUW and BACF are actively working with community leaders, local government, public health and emergency management officials to monitor and respond to the immediate and evolving needs of the region resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the changing nature of this unprecedented situation, the fund managers will be convening regional social service providers in order to identify shifts in community needs and address any gaps in crucial services. "Extraordinary times often call for extraordinary measures, and that's what the Community Foundation and Greater Gallatin United Way are trying to provide for our nonprofit partners and the people they serve," said Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation. “Many of the organizations that you care about have had to cancel their annual fundraisers, programs and events that keep their doors open. These nonprofits are on the front line supporting individuals who are disproportionately affected by this crisis. In the wake of the growing worldwide pandemic, they need your support now more than ever." To make an online donation to the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund go to www.SWMontanaCOVID-19Fund.org. To learn more about the Fund, go to SWMontanaCOVID-19FundInformation. Checks may be mailed to: “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” c/o Greater Gallatin United Way 945 Technology Blvd., Suite 101-F Bozeman MT 59718 or “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” ℅ Bozeman Area Community Foundation 1627 W. Main St. Box 404 Bozeman, MT 59715 If individuals or families require emergency food, housing, transportation, financial or other social assistance, they should call 211.The 211 hotline is an information and resource line and crisis response call center answered by Bozeman Help Center for calls made in the Southwest Montana region. Referrals to the appropriate source(s) of assistance will be made. Call center data will be monitored to understand trends in current needs, which will assist us on funding allocation decision-making. See the accompanying “How to Help Locally” document for actionable items for people wishing to provide assistance during this time. # # # About Greater Gallatin United Way Greater Gallatin United Way’s mission is to mobilize the caring power of our communities. We empower donors, volunteers, businesses, governments, nonprofits, and community groups to invest in neighbors and improve quality of life for everyone in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher and Park Counties. Working together, we identify the community’s most critical needs and implement collaborative, innovative solutions. Learn more at www.greatergallatiunitedway.org. About the Bozeman Area Community Foundation Established in 1998, the Bozeman Area Community Foundation is connecting people who care to causes that matter most to them. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation serves the areas of Bozeman, Big Sky, Belgrade, Manhattan, Churchill, Three Forks, and the rural areas in between. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $4.3 million dollars to 194+ local nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.bozemanfoundation.org. See the accompanying “How to Help Locally” document for actionable items for people wishing to provide assistance during this time. How the Public Can Respond to COVID-19 Related Community Needs Many community members are looking for ways to help their neighbors during this challenging time. Greater Gallatin United Way and Bozeman Area Community Foundation encourage getting involved in these three ways: 1. Donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund. This collaborative fund is designed to expedite funding to the most critical needs in the immediate future and to help plan for longer-term needs of the region due to COVID-19. Donate to the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund online at www.Swmontanacovid-19fund.org Or mail checks to: “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” c/o Greater Gallatin United Way 945 chnology Blvd. Suite 101-F Bozeman MT 59718 -or- “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” Bozeman Area Community Foundation 1627 W. Main St. Box 404 Bozeman, MT 59715 Any questions about larger donations or stock gifts can be best facilitated via email to either bridget@bozemanfoundation.org or sylvia@greatergallatinunitedway.org. 2. Give to the nonprofits in our community. Many nonprofits and cultural organizations have been significantly impacted by social distancing and have canceled fundraising events and programming that provide essential revenues. Consider donating directly to a local nonprofit during this challenging time. Direct support to many of your favorite organizations can be made via the Give Big Gallatin Valley platform that supports over 200 nonprofits in Gallatin County from April 30 - May 1 by going to www.GiveBigGV.org. 3. Volunteer to help. If you are healthy, not part of an at-risk population, and want to volunteer, please visit VolunteerMT.org to learn more about COVID-19 related and other volunteer opportunities. If you are an agency with volunteer needs, please visit the VolunteerMT.org to post details of your volunteer needs. “SW Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” FAQ Greater Gallatin United Way and Bozeman Area Community Foundation Launch Joint Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund In response to the crisis, two local organizations launch community response fund to address the pressing needs of individuals and the organizations serving them. The Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations working with individuals and populations disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the health and economic consequences of this outbreak. Initial funding will focus on five primary areas of need: food support, healthcare, emergency housing, emergency financial assistance, and seniors. As the situation evolves and additional needs arise, the Response Fund’s priorities and scope may shift or expand to best serve the region throughout the crisis and recovery. Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) are actively working with community leaders, local government, public health, and emergency management officials to monitor and respond to the immediate and evolving needs of the region resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the changing nature of this unprecedented situation, the Fund managers will be convening regional social service providers in order to identify shifts in community needs and address any gaps in crucial services. Where can I learn more about the Southwest Montana COVID -19 Response Fund? To learn more about the Fund, go to https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/southwest- montana-covid-19-response-fund You can also look at our SW MT COVID-19 Response Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page: https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/southwest-montana-covid-19-fund-faq How can I made a donation to Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund? To make an online donation to the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund, go to www.SWMontanaCOVID-19Fund.org. Checks may be sent to: "Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund" c/o Greater Gallatin United Way 945 Technology Blvd., Suite 101-F Bozeman MT 59718 -OR- “Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund” c/o Bozeman Area Community Foundation 1627 W. Main, Box 404 Bozeman, MT 59715 We are accepting financial donations (no physical goods) through online giving, checks and stock gifts. For questions about stock donations, grants, or significant donations we welcome you to contact GGUW staff at covid19@greatergallatinunitedway.org or call (406) 587-2194 - requesting Danica Jamison or Sylvia Drain. You may reach BACF staff at covid19@bozemanfoundation.org or (406) 587-6262 - requesting Bridget Wilkinson. Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund? This fund will support crisis response efforts targeted towards residents of Southwest Montana, specifically in Gallatin, Park, Madison and Meagher Counties I’m an individual who’s been affected by the COVID-19 health and/or economic crisis. Can this Fund help me? We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to be affected. On behalf of the Fund’s partners, the COVID-19 Response Fund is working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic, and social impacts. While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, we will be funding community- based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. As we begin to award grants, we will post them on this page: https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/southwest-montana-covid-19-fund-faq Please check back for a list of the organizations that may be able to assist you. If you are looking for resources now, please call 211. The 211 hotline is a resource-and-referral and crisis response call center answered by Bozeman Help Center for calls made in the Southwest Montana region. Referrals to the appropriate source(s) of assistance will be made. My organization is interested in resources from this Fund. Can we be considered? We understand the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and the Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) are working closely together to ensure that the grants awarded meet the greatest needs in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In order to move resources quickly, we are not hosting a formal application process for the Fund at this time. You may email us at covid19@bozemanfoundation.org to make sure we are aware of your organization’s work supporting economically vulnerable residents and families. We will keep you informed as to any application process. Who decides how the funds are distributed? Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) have significant experience in vetting organizational and community needs. To responsibly address our community’s diverse needs for funding related to COVID-19 health and economic crisis, GGUW and BACF will oversee a Donations Steering Group (DSG) comprised of representatives from relevant nonprofit, faith, and government sectors, as well as representatives from the geographic areas within Gallatin, Park, Madison, and Meagher Counties. GGUW and BACF will coordinate with Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SW MT COAD) and local emergency management leaders and health departments to ensure funding allocations are aligned with identified prioritization of needs. I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a prioritized grantee? To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted, we are not accepting restrictions to donations. The COVID-19 Response Fund was created in hopes of providing a way to coordinate as resources as efficiently and with as much impact as possible. Should I give to this Fund instead of making other donations? The Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund was not created to be the only vehicle resourcing community funding during this crisis. Rather, Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) will be working closely with Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SW MT COAD) and local emergency management leaders and health departments to ensure funding allocations are aligned with the most critical, prioritized, identified needs of communities within Gallatin, Park, Madison, and Meagher Counties. We are working to facilitate getting resources into the community where it’s needed most. If the COVID-19 Response Fund priorities align with your values, please consider making a donation that feels generous to you. However, this is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community as we have a greater awareness of the depth and scale of the long-term ramifications of the pandemic. What will NOT be included in the first phase of funding? We anticipate multiple phases of funding to address both the acute needs now and the longer-term impacts of the outbreak and recovery. In this first phase, we are prioritizing community-based organizations that are serving communities and individuals who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis. In this first round, we are not able to prioritize organizations that have lost revenue or are likely to lose future revenue due to canceled events or programs. We recognize these challenges, and as the crisis and long-term impacts continue to unfold, we will continue to work with the DSG to assess and evolve our funding strategies. When will you share who you fund? We anticipate making the first round of investments in the coming weeks and will publish the list of selected grantees on the FAQ site at: https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/southwest-montana-covid-19-fund-faq along with short descriptions of the services and support they are providing. Is there a fee to contribute? With a focus on getting resources out to the community in this critical time, there is no administrative fee for participating in the Fund. 100% of donations will go to community groups and leaders on the ground, except for a credit card fee for online donations, which is 3.75% + $0.35 per transaction. Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) are covering the cost of approximately 13 staff leading this effort. How will the Fund shift gears if needed? The Fund priorities may evolve as our region adapts to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue to prioritize communities most impacted, recognizing deep and historic inequities that are likely to be magnified in times of crisis. Crisis philanthropy recognizes the need to provide immediate resources for triage, as well as the importance of recovery resources to ensure community resilience.