United Way allocated $4.4 million to more than 50 county agencies, programs

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — United Way of Greater Lafayette recently announced the allocation of $4.4 million to over 50 agencies and programs within Tippecanoe and Montgomery counties.

These allocated funds, which are comprised of 2021 campaign dollars, COVID-19 response funds and reserved capital from the UWGL, will benefit the many organizations that support and receive support from UWGL.

UWGL raised over $4.6 million during the 2021 campaign. As such, Michael Budd, CEO for UWGL, said at the 2021 end-of-year campaign celebration, "(The funds) mean that people in our community are going to get the help that they need... That's what we do as a community, we care about each other."

Laura Downey, board president for UWGL, shared her thoughts on these allocated funds in the release.

“The demands on our partner agencies continue to be very high due to the effects of the global pandemic," Downey said, "and the board felt strongly that using reserves to maintain funding at close to last year’s levels was important. We look forward to a having a strong campaign in 2022 as the economy gets back on track.”

United Way supports a variety of services and programs within the Greater Lafayette area that fulfill the "Cradle to Career Commitment." Additionally, UWGL's work extends to funding for affordable housing, mental health, substance abuse and youth development support.

"At United Way, we are more than fundraisers, we are the hand-raisers," the release says. "We look for the community’s toughest challenges and bring people together to develop long-lasting impactful solutions. We believe that everyone can play a role in impacting the community."

This allocation of $4.4 million will be used "to provide steady support for our current funded partners, as well as two new organizations — Heartford House and HomesteadCS," according to a release.

Heartford House Child Advocacy Center serves the children of Tippecanoe and its surrounding counties who have been victim or witness to a crime. HomesteadCS is a housing counseling agency that offers all homeowners and potential homeowners the assistance they need, regardless of income, according to the release.

To donate or volunteer through United Way of Greater Lafayette, visit www.uwlafayette.org/.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mtroup@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: United Way allocated $4.4 million to more than 50 county programs