The Foundation for Portland Public Schools is pleased to announce it has received funding to help provide financial stability to vulnerable Portland students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. A $12,000 Greater Portland COVID-19 Community Relief Fund grant from United Way of Greater Portland (UWGP) will be used to support the Portland Public Schools Families in Crisis Fund.

These funds exist to provide emergency food, housing, utility payments, uncovered medical expenses and other pandemic-related support to Portland Public Schools students and families. “It is nearly impossible for students to focus on academics when there is not enough food, no electricity or heat at home, or housing is unstable,” said Andi Summers, Executive Director of the Foundation for Portland Public Schools. “The Families in Crisis Fund was created to quickly address these types of urgent needs of Portland’s families to provide the stability that students need to engage in school. There have always been families in Portland that have struggled with homelessness or inability to pay bills. However, the needs have grown exponentially in the last four months. We are tremendously grateful for the United Way’s support.”

UWGP volunteers have now made three rounds of rapid funding decisions for a range of organizations on the front lines meeting emergency needs for those affected by the pandemic. “Our schools are responding to the unprecedented needs in the community at this time,” said Liz Cotter Schlax, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Portland. “We are incredibly grateful for the many donors who have contributed to the fund, making it possible for us to quickly and effectively help some of our youngest neighbors who are most impacted by COVID-19.”

About United Way of Greater Portland
For over 90 years, United Way of Greater Portland has served and strengthened Greater Portland by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Today, UWGP is uniting individuals and organizations around the community’s shared vision, Thrive2027, three 10-year goals to improve education, financial stability, and health for every person in Greater Portland. United, with community partners, we build sustainable solutions that achieve long-term results and help our community thrive. We encourage everyone to be part of the change. To give, volunteer, advocate, or learn more, visit unitedwaygp.org.