A partnership between United Way of Greenville County, City of Greenville, Greenville County Redevelopment Authority, Greenville Housing Fund, SHARE, and United Housing Connections joined together today to announce a collective pledge of more than $450,000 to support the newly formed Emergency Housing Assistance Fund. The fund will provide access to emergency shelter for those in need, as well as rent and mortgage assistance for those economically impacted by the effects of COVID-19, and could potentially leverage another $7 million in federal housing funds for Greenville County.

“We know many families are struggling right now after losing employment and wondering how they’re going to pay their rent this month, or keep a roof over their heads,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “The Emergency Housing Assistance Fund is a direct response to help meet those needs, working in coordinated partnership with local social services and housing organizations throughout Greenville County to help as many people as possible have a safe place to live during the COVID-19 shutdown.”

Anyone in need of emergency housing assistance should call 2-1-1, United Way’s information hotline available 24/7, to learn more about how to apply for resources through the Emergency Housing Assistance Fund.

“The willing collaboration between so many different groups to answer the call for assistance to those in need in our community is truly inspiring,” said John Castille, CEO of Greenville County Redevelopment Authority. “While we know federal assistance is forthcoming, this more flexible funding allows us to respond more quickly, and meet the broader housing needs across the community.”

“We are proud to join with these community partners to offer a helping hand to our neighbors in need,” said Greenville Mayor Knox White. “COVID-19 has deeply impacted people in our community financially, socially and physically. Ensuring our residents are able to meet basic needs, including shelter, is a top priority for the City of Greenville.”

In addition to matched donations given by participating partners, $150,000 of the funds are coming from the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, which was created to provide critical resources, such as food, housing, access to healthcare and transportation, for Greenville County’s most vulnerable neighbors during the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Donations to support the ongoing COVID-19 Community Relief Fund can be made securely online at https://www.www.unitedwaygc.org/response.