Coronavirus in Tarrant County prompts United Way to activate emergency for elderly
To help the elderly and home-bound in the Fort Worth- area obtain needed food during the coronavirus pandemic, United Way of Tarrant County has activated its emergency relief fund.
The fund supports United Way’s effort to purchase non-perishable meals for vulnerable populations, with a focus on the elderly. Those over 60 are most at risk health complications related to the new coronavirus, which causes a flu-like disease known as COVID-19.
United Way anticipates needing about $35,000 a week to support Tarrant County’s elderly. The fund has raised about $30,000, said United Way spokeswoman Michelle Bleiberg. Money will be doled out partner groups, like the Meals on Wheels, Catholics Charities and Area Agency on Aging. Those agency will disperse the funds or food to the people they serve.
The virus has the potentially to impact vulnerable people, said Leah King, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County.
We want to ensure that everyone who needs meals can get them,” she said in a video. “We also just want to ask everybody to practice a little bit more kindness, more patience and more grace.”
The average cost of a meal is about $5, King said.
When making a donation online, donors are asked to select the emergency relief fund from the drop down menu.
