Albemarle Area United Way offers special $25,000 grant to alleviate Elderly Homelessness
Northeast NC – Albemarle Area United Way has unveiled a special $25,000 grant to jumpstart solutions to alleviate elderly (65+) homelessness in our region. They are accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) from any valid 501c3 in the region by close of business on Friday, October 4th. Finalists will then be invited to complete a more robust grant application due around Thanksgiving time. The Board of Directors on the Allocation Committee will then make a decision and announce the award by December 31, 2024.
The funds will be dispersed in 2025, and a final grant recap report will be due by year end. A midyear update will also be requested, and the hope is that any key learnings can be shared with other agencies seeking solutions for this vulnerable segment of our population.
“Unfortunately, many of our elderly residents find themselves widowed and living on a single social security check which just isn’t enough to pay for housing, utilities, food, medications, etc.,” exclaimed Bill Blake, Executive Director. “It’s sad to think folks who were born prior to the formation of this United Way in 1957, who may have in fact donated to charities during their prime earning years are now living in their cars or on the street. As a community we can and should do a better job of caring for our elders.”
Blake noted that $25,000 will likely not be enough to eliminate this problem, but hopes it spurs additional funders, ideas and collaboration.
The Letter of Intent form can be obtained by request from Lorri Barrett, Outreach Director. She can be contacted at 252-333-1510 x10 or outreach@albemarleareauw.org as well as at their office at 1413 Parkview Drive, Elizabeth City, NC 27909