The Greater Cincinnati area has been a part of the “together movement” much like the entire state of Ohio has in lending support to families in-need.
Local nonprofits have made resources available and found ways to reach out to families.
Here is how local nonprofit organizations are currently serving the people of our city; many work collectively to ensure that those deeply impacted by the pandemic have access to food, shelter and financial assistance.
Matthew 25 Ministries (M25M); 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, Oh; 513-793-6256; info@m25m.org
Since last summer, Matthew 25 Ministries have provided approximately 4,200 meals to organizations working to feed the poor and homeless. M25M has also hosted several drive-through events at their Blue Ash, Ohio, facility to help provide free COVID-19 testing, PPE and relief supplies, as well as lunches to members of the Greater Cincinnati community. In an effort to help promote personal and public safety; they have helped to provide approximately 6,500 PPE kits; 3,500 meals and administered more than 500 free tests to the local community. Volunteers play a huge role in M25M work, but for now, they have decided to suspend volunteer hours at their facility until further notice. Luckily you can still help with welcome product donations from individuals, organizations and corporations as well as financial donations. Currently, they are in need of gently used clothing, non-perishable food, school supplies and more. For more information, e-mail Shelly Clos at shelly@m25m.org or visit their website.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC); 2400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Oh; 513-762-7100; uwgc.org
Jennifer Bieger, supervisor of the UWGC’S 211 program, and her team places emphasis on the fact that the pandemic has only elevated the social support the organization provides the city. They continue to connect people to resources and life preserving information (particularly as it regards obtaining food, financial assistance and housing).
The UWGC instituted the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund as an answer to the crisis.
“The United Way of Greater Cincinnati has done a myriad of things to assist with the pandemic; providing masks and hand sanitizer to the community is only one example,” says Bieger.
UWGC plans to provide as much community support through the remainder of the year, but community services are strained near and far – yet they are continuously working to try and meet the demand, especially through the holidays. Families can do their part together by choosing a UWGC volunteer opportunity on the website by clicking on the
“Volunteer” tab. Make homemade masks, provide meals for families in-need and lots more.
Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio (CCSO); 7162 Reading Road, Ste. 600; Cincinnati, Oh; 513-672-3700; ccswoh.org
As a response to COVID-19, CCSO is providing monthly Food for All drive-through food pantries in Clermont, Brown, Adams, Highland and Clinton Counties. They also have Pick-up pantries and PowerPack distribution for families of St. Clement School (St. Bernard), St. Martin of Tours School (Cheviot) and Sardinia Elementary School (Brown County). Produce pick-up and Food for All food pantry at Church of the Resurrection (Bond Hill) are available on Wednesdays (except the fifth Wednesday of the month). Check-in phone calls from Senior Companions to other seniors needing social interaction or virtual mental health services help tremendously through the holiday season – a time of year where anxiety and depression take a huge uptick among the senior population. Want to get involved? Donate or check out their volunteer opportunities via their website under the “Get Involved” tab.
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
Freestore Foodbank; 513-485-7550; freestorefoodbank.org
Find volunteer opportunities online.
Stett 4 Kids; stett4kids.com
The Christmas Wish program for families in-need who don’t have extra income for gifts.
St. Vincent De Paul (SVDP); 1125 Bank St., Cincinnati, Oh; 513-562-8841; svdpcincinnati.org
Christmas Together, SVDP’s version of adopt-a-family; or Angel Toy, where you can donate a toy and they do the shopping through their donated collection; plus their annual coat drive.