July 16, 2021
"To increase the organized capacity of people to help others."
News & Resources
70-year-old finds hope and help through NC 211
Every day someone in North Carolina needs help.
They need help finding shelter, finding a meal, finding access to healthcare, finding a job or just finding someone who cares.
Every day the community specialists at NC 211 are ready to answer those calls.
NC 211 is the health and human services information line provided by United Way of North Carolina. Those looking for help simply dial 2-1-1.
In May one of those calls came from Pearl.
Pearl is in her 70’s and has always been independent. She is reluctant to ask for help, but as she continues to age, she is realizing that there are things that she needs help with – driving, maintaining her home and managing her household budget. 
Pearl didn’t know what to expect when she finally called NC 211 but was pleasantly surprised with how easy the conversation was with the 2-1-1 call specialist. After Pearl explained her needs, she then received a list of community resources to help her. 
The 2-1-1 call specialist also explained there is an Area Agency on Aging that serves her community and specialists in helping people just like Pearl. 
Now, she feels hopeful knowing that there are people ready and able to help her, who are just a phone call away at 2-1-1.
The Catawba County United Way is one of several community partners who help fund NC 211 to make sure the service is available right in our own community.
For more information visit nc211.org
Local non-profits busy with upcoming events
A key component of the Catawba County United Way's mission is collaboration with all of our community partners.
We accomplish this through the many multi-agency meetings we attend every month like the Interagency Council, Housing Visions, SIR and CAR meetings.
Visit THIS LINK or click on the attached photos to see updates from some of those community partners.
Also - Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry is now offering “One and Done” COVID-19 vaccines. Let your neighbors know that the (single shot) vaccine is currently available at the GHCCM pharmacy. Call 828-323-7913 and leave a message or just come by the GHCCM pharmacy and speak to a staff member.
Collection partners start strong with school supply drive
Pencils and Paper and Glue...Oh My...The first week of the Catawba County United Way's Stuff the Bus School Supply drive has been great. Many of our collection partners are already filling up their donation bins.
We stopped by St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Hickory and the Catawba County Partnership for Children's office to off load what they've already collected.
Thank You to everyone who is helping with this year's Stuff the Bus.
Stuff the Bus runs through Aug. 5.
If you aren't able to drop off classroom supplies you can still help by making a contribution on the CCUW's Facebook fundraiser page for Stuff the Bus at THIS LINK.
Thank You again to all those who support this effort every year to make sure local public school students have the tools they need to succeed.
Hope program reopens, assisting with rent/utility bills
HOPE program Reopens - NC Governor Roy Cooper and Chief Operating Officer of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) Laura Hogshead recently announced the application process for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program is open for a second application period.
The program assists very low-income renters that are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
The HOPE Program provides rent and utility bill assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections.
Applicants can call (888) 9ASK-HOPE or (888) 927-5467.
More information at THIS LINK.
CCUW funded partners change lives every day
Learn more about the Catawba County United Way's funded partners at THIS LINK.
Free race Celebrating Community at Hickory Motor Speedway
If you're company or group is interested in helping sponsor this community event call the Catawba County United Way at 828-327-6851. Non-profits are welcomed to set up and share information about their services with the public prior to the races. Contact the United Way for more details.
Volunteers needed to help with Food Distribution Monday
Second Harvest in Charlotte is hosting another food give away next Monday (July 19) at Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church across from Grandview Middle in Hickory.
They need up to 10 more volunteers to help load boxes into the cars as they stop by to pick up the food. They’d like volunteers to show up between 9 and 9:30 a.m. to help set up and the event will last till 1 p.m. The last time we helped, more than 500 families stopped by for food boxes. Thank You to everyone who helped in the past.
Email John Bailey at jbailey@ccunitedway.com or call 828-327-6851 if you can help. Thanks again.
For more than 75 years, the Catawba County United Way has been dedicated to increasing the capacity of people to help others. To learn more about the CCUW's mission contact us at 828-327-6851 or visit ccunitedway.com.

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