As our community grapples with COVID-19 virus, the conversation starts with how do we take care of ourselves and moves quickly to how do we take care of each other. With people’s health at risk and our day-to-day activities changing rapidly, there are economic implications for so many of our neighbors who work in the service industry, may not have health insurance, and for those who may be living paycheck-to-paycheck.  

Over the weekend, a group of philanthropy, government and business partners joined together in an incredible example of just how we can take care of each other. A COVID-19 Response Fund has been created that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations, getting dollars to where they’re needed most. 

Already, the lead partners have donated more than $2.5 million. Microsoft, Amazon and Alaska Airlines have led the charge and are asking other companies and individuals to follow suit and donate.  

Hosted by Seattle Foundation, the COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible dollars for communities who are disproportionally impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak.  

Side-by-side with Seattle Foundation, United Way will work to get these dollars into the community quickly. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.  

United Way of King County is well positioned for this sort of rapid response, With volunteer-led groups focused on identifying needs year-round coupled with staff expertise, we will be able to work with direct-service providers and get the dollars where they’re needed most. 

Kudos to lead partners Seattle Foundation, King County, City of Seattle, Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Microsoft, and The Starbucks Foundation. We hope you’ll join them.