Granite United Way Invests $10,000 in Support of the Local Hospitality Industry

Just a few short months ago, none of us could have imagined a world where dining out at our favorite restaurants would be impossible, or that we would be canceling hotel plans for April vacations. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through our communities, one of the first groups impacted were hospitality workers. 

Restaurant servers and hotel staff were among the tens of thousands that found themselves applying for unemployment as they were furloughed. Some of these individuals had never experienced unemployment and found themselves trying to navigate a system of resources for the first time.

“Many people who live in the Lakes Region rely on their jobs in hospitality to support their family. With restaurants decreasing operations, and hotels and leisure venues closing we’ve seen an increase of people asking for assistance,” said Sue Amburg, Director of Granite United Way’s Whole Village Family Resource Center in Plymouth. “People have no idea how they will afford food, rent, diapers or medications like Tylenol to care for the children.”

When the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association asked Granite United Way to contribute to their relief fund that provides direct financial assistance to hospitality workers, we made an investment of $10,000 to alleviate the financial burden so many in this industry are facing.

“Granite United Way has been helping individuals and families for decades,” said Melissa Wieters Vice President of Corporate Relations for Granite United Way. “With so many in the hospitality industry suddenly out of work we knew it was important for us to step up and provide support.”