Granite United Way Partners with AHEAD to Distribute COVID-19 Resources in the North Country

In the North Country region, the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly impacting families, restaurants, and the community as a whole when it comes to food security. In March, Granite United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund was established, with 100% of the funds going to individuals and families in need.

In the North Country, Granite United Way’s COVID-19 response efforts have occurred in two critical phases. Phase one occurred in early April 2020 and focused on supporting local food pantries and the hospitality sector. Donations were made to the All Saints Food Pantry in Lincoln and the Lincoln-Woodstock Food Pantry.  

Phase two is currently in progress and is focused on partnering with local agencies to serve as “hubs” to provide care coordination to individuals and families in need. In the North Country, Granite United Way is working with AHEAD.
From April 13th to June 21st, AHEAD was able to distribute local grocery and restaurant gift cards to 623 families from 25 towns spanning from Woodstock to Pittsburg. These families are made up of 1,191 children; 960 adults; with 167 homes being led by a single mother.

Granite United Way has also facilitated the distribution of 500 masks through AHEAD and the Littleton Food Co-op  to individuals throughout the region.

“The Granite United Way is a longtime supporter of the work of AHEAD and is a natural partner,” said Matt Manning the HomeOwnership Director at AHEAD  and North Country Hub Coordinator. “There is nothing more satisfying than building collaborative initiatives that bring the strengths of multiple organizations and agencies together towards a common goal. It is as simple as neighbors helping neighbors, something we should all do more of.”