ABC21 WPTA: Local leaders, social service organizations highlight resources available to those in need amid COVID-19 pandemic

Wednesday afternoon, local government officials and several social service organizations highlighted some resources available to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown, and Nelson Peters were joined by representatives from the Allen County Trustees Association, United Way of Allen County, YWCA Northeast Indiana, Brightpoint, Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network, and The Rescue Mission.

“It’s often been said that the true value of a city is how it treats its people,” Mayor Henry said.

“It’s been said that the City of Fort Wayne and the county of Allen are somewhat of an anomaly in the state of Indiana. That the stats are not right for our county. That other counties are exhibiting much more by way of cases. And unfortunately deaths. That is because we are taking an aggressive stance on this.”

UNITED WAY OF ALLEN COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND

Local shelters and non-profits are working around the clock to continue and even increase their services. Many local non-profits that help meet basic needs are under financial stress and have set up COVID-19 donation funds that can be found on their websites.

United Way of Allen County has established a COVID-19 response fund and is working with area funders and non-profits to determine the most immediate and pressing needs; 100 percent of the funds will be distributed to local non-profits that meet those pressing needs.

In addition, 211 through the United Way is available for the public to call to get connected to local resources.