United Way calls for support for Nashville residents as COVID-19 spurs 'perfect storm' for charitable giving

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a pandemic. Reported illnesses range from very mild to severe, including death. Agencies anticipate widespread transmission will occur in the U.S. in coming months and recommend social distancing among other measures to slow the spread.  Call your doctor and stay home if you are sick. Get more information at CDC.gov/coronavirus or contact the Tennessee Department of Health coronavirus information line at 877-857-2945 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily.

United Way of Greater Nashville launched a COVID-19 Response Fund Tuesday to provide a safety net for Nashvillians whose income was hurt by the coronavirus outbreak, initially raising $1.6 million mostly from two major donors. But with the onslaught of layoffs that have followed, United Way officials are concerned the money raised so far is not nearly enough. 

"Our hope is the donor community will step up because one million, two million dollars is going to go pretty quick." United Way of Greater Nashville CEO Brian Hassett said. "We are trying to convey to the community the need to give, if you can, and we've tried to make that as easy as possible."

Over the weekend, the COVID-19 Response Fund was able to provide $125,000 in relief to those who need money for paying bills and buying basic needs. The fund distributes dollars directly to Nashville nonprofits, including the Salvation Army, Conexion Americas, Catholic Charities and Needlink.  

The donations so far include $1 million from the Frist family and $500,000 from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.  

The need for donations related to coronavirus comes on the heels of the March 3 tornado, which prompted a large financial response from Nashvillians and local nonprofits. It also comes as stock markets have plummeted in recent weeks, hurting both the assets of charitable organizations and of Nashville residents who typically respond with donations.

"The major charitable foundation assets are taking a hit," Hassett said. "It's like the perfect storm. They want to help. They don't quite have as much money as they did four days ago."

Additionally, many organizations have canceled their fundraisers because of the virus, cutting off another source of revenue. 

Hassett said he understands why the response has been slower from individual donors than it might be otherwise. Many have just opened their wallets for tornado victims and their past week has been upended by job uncertainty, adjustments that come from working from home and personal financial losses. There has also been confusion that the COVID-19 Response Fund, announced by Mayor John Cooper's office, was receiving city dollars. 

"I am hoping the word is starting to get out. I think people have just been reeling from the impact of having to shut down their business or work from home or are really just figure out what is happening," he said. 

While the state and federal governments are seeking to mitigate the coronavirus impact with stimulus dollars, many residents need help faster than the governments are dispensing aid.  

"People laid off last week, who are quite often on the financial cliff to begin with, particularly people at minimum age,  they need help right now, today," Hassett said. "That is what we are trying to assist with."

Even the smallest donations can make a significant impact, he said.  

"Whatever you can give is important," he said. "We do think the donor community will respond."

If you are in need, United Way's 2-1-1 telephone help line provides a year round service, helping people access resources that can help them with housing, food and other basic needs. You can call it 24 hours a day.

Reach Jamie McGee at 615-259-8071 and on Twitter @JamieMcGeIe_.