GULFPORT, Miss—May 4, 2020—The Gulf Coast Community Foundation and United Way of South Mississippi, working in partnership, announce today that $35,000 in grants were awarded to two local nonprofit agencies to address direct needs due to disruptions, loss of jobs significant changes to services and other consequences associated with the response to COVID-19, in support of the essential needs of individuals and families facing significant financial difficulties.

The following agencies received grants: Salvation Army and Back Bay Mission.

“As Coastal Mississippi suffers yet another disaster, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation is pleased to again work with United Way of South Mississippi and others to attempt to meet the needs of our communities”, said Rodger Wilder, President of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

“I am proud to partner with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to fund these frontline agencies who are meeting the needs of individuals and families”, said Kathy Springer, CEO United Way of South Mississippi.

These grants will be utilized to fulfill gaps in services by developing rapid response solutions that will enable quick adjustments and continuation of services. These services may include, but are not limited to, temporary housing, rental assistance, food, hygiene products, medicines, etc.

To make a donation to United Way of South Mississippi’s COVID-19 Community Crisis Fund, please visit www.unitedwaysm.org. To donate to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, please visit www.mgccf.org.

United Way of South Mississippi serves Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone counties. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation serves Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Jackson, George and Stone counties.

For more information about the grant or United Way of South Mississippi, please contact Bailey Waltman at bwaltman@unitedwaysm.org. For more information about the Gulf Coast Community Fund, please contact Lauren Williams at lwilliams@mgccf.org.