The City of Malden, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and several community partners today announced the launch of the Malden Together Fund to support the essential needs of Malden residents most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Malden Together Fund will mobilize resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable and will deploy resources through nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of the city.
Alongside five long-standing community agencies, the Malden Together Fund will coordinate services to best meet the needs of Malden residents during this challenging time. Malden Together Fund partners include ABCD, Bread of Life, Just-A-Start Corporation, Mystic Valley Elder Services, and the Malden YMCA.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the United Way and our non-profit community partners to bring financial assistance and other support to Malden families who are struggling with the devastating economic impact of COVID-19,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “By working together, we can offer support to these community organizations that work tirelessly to provide vital resources to those in need.”
Malden Ward 1 City Councillor Peg Crowe added, “I would like to thank local group, Malden Neighbors Helping Neighbors, for initiating the idea of partnering with the United Way to establish the Malden Together Fund. They have been on the frontlines during the current health crisis and have seen firsthand the challenges our residents face. We are hopeful that our collaborative efforts will generate resources to provide much needed relief to those struggling to make ends meet.”
As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools, and homes, many in Malden are being impacted in ways they never imagined. Businesses who make up the backbone of Malden’s local economy have significantly reduced their hours or have been forced to close. People who are not paid if they are not working are trying to figure out how they will make ends meet.
The Malden Together Fund will be seeded by a $50,000 grant from United Way. These funds will cover the costs of essential needs of individuals and families including, but not limited to, rent, food, utilities, internet connectivity, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities. Priority will be given to those who are most economically vulnerable to this crisis. All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by established Malden nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds.
“Together we will overcome this public health and economic crisis and empower our communities to rebuild, more equitable and resilient than ever,” said Bob Gianinno, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “We are proud to partner with the City of Malden and our community partners to provide emergency assistance to families when they need it most through the Malden Together Fund.”
Donations can be made to the Malden Together Fund or by sending a check to the following address: United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Inc., P.O. Box 412866, Boston, MA 02241-2866. Please make checks out to “United Way of Massachusetts Bay” and include “Malden Together Fund” in the memo of the check. All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via the Malden Together Fund nonprofit partners already working in our community. Donations may also be made via Donor Advised Fund by including “Malden Together Fund” in the recommendation details. Our tax ID number is 04-2382233.
The Malden Together Fund will release detailed information on fund eligibility requirements and information about where to inquire for support in the coming weeks. If you need immediate help, please contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit mass211.org for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus.