Kaiser Permanente Colorado Contributes $600,000 to Strengthen COVID-19 Response for People Experiencing Homelessness; UWWC Receives $150,000 for two Resource Navigators
Kaiser Permanente Colorado has contributed $600,000 to four local nonprofit organizations, including United Way of Weld County (UWWC), focused on strengthening COVID-19 prevention and response for people experiencing homelessness. The four nonprofits include UWWC, Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative, Pueblo Rescue Mission, and Community Health Partnership in Colorado Springs.
This contribution will provide these nonprofits with additional resources needed to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 health crisis. This includes funding to increase capacity for COVID-19 testing, support for individuals in obtaining stable housing, and training opportunities for staff, including active symptom monitoring protocols.
“Our Colorado communities have been seriously impacted by COVID-19 and it’s clear people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity are at significant risk,” said Mike Ramseier, president for Kaiser Permanente in Colorado. “We are making this contribution at a critical time in our state as we work to prevent and control the spread of the virus.”
The contribution from Kaiser Permanente will be divided equally among the 4 nonprofits, each receiving $150,000 over the next 12 months.
“As the fiscal and facilitating agent for the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care, United Way of Weld County is proud of our partnership with Kaiser Permanente. The Continuum is an example that a collective model of multiple agencies working together toward a common goal and with aligned service delivery gets results. We are most grateful of Kaiser Permanente’s investment in this important work,” said Jeannine Truswell, president & CEO of UWWC.
Each nonprofit will use the funds in ways that best supports the unique needs of their individual communities including: UWWC will spearhead work on behalf of the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care, using its $150,000 contribution to partner with Homeward Alliance in Larimer County to employ two new resource navigators who will work in the community to support people experiencing homelessness and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
