ONEIDA COUNTY, N.Y. – United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) partnered with Berkshire Bank to fill a unique gap for individuals and families who were previously unhoused or living in shelters as they secure a home.
Individuals moving into their own apartments after being homeless or living in a shelter usually do not have the basic supplies needed for a home. Obtaining necessities, such as cookware, towels, and bedding can be challenging. However, United Way MV stepped in to create a “Welcome Home Kit” to ensure that folks will have necessities from the start. The non-profit’s unique position in the community allows them to identify unmet needs and create solutions to fill gaps in services such as this one.
This is the second time the kits have been assembled and distributed through community partners. They were distributed through United Way MV’s Coordinated Entry System. The Coordinated Entry System links local homelessness system providers to a real-time list of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. The system then connects individuals to available housing options that best match their needs.
Funding from United Way MV and Berkshire Bank helped purchase “Welcome Home Kits” items for those transitioning into a new home as they move forward to a brighter future. Berkshire Bank employees spent an afternoon volunteering to help pack 100 large storage totes with those household items including a blow-up mattress, sheet set, can opener, pan, dishes, utensils, oven mitt, sponges, broom and dustpan, towels, shower curtain, towel set, and a reusable grocery bag.
“These kits provide the bare minimum of what people should have when moving into a new home,” said Vice President of Business Banking at Berkshire Bank, Matt Nicholl. “We continue to work with United Way of the Mohawk Valley to assist our local community. Imagine being on the receiving end of this project and being able to sustain, rather than feel the stress of everything a new home can bring. As a socially responsible community bank, supporting United Way MV’s Welcome Home Kits is an important step to help individuals thrive during challenging times.”
Housing stability is the foundation of health and well-being – and United Way MV believes everyone should have access to a safe and stable home. United Way MV is one of many organizations that partner through Mohawk Valley Housing and Homeless Coalition to provide resources dedicated to helping the unhoused and those experiencing housing insecurity. Along with United Way MV’s Welcome Home Kits, their focus is ensuring access to help is available, and that there is a pathway to supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness.
To see how United Way MV and Berkshire Bank volunteers assembled the Welcome Home Kits, check out the photo gallery: unitedwaymv.org/whk-bershire.
About United Way of the Mohawk Valley
Since 1921, United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) has been a human service leader helping thousands of local individuals and families by bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s challenges. As one of the area’s top funders, dozens of programs rely on United Way MV funding each year.
United Way MV is a leader in innovation through projects and initiatives addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and financial stability. For information about United Way of the Mohawk Valley, to donate or to get involved visit www.unitedwaymv.org, or call 315.733.4691
