The Adirondack Foundation, in partnership with the Cloudsplitter Foundation, United Way of the Adirondack Region, and other donors and businesses, have announced their first grants from the Special and Urgent Needs Fund, created in response to the communities need for assistance during the coronavirus quarantine. Those awarded the grant are responding with innovative new methods on distributing food across rural areas to low income residents, helping reduce the burdens of those out of work, and providing childcare under difficult conditions. The awardees are as follows:

AdkAction | Implemented a prototype for an emergency food package in order to supply fresh food to residents with limited access to food.

Adirondack Health | Financial assistance was given to healthcare workers who are caring for patients with confirmed or possible infections in order to help with emergency housing costs, transportation, childcare, and general family relief.

Adirondack North Country Association partnership with Hub on the Hill | They have provided a Mobile Market and emergency food package delivery in order to reduce COVID-19 transmission. They’re also providing nutritious food to families in need and employing essential workers.

Champlain Children’s Learning Center | Funding for childcare services for parents on the frontlines, and those mandated to work from home and in need of services.

Ecumenical Council of Saranac Lake | Emergency Heating assistance for struggling families who don’t qualify for federal or state heating assistance programs.

Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties | “Ultra Rural” food pantry assistance for families out of work and in poverty.

Lake Placid Central School | Fresh produce, meat, cleaning supplies and basic household amenities provided to families in need of assistance.

Little Peaks | Support for the preschool program to continue providing its curriculum and activities through the platform Zoom while everyone remains home.

Kids R Us | Providing childcare and support for essential workers.

Mental Health Association of Franklin County | Support for vulnerable residents via food and other types of assistance.

North Country Public Radio | COVID-19 radio response, keeping the public informed with recent public health alerts and spreading information about available resources.

Salvation Army | Rental and utility assistance for low-income individuals and families, seniors, and the disabled.

Saranac Lake Central School | Essential family needs and childcare assistance for people struggling to make ends meet, maintain proper hygiene, and provide food.

Ticonderoga Central School | Delivering meals to the homes of up too 600 students while the school is temporarily closed.

YMCA of Plattsburgh/Malone | Providing childcare services for parents working essential jobs with no access to care.

Click here to donate to the Special + Urgent Needs Fund for COVID-19 Response