UWSWMN Awards $12,000 in Disaster Recovery Grants

United Way of Southwest Minnesota Awards $12,000 in Disaster Recovery Grants

United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) has distributed $12,000 in emergency relief funding to residents affected by the July 18th flooding. The grants, ranging from $500 to $2,000, were awarded based on the extent and type of damage, level of insurance coverage, and their classification within the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) demographic.

This relief effort was made possible through a generous $5,000 donation from Leading Edge Credit Union, additional funds allocated by the UWSWMN Board of Directors, and contributions from local donors. Together, these sources enabled UWSWMN to respond to the needs of families and individuals who experienced hardship due to the flooding.
A panel of UWSWMN Board and community members representing the city and county worked together to review applications and determine grant awards, ensuring a fair and thoughtful process.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from Leading Edge Credit Union and our local community,” said Meg Louwagie, CEO of UWSWMN. “These funds helped bridge the gap for those who often fall through the cracks of traditional assistance programs.”

UWSWMN is committed to disaster recovery through its new priority area of Community Resiliency—a strategic focus aimed at strengthening southwest Minnesota communities before, during, and after emergencies. As part of this initiative, UWSWMN is actively working to raise funds that will allow for swift response when the next disaster strikes, ensuring timely support for those most affected.

For more information about UWSWMN’s Disaster Recovery initiatives or to contribute to future emergency response efforts, please visit http://www.unitedwayswmn.org.