NEWS 2020

The Milford COVID Relief Fund (MCRF), a pass-through fund at the Greater Pike Community Foundation, has announced its first grant.

A donation of $4,000 has been made to the Community Outreach program at the Milford United Methodist Church to provide support to individuals who live or work(ed) in Milford Borough and are in need of assistance.

“We wanted to help individuals who live or work in Milford Borough, but we did not want to create a complicated apparatus to do so. Milford United Methodist Church has been doing this for years through their Community Outreach program, so we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel,” said Joe Dooley, a Milford Council member who is one of the Milford COVID Relief Fund Steering Committee members.

“Our Community Outreach program includes trained volunteers, who discreetly interview applicants and make a determination of need,” said Liz Steen, who coordinates the program for the Milford United Methodist Church.  “We don’t provide money directly to the applicant, but for those who qualify, we will pay or pay part of a bill directly or provide a pre-paid voucher.”

“By helping with a utility or medical bill, rent, or similar expense for someone in need, it can help them get through a rough patch,” said Annette Haar, one of the Milford COVID Relief Fund steering committee members. “It is important to remember that there are many workers who do not qualify for, or have not yet received, any unemployment benefits.”

The Milford United Methodist Church Community Outreach program will also provide vouchers valid at Milford businesses selling groceries or to-go foods that are listed in the Milford section at MilfordToGo.com.  “This helps us support both individuals in need as well as our local businesses,” said Luke Turano, also a Milford Borough Councilmember and member of the Milford COVID Relief Fund steering committee.  “It keeps more money right here, in our community.”

The Milford COVID Relief Fund was established at the Greater Pike Community Foundation to help provide support to Milford residents and workers affected by the pandemic and to support Milford businesses.

“Greater Pike is pleased to offer the use of its infrastructure to accept donations and then make grant awards to local nonprofits on behalf of the Milford COVID Relief Fund,” said Jenni Hamill, Greater Pike’s Executive Director.  “Now more than ever, the role of a community foundation is clear – we can offer help and support that is not only local, but direct.  The Milford United Methodist Church Community Outreach Program is a critical player in local COVID relief efforts right now and an excellent choice for support.”

In addition to Haar, Turano, and Dooley, the Fund’s other steering committee members include Milford Borough Council President Frank Tarquinio, Dr. Doug Manion, and Milford Mayor Sean Strub.

To apply for support from the Community Outreach program, the party in need should call 570-296-6124 and leave their contact information.  They will be contacted discreetly, by telephone, for a discussion of their needs and eligibility.

Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to “GPCF-MCRF” and sent to Greater Pike Community Foundation, P.O. Box 992, Milford, PA 18337.

Since its founding in 2012, Greater Pike Community Foundation has become an important philanthropic leader in Pike County.  Greater Pike was created to enable generous individuals, families and local businesses to maximize their charitable support through organized, targeted community philanthropy.  www.greaterpike.org