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We’re moving! New Office. New Name. Same Mission. All services remain active. Full details coming in January.

Emergency Relief Fund: Other Ways to Help

When people come together to give—whether it’s time, money, or compassion—they do more than meet an immediate need. They help build a stronger, more connected community that can weather life’s challenges together.

Other Ways to Help

Every act of generosity strengthens our community. If you’ve already given—or want to help in other ways—there are several meaningful actions you can take to support families across Virginia’s Blue Ridge right now:

If you know someone struggling with housing, food, or utilities, encourage them to call 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org for free, confidential help connecting to local resources:

  • Text “FOOD” to 247-211 to receive links to the 211 Virginia public search directory, the food pantry locator, and the VENA webpage.
  • Visit: feedingswva.org/map-directory to find the nearest food pantry or food bank.
  • Visit: www.dss.virginia.gov/VENA for official VENA information.
  • Call: 2-1-1 or 1-800-230-6977 for live help from a Specialist. 

Note: Only listed sites have current capacity; others may have paused intake due to high demand.

Knowledge is powerful—especially when times are uncertain. A simple post or conversation can connect a family to life-changing support.

Focus on high-protein items such as peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, canned fruits and vegetables and shelf-stable milk. Drop donations at Feeding Southwest Virginia’s 1025 Electric Rd site.
 
Other organizations that are collecting supplies::
 
Lake Christian Ministries
13157 S Old Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121

Canned Soups, fruits and vegetables, boxed pasta.

Donations can be dropped off at the drop off area in Building 2 from (am until noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 5-6:30pm on the last Tuesday of each month.

Heavenly Manna
2211 S Main St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
 
Any nonperishable food items including canned vegetables, canned meats( tuna, chicken, etc.),Boost and Ensure nutrition shakes, Hormel Compleats meals, Snackable meals for kids, juice, milk , Spaghetti sauce, spaghetti pasta

Donations can be dropped off  at Heavenly Manna on Mondays from 8am-4pm.

  • Support continued investment in SNAP, HUD and state emergency aid programs that prevent nonprofits from absorbing federal shortfalls. 
  • Promote 2-1-1 Virginia, VENA, and Feeding SWVA’s directories on social media to help families connect to services. 
  • Share verified information about where people can get help and how others can contribute.
  • Post about the UWVBR Emergency Relief Fund, tag @UnitedWayVBR, and remind friends that together we can keep families housed, fed, and healthy through this challenging time.

    Sample post: “Families across Virginia’s Blue Ridge need our support. Join me in giving to @UnitedWayVBR’s Emergency Relief Fund—help keep neighbors housed, fed, and healthy. Donate or share: https://uwvbr.org/emergency-relief-fund/”

Encourage your team, local business, or faith community to take collective action—through a mini-fundraiser, food drive, or group volunteer project.

Help neighbors stay safe and housed by volunteering with groups like Renovation Alliance, which assists older adults and people with disabilities with essential home repairs. 

Donate Here

All gifts are tax-deductible.

When we act together, small efforts add up to big impact for families across our region.