The United Way of the Flint Hills is getting state attention — and funding — for its work to alleviate the local homeless situation.
Governor Laura Kelly announced the United Way is among 14 grant recipients for the Rural Champions program’s second cohort, adding to a statewide network of people and groups addressing significant community needs. United Way CEO Daphne Mertens says this will expand on the work of recent Point-in-Time data collection efforts.
Rural Champions was created through a collaboration involving the state’s Office of Rural Prosperity and the Patterson Family Foundation. It is designed to give rural communities more resources to tackle concerns “in areas where a lack of capital or other resources hinders necessary progress.”
Rural Champions get a one-year wage stipend of nearly $21,000, in this case to bolster the work of Jessica Reth, already employed part-time by the United Way as its Food-Secure Communities Coordinator, as well as training and resources. Selected organizations also get up to $25,000 to start implementing their projects by the end of this year, provided grant metrics are fulfilled.
*Click here for a link to the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Rural Champions page.
6 am Tuesday:
The United Way of the Flint Hills is listed as a Rural Champion by the state of Kansas.
Governor Laura Kelly announced the United Way is among 14 grant recipients for the Rural Champions program’s second cohort, adding to a statewide network of people and groups addressing significant community needs.
The United Way was selected for its ongoing work helping the local homeless population. Rural Champions get a one-year wage stipend of nearly $21,000, as well as training and resources. Selected organizations also get up to $25,000 to start implementing their projects.
Rural Champions was created through a collaboration involving the state’s Office of Rural Prosperity and the Patterson Family Foundation. It is designed to five rural communities more resources to tackle concerns “in areas where a lack of capital or other resources hinders necessary progress.”
