PRESS RELEASE: UNITED WAY TO COORDINATE VOLUNTEER RESPONSE FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

UNITED WAY TO COORDINATE VOLUNTEER RESPONSE FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS ON BEHALF OF CITY OF PORTLAND

(Portland, ME – June 14, 2019) As the City of Portland responds to the over 150 asylum seekers who arrived in Portland this past week, our community is asking how they can help.

The City of Portland needs volunteers and has asked United Way of Greater Portland (UWGP) to help coordinate efforts currently underway. United Way’s role is to ensure volunteers are properly screened with background checks before providing direct assistance. UWGP has already received over 180 applications since the volunteer site went live this morning. The number continues to rise.

“United Way of Greater Portland is prepared to support our city to ensure it has the volunteers needed during this influx of asylum seekers,” said Liz Cotter Schlax, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Portland. “The outpouring of support from this incredibly caring community is remarkable.” 

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help should visit unitedwaygp.org or www.unitedwaygp.org/asylum to complete volunteer screening and interest questionnaire. Specific instructions will follow after an individual has expressed general interest.

About United Way of Greater Portland: For 90 years, United Way of Greater Portland (UWGP)’s mission has been to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Today, UWGP unites individuals and organizations around our community’s shared vision, Thrive2027, three 10-year goals to improve education, financial stability, and health for every person in Greater Portland. With community partners, UWGP builds on strategies that are known to achieve the best results, and rigorously evaluates progress toward those goals. Everyone has a role to play in building a thriving community, and UWGP actively seeks to engage donors, advocates, and volunteers to create measurable, long-lasting community change. Learn more at unitedwaygp.org

##