Funds to replace food lost during Memphis power outages exhausted on first day
As of 1:30 p.m. on Monday, calls to the MemphisCares hotline were automatically directed to a voicemail stating that all available funds had been exhausted.
Evan Hayes
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Funds intended to help Memphis residents replace food lost during last week’s widespread power outages were exhausted on the first day of assistance, according to a message on the MemphisCares hotline.
MemphisCares is a partnership between the City of Memphis administration, Memphis City Council and United Way of the Mid-South aimed at helping households with the greatest need in areas hardest hit by the bow echo storm.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young and City Council Chairwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington announced that the initiative would begin Monday, Aug. 31.
Residents who experienced a power outage lasting more than 24 hours were instructed to call the MemphisCares hotline at 844-444-4211 for information on how to receive assistance.
However, as of 1:30 p.m. Monday, calls to the MemphisCares hotline were automatically directed to a voicemail stating that all available funds had been exhausted.
ABC24 reached out to United Way who provided the following statement regarding the situation:
“We have received more requests for assistance than funds available. The staff at United Way is currently processing the requests and will distribute assistance beginning tomorrow until all fundable requests have been met. We are still accepting donations to the fund at https://uwmidsouth.org/give/ and will continue to distribute any additional donations.”
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