Disaster Response

BASIC NEEDS

DISASTER
RELIEF

Greater Gallatin United Way is there when our community needs us most, helping neighbors get back on their feet and back to thriving.

Addressing Critical Needs

We know that we are strongest when we work together, which is why we partner and serve alongside dozens of community organizations committed to meeting community needs in emergencies.

In the past few years our community has endured through the Yellowstone River Flood, Bridger Foothills Fire and the COVID-19 Pandemic, and alongside with our partners, and our community, we responded – by fundraising, assessing community needs, and distributing funds in a transparent, secure manner.

CREATING A MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITY

GGUW Disaster Response Fund

The GGUW Disaster Response Fund was established to ensure immediate access to essential resources during times of crisis. This fund enables us to provide food and shelter for affected individuals, supply necessary equipment to responders, and address varied needs unique to each disaster. By having this fund in place, we can respond swiftly and effectively, without delay. Any unused funds will carry over each year, ensuring we are always prepared for future emergencies.

Help us stay ready to support our community in times of need by donating to the GGUW Disaster Response Fund.

BE AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE HERO

Having a team of dedicated emergency response volunteers is crucial for effective disaster relief. Your participation ensures timely assistance and support for those in need.

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Learn more about our historical response and the ongoing efforts to recover and rebuild.

Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund

On June 13, 2022, the Yellowstone River and its tributaries reminded those who live in Park County who is really in charge. As the river peaked at levels never seen before, people’s lives changed forever. When the water receded, more than 400 homes, businesses, nonprofits, and structures in Park County were impacted directly, accounting for tens of millions of dollars in damage. Potentially more damaging, the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park was destroyed— the economic life blood of this community.

In the hours following the flooding, the Southwest Montana Flood Relief Fund- serving Park County, was launched in partnership between the Park County Community Foundation and Greater Gallatin United Way to help people, businesses, and nonprofits in Park County impacted by the flooding.

Thanks to the generous support of thousands of people from all 50 states and countries around the world, more than more than $3 million was raised toward the effort. To date, all funds have been allocated in three distinct priority areas:

$1.8 million was distributed to more than 400 individuals, businesses, and nonprofits whose homes and property were impacted by the flood.
$430,000 was directed to provide economic relief to people and businesses in Gardiner, Silver Gate, Cooke City, Mammoth, WY and Colter Pass.
$782,000 was granted to nonprofits and local governments working on recovery and community resiliency efforts.

Bridger Foothills Fire Fund

When the Bridger Foothills fire consumed more than 7,000 acres, the greater Bozeman community responded.

Even before the flames were fully extinguished, Greater Gallatin United Way and the One Valley Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SWMT COAD), created the Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund in response to the community requests.

IMPACT REPORT

In total, more than $405,000 in funding was raised to assist those impacted by the fire through direct community donations, hosted events, branded product sales, art auctions, and other creative, community-driven efforts.

Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund

The Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response fund was announced on March 23rd, 2020 to help provide financial relief to organizations in Gallatin, Park, Meagher, and Madison counties.

The Donations Steering Group met weekly to review applications and approve awards to community organizations aiding those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The steering group includes staff and board of Greater Gallatin United Way and One Valley Community Foundation, as well as community leaders, local government, and public health and emergency management officials.

IMPACT REPORT

The One Valley Community Foundation and Greater Gallatin United Way jointly raised over $775,846 for Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund between March 2020 and February 2021.

Immediate Assistance

Are you in need of immediate assistance? Our partner organization, 2-1-1, operated by the Bozeman Help Center, provides the most current and comprehensive listing of community services. They can They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and will connect you to the service(s) you need.