March 30th, 2020- Ameren Corporation announced that its AmerenCares charitable trust is donating $500,000 to help individuals, families, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support relief efforts in Illinois and Missouri.
The AmerenCares program will provide $250,000 to a new fund established by the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, in collaboration with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. The fund is being chaired by former U.S. Commerce Secretary of State Penny Pritzker. All funds raised will quickly be distributed to local community foundations and non-profits to assist Illinois residents with emergency food, housing and shelter, medical services, and other basic needs. The fund had raised $23 million as of the close of business on Thursday. The AmerenCares program will provide the additional $250,000 to the United Way of Greater St. Louis COVID-19 Response Fund, with a focus on helping United Way scale-up the operations of its 2-1-1 program.
While the COVID-19 crisis is affecting nearly all sectors and customer groups, low-income households, seniors, veterans and the disabled are most at risk for experiencing significant hardship. The Illinois and Missouri relief funds have provisions to direct assistance to the most vulnerable populations.
“Many downstate Illinois families are struggling to meet even their most basic needs,” said Richard J. Mark, president of Ameren Illinois. “This collaborative partnership will provide immediate and significant benefits to our customers. We encourage everyone to join us and lend a hand to those who need assistance during this challenging time.”
