United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Launches Disaster Preparedness Initiative to Strengthen Community Resilience
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Launches Disaster Preparedness Initiative to Strengthen Community Resilience
Local effort made possible through $250,000 grant from United Way Worldwide
BUFFALO, N.Y. (September 15, 2026) – United Way of Buffalo & Erie County is strengthening disaster preparedness and community resilience across Erie County through a new Disaster Resilience initiative, made possible through support from Verizon and United Way Worldwide. The campaign, United We Prepare, will provide residents with disaster resilience kits, resources, and tools to prepare for emergencies. United Way of Buffalo & Erie County was one of the few United Way’s chosen from across the United States to receive this Disaster Resilience Grant because of its focus on initiatives that build community resiliency.
“The 2022 Blizzard showed us just how important community resilience is and how deeply an emergency can impact our neighbors,” said Trina Burruss, President and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. “We saw neighbors helping neighbors, community organizations stepping up and people coming together to meet urgent needs. This initiative builds on those lessons by helping residents prepare before the next emergency happens. By equipping individuals and families with the tools, information, and connections they need, we are strengthening the resilience of our entire community.”
FREE DISASTER RESILIENCE KITS
As part of the Disaster Resilience initiative, United Way will distribute free disaster resilience kits to community members. The kits will include essential emergency supplies, such as emergency radios, blankets, multi-tools and reflective tape. Residents will also receive information about local resources, including the new 211 WNY app, which connects individuals and families to health and human services.
INTERACTIVE PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOPS
United Way will also host interactive disaster preparedness workshops in September and October to give residents practical information they can use before, during and after an emergency. Visit bit.ly/buffaloprepares for dates, times, and locations for these events.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY: For nearly 110 years, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has fought to improve the health, youth opportunities, and financial stability of every person in our community. By forging unlikely partnerships, finding new solutions to old problems, and mobilizing the best resources, we inspire individuals to join the fight against our community’s most daunting social issues. Learn more at uwbec.org.