An anonymous, first-time donor to Wheeler is supporting its Basic Needs Fund with a $20,000 gift.
The fund, which has helped provide the basic needs of life for approximately 11,000 patients since being created in 2018, is the top philanthropic priority for the organization, especially as requests for help have soared in recent years. It is fully funded by private donors and does not have any administrative overhead.
The fund is designed to provide responsive, immediate help for patients at Wheeler's five federally qualified community health centers by assisting when a lack of basic resources threatens their physical or emotional well-being, putting their health at risk and preventing meaningful improvement in health outcomes.
Each of Wheeler’s centers in Bristol, Hartford, New Britain, Plainville, and Waterbury can quickly access support from the Basic Needs Fund, which has been used for emergency food, toiletries, clothing, and more. Past scenarios have included a family displaced by a fire, a mother fleeing a family violence situation, unhoused individuals who needed toiletries and other essentials immediately, and more.
The donor, who made the gift through a donor-advised fund at a local community foundation, had not previously supported Wheeler philanthropically, but learned of its work in the community over the years.
"We are profoundly grateful for this individual's generosity and philanthropy, the true 'love of humanity,'" says Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, Wheeler's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Their support could not come at a better time, as our patients struggle to make ends meet, and also encounter increasing restrictions on aid that could have helped them in the past."
To support the Basic Needs Fund, or Wheeler's other areas of focus, please visit: https://www.wheelerhealth.org/give