Fishing Community Fund established to prevent hunger and homelessness for those relying on seafood industry

United Way of Greater New Bedford, Massachusetts Fisherman’s Partnership and High Liner Foods have teamed up to provide short-term emergency aid for individuals and families relying on fishing or the seafood industry for their livelihood. The fund is modeled after a similar fund that High Liner Foods helps to support in the Gloucester area.

United Way of Greater New Bedford is the fiscal partner receiving and acknowledging donations as well as making payments for approved expenditures. The New Bedford office for the Massachusetts Fisherman’s Partnership will process applications for help and a three person committee from the community will review applications for funding.

To date, just over $14,000 has been raised to start the fund. “We saw the need for the fund and agreed it fit our mission,” said Michelle N. Hantman, President of United Way. “Thanks to High Liner Foods’ leadership the fund is now established and will be made available for emergency aid as long as donations continue to replenish it. We expect the requests for help will expend the funds quickly.”

The need is great not only for families of once active fisherman, but from other families whose livelihoods depend on all the related industries of fishing. The fund is intended for short-term emergency help, while longer term aid is put in place. All payments will be made directly to the third party vendor on behalf of the family approved for aid. Allowable expenses include; housing, utilities and food.

Substantial contributions have been received from individuals and corporations including: American Refrigeration Co., 2 Anonymous Donors, BJ’s Temp Service, Corvo, LLC. F/V Hera, Eastern Fisheries, High Liner Foods, Mariner Seafood LLC, Pier Fish Company, Pyramid Transport, Inc., Raymond W. Starvish, Jr. and the Whaling City Seafood Auction. Donations for the New Bedford Fishing Community Fund can be made anytime to the United Way of Greater New Bedford, 105 William St. 3rd floor, New Bedford, MA 02740 NOTE: Fishing Fund or online at www.unitedwayofgnb.org. To seek assistance contact Verna Kendall at MFP New Bedford office at (508)991-3043.