United Way of Washington County Featured in United Way Worldwide for Winter Storm Fern Response

Greenville, Mississippi — 2/25/2026 — United Way of Washington County has been recognized by United Way Worldwide for its swift and compassionate response to Winter Storm Fern, which devastated communities across Mississippi in late January 2026. The organization is among several Mississippi United Ways highlighted in a feature article published by United Way Worldwide titled "United Ways Across Mississippi Respond to Winter Storm Fern."

When Winter Storm Fern struck, Washington County faced some of the most challenging conditions seen in years — iced-over roads, widespread power outages, and temperatures that plunged residents into dangerous cold. For Nathan Benzing, Executive Director of United Way of Washington County, the crisis hit close to home — literally.
"My daughter's friends stayed with us for days," Benzing said. "Their apartments had no heat or water. The roads were iced over, and we made space and made it work."

Even as his own family navigated the storm, Benzing was working with UWWC agencies to coordinate community-wide support. Working quickly alongside churches, non-profit organizations, and community groups, United Way of Washington County helped open warming locations throughout the area to ensure residents had a safe place to go.
A centerpiece of that effort was United Way's support of Sacred Space, a Greenville-based partner organization that serves people experiencing homelessness. As temperatures fell, Sacred Space Executive Directors Chris & Crystal Bush and their team expanded operations dramatically — going from housing approximately 30 people per night to sheltering up to 70 during the storm's peak. United Way stepped in immediately to ensure the organization had what it needed, including extra cots, bedding, toiletries, food, and shelf-stable meals.

"They asked what we needed — shelf-stable meals, blankets — they made it happen," Bush said. "We're not a big organization, but we're deeply rooted. And our local United Way knows who's in the trenches."
The recognition from United Way Worldwide underscores the critical role local United Ways play in disaster response — not simply as funders or information hubs, but as trusted community partners who mobilize resources and relationships when it matters most.

"This wasn't something we planned for," Benzing reflected. "But this community showed up for each other. That's what United Way is about. When people ask why I should donate to United Way, this is a perfect example. Even though United Way is a worldwide organization, it always comes down to local organizations helping their communities."

United Way of Washington County continues to work with community partners to support residents in their recovery from Winter Storm Fern.

Those interested in donating or volunteering visit our website at: https://www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.com   

To read the full United Way Worldwide feature, click here.


About United Way of Washington County United Way of Washington County mobilizes the caring power of the community to advance the common good. By connecting donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, UWWC works to create lasting change in the areas of health, education, and financial stability for residents across Washington County, Mississippi.
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