The Rhode Island Family Shelter received quite the surprise when United Healthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island announced it would donate a one-time community $20,000 grant to the shelter.

In the last year United Healthcare increased 1 million members Patrice Cooper, executive director of Unites Healthcare Community Plan Rhode Island, explained at a check presentation June 11.

To celebrate this “member milestone,” United Healthcare is donating $1,000,000 to community partners nationwide.

Rhode Island Family Shelter was one of the 57 organizations to receive a grant.

Kavita Patel, a United Healthcare Community Plan Marketing specialist, nominated the Rhode Island Family Shelter.

In the past, Patel hosted various preventative health classes for those staying at the shelter. For example, she held one class about eating healthy on a budget. She said that once she found out about the community grants she was quick to nominate the family shelter because they were a “perfect fit.”

“They just do so much for the families who stay here, why wouldn’t we want to help them,” Patel said.

Patti Macreading, executive director of the family shelter, said the shelter knew nothing about the grant, but “it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

During the summer months donations slow down versus around the holiday season.

“During the summer people’s minds are somewhere else on vacation, on de-stressing,” said Macreading. “The need never goes away though. United Healthcare isn’t just a company they really are a part of the community.”

Several shelter residents attended the ceremony and the two 5-month-old infants stole the show, being cooed and held by staff and guests.

Cooper said she finds it important to meet the people who will benefit most from the money United Healthcare donates.

“You need to meet people to truly understand their experiences,” she said.

The $20,000 will go to continue and expand programs for residents.

Cooper said, “Housing stability is so important to health.”

The Rhode Island Family Shelter, Cooper said, offers more than just a roof to stay under, but really tries to create a homey atmosphere and a community between staff and residents.

Maria Gordon Shydlo, director of public relations for United Healthcare, said, “The great thing about like organizations like this is that they know where every single dollar is going and not a penny is ever wasted.”