United Way of Perry County Finds Main Street Home After Devastating Fire

United Way of Perry County has secured a new Main Street location next to Los Amigos Mexican Grill after the organization’s office off Highway 37 in Tell City burned last month, a loss officials called a "huge loss." The move restores a street-level presence for a nonprofit that coordinates local social services, volunteer programs, and emergency assistance.

United Way officials said renovations and looming grant deadlines mean the organization will not move immediately. In the interim, United Way staff will continue working remotely, and mail should be sent to PO Box 73. Officials issued a public statement saying they are "working hard behind the scenes to make this a welcoming, functional home for our mission and for our community."

The fire that destroyed the Highway 37 office disrupted a central meeting point for donors, volunteers, and residents seeking help. For many Perry County households, United Way serves as a connector to food assistance, utility support, and partnerships with other local providers. Losing a physical office affects walk-in access and the informal referrals that happen when clients and service coordinators share space.

Restoring a Main Street presence carries practical and symbolic weight. Main Street is the spine of Tell City’s downtown commerce and community life; a visible storefront makes United Way easier to find for residents without reliable internet or transportation. At the same time, renovations must meet grant conditions and building codes that can prolong the timeline for reopening. That gap raises concerns about continuity of services for older adults, low-income families, and people with limited mobility who rely on face-to-face assistance.

United Way of Perry County plans to use the Main Street site for client meetings, volunteer coordination, and local fundraising outreach once renovations are complete. Until then, donors and clients should expect remote operations and use PO Box 73 for correspondence. Volunteers and partner agencies can continue coordinating by phone or email; United Way officials have emphasized the urgency of keeping vital programs running despite the disrupted workspace.

The choice of a downtown location signals a commitment to keeping services embedded in Perry County’s everyday life. Moving forward, timelines will depend on renovation progress and meeting grant requirements, but the organization’s statement reflects determination to rebuild thoughtfully: "working hard behind the scenes to make this a welcoming, functional home for our mission and for our community."

For residents, the immediate takeaway is practical: United Way remains operational, but in a virtual and distributed mode until the Main Street site opens. The new storefront aims to restore in-person support and strengthen downtown recovery after the setback, offering a familiar place for neighbors to seek help, volunteer, and contribute to community resilience.