McKinney businesses, nonprofits unite with new community website One Heart McKinney

The city of McKinney, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations are teaming up to provide resources for the community through the COVID-19 pandemic by launching a new website called One Heart McKinney.

The website, found at www.oneheartmckinney.com, launched April 13 to provide a central location for people looking for help and for others who are looking for opportunities for help, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce announced in a news release.

On the website people can find free or low-cost medical clinics and services providing food to people in need of a meal, as well as guidance for business owners and resources for those looking for work, the news release said.

“We’re amid a pandemic unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetime, but throughout this crisis, I’ve had the honor of witnessing the kindness and solidarity among our community members to support each other in the most incredible ways,” McKinney Mayor George Fuller said in the release. “We know the trials won’t stop overnight when businesses can reopen, which is why the One Heart McKinney initiative and collaboration happening now is so important."

He went on to describe One Heart McKinney as an effort across the community to not only respond to but also to recover from the virus.

In the first few weeks following executive orders to close nonessential businesses, McKinney raised nearly $20,000 for small businesses and local nonprofits through the #McKinneyStrong initiative and T-shirt sales coming from that initiative, according to the news release.

The launch of this website is an effort to advance that momentum and provide long-term support to the community in the five areas of housing and shelter; food; jobs and employment; education and child care; and physical, spiritual and mental health, the news release said.

“One Heart McKinney is a reflection of our camaraderie and preparation," Fuller said in the release. "Together, as a community, we are resilient and will adapt to any challenges we may face."