United Ways in CT Launch COVID-19 Response Fund
April 30, 2020Fund designed to assist those in need with food and other necessities.
The following information is from the United Way:
All fifteen United Ways across Connecticut joined forces within the first week of the COVID-19 shutdown to establish a fund to get money to those in need. By collaborating quickly and creating a partnership with a virtual payment provider, we are able to raise significant funds to help those who lost jobs and wages as a result of the pandemic. Led by United Way of Western Connecticut and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, this unique statewide effort, called the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund, is now disbursing payments to the mobile phones of residents across the state who need money for food and other necessities. Click HERE for more details.
Nonprofits and funders alike immediately heard of families that lost their income and childcare, and they sensed fear and panic from low-wage working households not necessarily accustomed to accessing charitable resources. United Way calls these households ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). We had to get financial assistance to these households quickly– more quickly than governmental resources can often be mobilized. With no financial cushion, they are particularly vulnerable to the rapidly changing scenario our country now faces. We also had to meet the needs of those who may not qualify for governmental support. Social distancing added another complexity in responding to needs.
To date, we have raised and begun distributing nearly $700,000. Donors have included residents, state employees, and corporate partners and foundations.
HOW IT WORKS
The funds are being distributed using a formula of the percentage of ALICE residents in each town and city in Connecticut.
The Connecticut United Ways are working with social service agencies across the state to identify those most in need. Recipients receive $200. Through a partnership with EML Payments Limited (“EML”), an innovative system allows rapid distribution of dollars to beneficiaries. Once a beneficiary is pre-qualified by the participating social service agency, funds are loaded to the mobile wallet on the beneficiary’s smartphone. The funds are used to pay for necessities, such as food, medicine, utilities, and gasoline. The electronic distribution of funds means that money can be given to those who need it most, without violating social distancing requirements. This innovative service delivery model provides immediate relief to those struggling and gives families the flexibility to address their most urgent needs.
IF YOU ARE IN NEED
United Way of Central and Northeastern CT launched the Neighbors in Need fund to assist individuals and families in central and northeastern Connecticut with food; emergency assistance; and, childcare.
Please click here for more information: https://unitedwayinc.org/emergency-response/
Contact your town’s Social Services office to access information on eligibility for funds available through the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund. Learn more.
IF YOU WISH TO HELP
