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Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund
United Ways of Connecticut are working together to respond to the growing needs of households we call ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) as the economic consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic become more dire by the day. These are our neighbors who already live paycheck to paycheck, and their lack of financial cushion make them particularly vulnerable to the rapidly changing scenario our country now faces.
After speaking with ALICE individuals in the past few days, we know their needs are great and mounting. We also know that our state and federal government are working hard to identify and put in place solutions on a broad scale. Connecticut United Ways stand ready with our other philanthropic partners to assist where gaps exist, and contribute our expertise and resources where we can have the most impact.
A Common Fund
Connecticut United Ways will be launching the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund which will immediately address the urgent household basic needs. The fund is working in tandem with other philanthropic efforts being coordinated statewide. It will rapidly deploy financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic, including those who are out of work or have reduced work hours. In the coming days the Fund will identify the priority population who will be eligible for assistance.
The Fund will be used is to help individuals and families that United Way calls ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are our hard-working neighbors who already live paycheck to paycheck. Many of them provide crucial services in our community—such as caring for our children and elderly parents. Without a financial cushion, they are particularly vulnerable to the rapidly changing scenario our country now faces. United Way expects that the number of individuals and families in the state that fall into the ALICE income threshold will grow as the crisis continues.
- Already struggling to pay their bills, ALICE families may now be facing even more severe challenges, such as:
- Inability to keep up with rent, mortgage, and utility payments as paychecks stop coming in or are severely reduced. People in the restaurant, entertainment, and travel industries are most affected.
- Stressors on food budgets with children home from school and eating more. Gas is needed to pick up “grab and go” meals from the schools, and the pick-up schedules don’t always coincide with parents’ work schedules
- Higher food and utility costs as all family members are home all day in response to social distancing guidelines
- Fewer volunteers available to provide services to those in need, as many volunteers are over the age of 60
As this pandemic continues to evolve, so too will the needs of our community. This Fund will allow for flexibility in meeting those needs.
Timeline
This crisis requires a rapid response and flexibility to discontinue when the crisis wanes. We would like to have the program available in the next week.
How You Can Help
We need your help! Can you commit support to this fund so that we can determine what size population we can assist?
- Make a corporate pledge as an early partner
- Set-up a micro-campaign within your company so employees have a way to support the Fund
- Help mobilize volunteers for targeted needs throughout the community
- Stay informed at every step of the way, as we meet the needs of this crisis together
Contact
For more information on how to get involved, please contact jim.hutchison@northwestunitedway.org