UNITED WAYS OF UTAH TO PROVIDE STATEWIDE SUPPORT WITH COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE FUND

United Ways of Utah announced the COVID-19 Community Response Fund
this week, in a collective effort to alleviate some of the economic impact many
Utah families are facing as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus.

“Our focus during this outbreak is to ensure services are available to low-income families and individuals impacted the most during this time,” said Rebekah Pectol, executive director at United Way of Dixie. “We are working with United Ways across Utah to direct financial support to organizations providing services and responding to immediate needs of those experiencing economic hardships due to the pandemic.”

The COVID-19 Community Response Fund will provide resources to
organizations working with individuals who are disproportionately impacted by
Coronavirus, and the potentially devastating economic consequences of the
outbreak on low-income families and individuals. The Fund is designed to expand
local nonprofit organizations’ capacity to address the economic impact on our
communities' most vulnerable citizens as efficiently as possible.

The fund will support the following programs and services:

• Rental assistance or mortgage payment assistance 
• Rapid rehousing, shelter diversion, homeless shelters 
• Crisis nurseries and childcare providers 
• Healthcare services for vulnerable Utahns
• 2-1-1 Information and Referral 

In addition, United Ways of Utah are connecting people to
resources via Utah 211, an information and
referral service with a database of more than 10,000 basic needs services. As
part of the state’s disaster response plan, 211 is coordinating closely with
the state to meet the increased demand for information about the COVID-19
outbreak and resources for those impacted, while acting as a connection point
for families seeking services and resources. Individuals can call 211, text
their zip code to 898-211, or visit 211utah.org to get connected.