UNITED WAY LAUNCHES SPECIAL FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT FAMILY STABILITY IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19
Press Release – Health and Human Services Subcommittee Initiative – April 7, 2020
INDIANA COUNTY, PA: Through the collaborative efforts of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) - Health and Human Services Subcommittee (HHSS), Indiana County Community Action Agency (ICCAP), Department of Human Services (DHS), and United Way of Indiana County (UWIC), this initiative will provide support to our most vulnerable neighbors as we brace for the continued impact of COVID-19. The coronavirus is not just a health threat, but an economic one as well. The closings of local schools, childcare centers and other businesses has had a significant impact on our local economy.
In Indiana County, 44% of people live at or below the minimum household survival budget, according to the United Way of Pennsylvania ALICE Report. These individuals live paycheck to paycheck and any disruption to employment can cause an unprecedented financial hardship. We expect to see an increase in requests for assistance from our local community members who may be faced with lost wages due to COVID-19. Funds raised will support the increased financial strain on our community members and will provide assistance to those seeking help with food, rent/mortgage, utilities, medical/prescriptions expenses, childcare, and other needs.
Please support this initiative and donate to the fund so that we can help as many people as possible. Although we anticipate most of the need coming from this population, the fund is open to individuals and families of all income levels who have lost employment due to COVID-19, are age 18 and older, and a resident of Indiana County. This special fundraiser is another opportunity to support your community and is not associated with the United Way of Indiana County’s Annual Campaign. 100% of the donations will be distributed to those in need.
If you wish to make a contribution, visit www.uwindianacounty.org/donate and designate your donation to the Emergency Relief Fund. Checks can also be made out to United Way of Indiana County and sent to 655 Church Street, Suite 114, Indiana, PA 15701. Please write “Emergency Relief Fund” in the memo.
Social distancing forces us apart, but compassion defies distance. People coming together as a community can make things happen. Donate to the United Way of Indiana County’s Emergency Relief Fund. #CommunityStrong
Applications for support will open on April 13, 2020 online at www.uwindianacounty.org or by calling ICCAP at 724-465-2657. Due to potential large call volume, we encourage you to fill out the application via the website address provided. If you are seeking additional community resources, please contact PA211 by texting your zip code to 898-211, or by dialing 211 or 888-553-5778, or visit PA211sw.org.
Questions or comments please contact Angela Jackson, Resource Development Coordinator with United Way of Indiana County at uwjackson@uwindianacounty.org.
About United Way of Indiana County: As a trusted community leader, United Way of Indiana County fights for the health, education, and financial stability for all people within the county. United Way seeks to strengthen key areas of need by leveraging community-based partnerships and maximizing resources to build our communities and impact the complex problems facing our county in order to help every citizen – young and old – thrive. For more information, visit https://www.uwindianacounty.org.
About ICAAP: Indiana County Community Action Program’s mission is to serve as the community agency to mobilize services and resources to empower families and individuals to progress toward self-sufficiency. For more information, visit http://www.iccap.net.
About HHSS: Health and Human Services Subcommittee operates under the Indiana County Community Disaster Planning Committee of Indiana County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). HHSS works to support the Emergency Support Function #8: Health and Medical Services of the County’s Emergency Operations Plan. HHSS strives to meet the needs of medical care, human services, and the dissemination of public health information necessary to support an emergency response, recovery effort or other disaster assistance initiative in Indiana County. It is our mission to support EMA goals and disaster response by linking together agencies to provide health, medical, and human services. For more information, visit https://www.indianacountyhhss32.org/.
About DHS: The Indiana County Department of Human Services is an office within county government. The Department administers human service funds for the county, provides and directs activities focused toward improving the coordination and collaboration of planning, managing, and delivering human services, assesses residents' human services needs in order to provide services, provides volunteer information, and information and referral to services. For more information, visit http://www.humanservices-countyofindiana.org/index.php
