When a global pandemic strikes, the people who need emergency assistance are all around you.
They are family members and neighbors. They may work in small businesses, clean offices or serve food – like David and Elise.
These parents of two young children were homeless not that long ago. For the past year, their family was able to find and maintain stable housing. They worked in food service and have been improving their financial stability.
But when New Jersey’s stay-at-home order was enacted due to COVID-19, both David and Elise were laid off. While waiting for unemployment claims to be settled, there was no income for their household. Without a car for transportation, David and Elise had trouble taking advance of the grab-and-go lunch program at their children’s school. Instead, the family was dependent on food pantries.
With nowhere else to turn, David and Elise looked to United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ). The UWCJ COVID-19 Recovery Fund helped the family to pay their rent, providing an economic bridge until they are able to secure additional income and eventually return to work.
All over the country, people like David and Elise are looking for help to make rent, pay utility bills and get access to food. Calls to the 211 network, a free, confidential crisis support service supported by United Way, have increased almost 400% in some areas and the service expects to receive 20 million calls this year – more than twice the average number. 211 operators are working around the clock to connect individuals in need with local resources.
Support from partners like Larsen & Toubro Infotech (LTI), a global technology consulting company, make this work possible. As the coronavirus pandemic persists in America, LTI and its employees turned to United Way to help their communities respond and recover. Thanks to their support, families in Central Jersey, like David and Elise, are getting the help they need to remain financially stable during this crisis.
But the reach of LTI's generosity extends far beyond New Jersey. With their help, United Ways in Connecticut, Florida, California, Texas and Wisconsin are providing financial assistance and access to food and critical health services to those most in need.
Together, LTI and United Way will continue to support communities during this pandemic and help get families―like David and Elise―get back on their feet.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text 211, or visit 211.org today.