Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Hannah Stevens
Community Response to COVID-19/Coronavirus
Heart of Florida United Way would like to remind you of some important points as they relate to their service to the Central Florida community while the situation around the Coronavirus keeps evolving.
Are you interested in more Free Money Grants and Government Grants for Individuals?
Contribute to the ALICE Fund
There are 350,000 households in Central Florida who work hard, but struggle to make ends meet. They are called ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Heart of Florida United Way is committed to providing support to ALICE families in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. And, your donation to the ALICE Fund will ensure that a family has a home, enough food, or electricity for homework. Your support is needed in order to help these families through the difficult times as nearly half of Central Floridians are ALICE, and live paycheck to paycheck.
Did you read our article about We Count! COVID-19 Recovery for All?
ALICE Recovery Fund
Nobody could have predicted that the current pandemic would have such devastating effects when Heart of Florida United Way established the COVID-19/ALICE recovery fund on March 17. More than 14,000 people requested assistance, which exceeded the resources available. Families share stories every day about facing eviction due to inability to pay rent, and being forced to make hard decisions. And, there are individuals who don’t know when they will return to work to get a full paycheck to cover their bare essentials. The ALICE Recovery Fund is dedicated to being your voice, sounding the alarm, and demanding the right action. Read more here.
211 Information & Referral Crisis Line is Available
You can call 211, or text your zip code at 898211 for information or connection to community resources. To help you navigate the available community resources for you, call specialists who are available 24/7.
Online Database of Community Resources
Are you looking for a specific resource or information? Search 211’s online database to find the best links to your requested information.
Utility Assistance for OUC Customers
Project CARE has been helping thousands of families in need since 1994. This program offers emergency financial relief for temporary financial hardships, but not long-term or chronic debts. A household can receive a maximum of $500 benefit over a 12-month period. Individuals can apply for the benefit by filling out this form.
Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Health
It is recommended to follow guidelines that the Centers for Disease Control established as they relate to your physical well-being. You can practice social distancing, washing your hands often, avoiding touching your nose, and seeking medical attention if your symptoms are associated with COVID-19.
Mental health is equally important. It is stressful to deal with uncertainty. So, reach out if you feel anxious or overwhelmed. You can also chat online, text, or talk to 211 Call Specialists at any time.
Don’t forget to look up our article about the Essential but Excluded Fund.
Offices are Closed, But We’re Still Here for You
Although the Heart of the Florida United Way offices have been closed, many employees are working remotely to provide support for the community as strong as possible. The staff respond to emails, and they can access voicemails remotely to ensure that operations continue. So, please reach out if you have any questions. If you are unsure who to reach out to, please send an email to [email protected], and you will be directed to the right person. It is vital to continue providing essential support to Central Floridians in this time of uncertainty.
Community Snapshot
COVID-19 has a profound impact on all aspects of business and personal lives in Central Florida. Continue to check weekly review of data from the 211 Information & Referral Crisis Line. Also, make sure you are up to date with the news and updates from nonprofits across Central Florida. Hopefully, you stay informed and educated about the level of the community’s needs and available resources.
Click here to DONATE.
