COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund

Geographic Scope: United States and communities served by local United Ways (94% coverage of U.S. communities)

Focus Areas:

• Financial support to critical service providers and vulnerable populations
• Keep families in their homes
• Stock food banks with staples
• Maintain critical social services
• Cash assistance to displaced families
• Support to hourly and tipped workers with little to no savings
• Support for students and school meal programs
• Housing assistance and utilities payment
• Crisis and emergency counseling
• Employment services
• Childcare and family services

Background:
Established by United Way Worldwide to support communities affected by COVID-19, this fund mobilizes United Way's network covering 94% of U.S. communities. Donations help the most vulnerable populations receive critical financial and social service support.

UWBA Specific Response:
United Way Bay Area has been flexible, responsive, and quick in providing rental relief support directly to families, many of whom were excluded from federal and state programs. In 2021-2022, UWBA distributed more than $3 million in rental relief funds helping more than 1,300 households.

Partner Efforts:

• CDC collaboration and first responder partnerships
• 211 network for tracking and filling resource gaps
• NFL partnership for digital learning experiences
• DoorDash partnership for grocery and meal delivery
• CommonSpirit Health funding for 211 response

211 Service Details:
Vital service available to 94% of U.S. population. Last year, 211 network responded to over 12 million requests for assistance. Services include disaster assistance, food, health care, insurance assistance, housing, utilities, employment, veteran services.