The Coronavirus pandemic has been a financial nightmare for South Floridians who have lost their jobs.
Today, we tell you about a community resource that can help you rebound and make ends meet.
“Trying different things, cooking different things, doing different activities, trying to stay positive,” said Ivelisse.
Ivelisse Valeiro and her husband lost their jobs because of COVID-19.
“Math, reading, social studies, second grade to high school, and due to the covid I had to stop because they didn’t want us to have contact with the students to prevent the spreading,” said Ivelisse.
Ivelisse’s tutoring contract was suspended until further notice. Her husband, who worked in the hospitality industry, was let go leaving them without any income to pay for rent and other household necessities.
They both filed for unemployment but they’re still waiting for word that they’ve been approved.
Danielle Doss, Senior Director of Financial Stability for Community Parternships from United Way of Broward County, says Ivalisse, her husband, and their two children are just one of the thousands of families depending on the organization’s financial support.
“To date I have a call volume of 2,648 for those looking for food resources. In addition to that, we have 3,466 people who have called in since the onset of the pandemic for financial assistance,” said Danielle.
United Way partners with 13 providers in the community, to help distribute their emergency financial assistance fund, which includes transportation services, SNAP benefits and food stamps, financial coaches, and more. The list of those sites are available on 211-broward.org. How does it work?
“We have given the list of providers to 211 with the understanding that they will be able to then, based on location, city, or zip code of the person calling in, direct them to the appropriate agency. Any other criteria, if it’s an individual with disabilities, an individual that is only Spanish speaking, or based on any other criteria they will refer them to that agency that we partnered with,” said Danielle.
As for Ivelisse, she says both United Way of Broward County and Hispanic Unity have helped her immensely with rent, food, and job opportunities.
“I actually went to a job fair that they held because they had emailed me and told me about the job fair, and I got a couple of interviews because of the fair. They also send me information about food distributions, which I go and use those services as well. So, they have a lot of great services people can use,” said Ivelisse.
If you and your family are in need, you can reach United Way of Broward County at 211 Broward by dialing 211 or (954) 537-0211. For more information head to https://www.unitedway.org/recovery/covid19
