United Way Bay Area Client Impact Narrative 6/4/2021
Monitoring and Evaluation Team Ulises Magallon, Garima Shiwakoti, Alexander Ankrom, Treecy Truc Nguyen MPH
Monitoring & Evaluation
As a result of the economic instability brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, countless individuals struggle to cover their living expenses. Although various local and state governments implemented eviction moratoriums and provided one-time financial assistance, many still find it difficult to financially support themselves and their families. To provide relief, The Unity Council was able to provide financial assistance through funds from United Way Bay Area. The funds provided either homeowners assistance to cover one mortgage payment, or renters assistance to pay a month’s rent or a first month’s rent if they moved to a new home. Community Programs’ housing and financial services staff distributed a total of $50,000 to thirty-seven clients. Staff distributed a survey to hear directly from the seventeen homeowners about how they were impacted by receiving mortgage assistance. Twelve clients completed the survey and it is evident how critical receiving mortgage assistance was for these clients. As shown in chart 1, eleven homeowners reported the mortgage assistance helped them keep their homes. Additionally, ten indicated the mortgage assistance allowed them to spend their income on other necessities, and seventy-five percent said they felt more financially secure. Chart 1
“Thank you so much for what you have done for me. The month that you guys assisted me, was one of the most confident months of my life! I was given the freedom of knowing and being stress free because I wouldn't have $3-7 left over as usual, at the end of paying all my bills.” -
Mortgage Assistance Client
Furthermore, a similar survey was distributed to the twenty clients who received rental assistance to hear how they were impacted. Thirteen clients completed the survey and their responses demonstrate the difference receiving rental assistance can make for those who are struggling to afford their living expenses. According to Chart 2, twelve renters said the rental assistance helped them stay housed. Twelve also reported receiving rental assistance allowed United Way Bay Area Impact Narrative, 2021
Monitoring & Evaluation them to spend their income on other necessities, and the same number felt relieved about their housing situation after receiving the rental assistance. Chart 2
\ “I am grateful to this organization and its staff especially to Alex Ankrom, a very patient and kind person” -
Rental Assistance Client
In total, twenty-five clients out of the thirty-seven who received financial assistance, completed a survey. While the financial assistance benefitted clients, their survey responses also highlighted the continued need for direct assistance. For example, three homeowners indicated they were behind on their mortgage payments and ten renters said they were behind on their rent. Moreover, five homeowners and eight renters said they knew someone who would benefit from financial assistance. Therefore, it is crucial to continue seeking funding to provide additional financial assistance. It will also be necessary to connect clients to other community resources and services in order to help them achieve economic stability.
United Way Bay Area Impact Narrative, 2021