United Way of Roanoke Valley
SPRING 2021
OUR COMMUNITY RECOVERS: COVID-19 STAY TUNED: A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON AREA HOUSEHOLDS Even before the pandemic hit last year, more than 44% of our neighbors were already struggling to make ends meet. Many in that number fall in the category of ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, meaning that though they were working, they were barely – and sometimes not-- affording the basic household essentials each month. For many of these families, the events of the past year have been devastating in multiple ways. One year into COVID-19, and the pandemic continues to test our collective strength. But we are one strong, resilient community.
To determine the depth of impact right here in our region, UWRV sponsored a survey of area residents throughout the month of February. More than 32 organizations partnered in the effort, handing out flyers, sending emails, and sharing posts on social media. In the final tally, we had more than 3,000 respondents!
Together, with your financial support and the hard work of dedicated community partners, we were able to get families fed and housed so they could The data is now being compiled and you can expect quarantine safely. Our colleca special report on the findings to be released in the tive efforts provided critical coming weeks, with information to help our region education and childcare meet the needs of ALICE families. To ensure you assistance as well as receive a copy of the report, please email us at access to healthcare services. info@uwrv.org or call 777-4200. The funds we raised helped workers get bills paid when they lost hours, and many were able to access job training programs when they were laid off. Healthy Roanoke Valley and Healthy Franklin County teams quickly mobilized to staff feeding programs and are now volunteering at vaccination clinics. We remain committed to equity in our work and mission, and are helping ensure targeted outreach to our most vulnerable populations. UWRV also continues hosting monthly virtual check-ins with more than 100 of our region’s non-profits and community leaders, reporting needs and progress in all aspects of safety and social services. We are optimistic that we’re emerging from the pandemic as an even stronger Roanoke Valley.