The United Way of Volusia- Flagler Counties' COVID-19 Response

The rapid spread of the COVID-19, exposed critical shortcomings in our economy and in our systems of health care and education across our Nation. No one is immune to its direct or indirect effects, including those living in Volusia and Flagler Counties. In an effort to help close the gap for those in need in our communities the United Way of Volusia- Flagler Counties created a Covid-19 Relief Fund and to date has raised over $180,000. UWVFC would like to thank our community members and companies that have donated to the relief fund.

We have been able to provide funding to 22 non-profit agencies in the Volusia-Flagler area that have a focus on providing food assistance, childcare assistance, help paying for utilities and rent or mortgage, mental health services and case management needs. With the help of United Way funding, organizations like, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, have been able up to provide 4 weeks of free childcare for 12 families. Organizations, like the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties and The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia have helped countless families in need by providing food assistance. The agencies awarded funding and the amount received on the first two rounds were:

One powerful example of our relief fund at work was shared by Claire*, “I’ve never needed assistance before, but when both my husband and I were laid off because of the virus we had no other options,” she shared. Their family burned through their savings quickly to pay for necessary bills and feed their 3 children. She expressed embarrassment at needing support but reached out to one of United Way’s partner agencies, the Jewish Federation of Volusia-Flagler Counties, that offered food assistance for her family. Claire called back to the agency after receiving the food saying, “I am so amazed at the food provided and we can’t thank you enough. This is the support we needed to figure out our next steps as a family.”

As we continue our efforts of providing support to non-profit agencies in our community, please be on the lookout for the third and final round of funding.