United Way to help those affected by COVID-19

The spread of the COVID-19 across the U.S. and has been an economic and daily routine disruption for many people. 

To help area residents cope with the myriad of issues they are facing, the Scurry County United Way set up a fund to “specifically assist individuals directly affected by COVID-19,” Jessica Robbins, the program director for Snyder Community Resource Center, said.

The fund was started with grants from the Trust Foundation of the United Way Worldwide and Primary Utility Services. It has been allocated to the Snyder Community Resource Center to help citizens who are financially struggling due to COVID-19 and need assistance with utility expenses, housing costs, medical assistance and food. Households seeking assistance may only be helped once, and recipients must be a resident of Scurry County. 

Recipients also must show income verification for the previous year, have a photo I.D., show a copy of bills or proof of need and must be directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those circumstances can include layoffs, large decrease in hours worked or pay cut. 

Proper verification of this can include a letter from previous or current employer, or a phone call verification.   

“The main goal for these funds is to assist individuals and families in this time of crisis with their basic needs and ensure self-sustainability. United Way and Snyder Community Resource Center have partnered together in an effort to streamline assistance to families in need while reducing the abuse of the community’s generosity,” Robbins said. 

“Ultimately the (Scurry County United Way) board wanted to focus their efforts with these available funds on those affected most by this crisis. It was determined