United Way of Central Jersey is launching our Live United initiative to run through the month of June and early July, focusing on rebuilding our community into a stronger, more equitable place post the COVID-19 pandemic.
While United Way of Central Jersey has always been focused on helping the most vulnerable in Middlesex County, working to close the divide in health, financial stability, and education for young children and their families, we recognize that the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial and ethnic inequality has widened that gap. Our community needs to work together to reimagine and rebuild as a stronger, more equitable place where we all can thrive.
Across the world, United Way has been working overtime to help communities respond to COVID-19. The $1 billion United Way raised for COVID-19 relief efforts globally is now in our communities. It helped more than 27 million people stay in their homes, feed their families, keep the lights on, and more.
Here in Central Jersey, United Way has raised over $200,000 for COVID relief. We have focused on supporting families with children, helping to pay mortgages and rent, purchase food, pay utility bills and assistance with medical bills.
But we also know that real recovery will take a while. Our work is far from over. More than 225 jobs have been lost; educators and parents worry about learning loss, especially for low-income children of color, and United Ways are still fielding record requests for help. In Middlesex County, since the start of the pandemic, child food insecurity has almost doubled, from 10.7% to over 18%!
Rebuilding isn’t a matter of going back to where we were. It’s reimagining how we can be better, and building towards that – together. Help us Live United.
Participate in our June 21st Day of Caring Summer Food Drive.