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Union County Foundation and United Way of Union County to Partner for COVID-19 Community Relief Fund

The Union County Foundation and the United Way of Union County have partnered to raise funds to assist with local needs as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.

“Our board voted last week to reallocate funds to COVID-19 originally earmarked for part of our Care United program.,” said Corinne Bix, United Way of Union County Director, “In addition we set up a COVID-19 relief fund, and donors can give conveniently via our online and text-to-give giving platform.”

The Union County Foundation had a similar plan and put their fund in motion last week.

Union County Commissioner and Foundation Board Chair Chris Schmenk stated that, “We are already seeing folks in need of food, shelter, rent assistance and other needs.  While County services are still available through our Jobs and Family Services Department (937-644-1010 or 1-800-248-2347; https://www.co.union.oh.us/Department-of-Job-Family-Services/ ), these funds will act as an additional safety net during this trying time.  I am thrilled to see the United Way and the Foundation join forces to help our county.”

As our world navigates unprecedented challenges with COVID-19, the Union County COVID-19 fund will support organizations that provide direct social service in our community as well as other needs.

The fund will be used in cooperation with the Mass Critical Care Unit of the Union County Emergency Operation Center. This unit was formed specifically to track needs in the community as they arise and connect volunteers. Bix heads the unit.

Donors have many options to support this joint fund including the following:

All normal administrative fees will be waived with the exception of fees administered by third party processors for the convenience of utilizing online or text-to-give platforms, donors can choose to cover that cost. 

Need Help?

The United Way of Union County is working on behalf of the Union County Emergency Operations Center to organize response efforts for those facing difficulties during this time. The United Way in conjunction with Union County Neighbor to Neighbor, 2-1-1, Hope Center, food pantries and many other social service and non-profit partners are working together to build capacity to answer the call for help.

If you have a basic need like food, utilities or housing please complete the United Way referral form at  https://unitedwayofunioncounty.org/covidinfo.php  or call Union County 2-1-1 (1-855-833-3696) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For Families

For families facing tough financial times, please visit the resources for economic support for Ohioans.

For Individuals

Information for individuals needing to file unemployment due to a COVID-19 layoff.
To file for unemployment due to a COVID-19 related layoff, please go to the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services
For information about unemployment benefits and COVID-19, please go to the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services

Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts about filing for unemployment due to a COVID-19 layoff from the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.
  • Individuals who are partially or totally unemployed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may qualify for unemployment benefits.
  • Individuals who are under mandated quarantine or isolation as requested by the employer, medical professional, or by a local health authority, he/she may qualify for unemployment benefits.
  • Eligible individuals will be paid for their first week of benefits and will not be required to serve the traditional one-week waiting period.  Claimants will, however, be required to file a claim for each week that they are unemployed.
  • Eligible individuals must meet the weekly requirements that they be “able and available for work,” however, the requirement that they actively search for work while receiving benefits has been waived.
  • Eligible individuals are also exempt from completing traditional reemployment requirements.
  • Individuals who decide to self-quarantine and quit their job, will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.

For Businesses

For businesses facing tough financial times, please visit the Union County Chamber of Commerce’s COVID-19 Resources and Assistance Page for a robust listing of resources geared at helping businesses and their employees.  https://www.growunioncountyohio.com/covid
Information for employers regarding coronavirus and unemployment insurance can be found at the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services has Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance: Employer Information http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndEmployers.stm