April 22, 2021 – Park City, UT – Many families in Park City and Summit County were affected by the economic fallout unleashed by COVID-19—none more so than undocumented immigrants, and moreover, undocumented women. For decades, these immigrants have been an integral part of the community, playing critical roles in supporting the economy.
In most cases, undocumented immigrants have not been eligible to receive stimulus checks; while documented individuals under a certain income threshold have received up to $3,200 in government support over the last 12 months, not including the added benefits of dependents and/or partners. Furthermore, undocumented immigrants did not qualify for unemployment benefits at federal or state levels, despite paying into the tax base.
Since March of 2020, the Community Response Fund launched in response to the COVID-19 crisis by Park City Community Foundation has raised over $3.8 million in donations. Most of that money has now been granted to dozens of nonprofit organizations that have helped the people significantly impacted by COVID-19 with urgent needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support shown to those who have been most impacted by the pandemic,” said Diego Zegarra, Community Impact Director at Park City Community Foundation. “Because of our community’s generosity, we are now moving to deploy funds to directly support families and individuals who have needed it most in partnership with Jewish Family Service.”
$250,000 from the Community Response Fund will be distributed to those who did not qualify for unemployment or stimulus checks in the form of a one-time $1,000 payment. Counselors and social workers throughout the community have helped to identify qualified candidates for this program, and checks will be distributed over the next few weeks by Jewish Family Service.
“Jewish Family Service is so grateful to once again partner with Park City Community Foundation,” said Ellen Silver, Executive Director. “For those who are most in need, this direct assistance will help them in a meaningful way and ease the financial burden many have experienced during this incredibly challenging year.”
Whether it is to fix a car, pay an overdue medical bill or back-due rent, or enjoy a respite from economic uncertainty, individuals will have full control and agency over how to use the funds, which the Community Foundation predicts will have a positive economic impact on the local community. National reports and studies demonstrate that direct cash assistance programs reduce poverty, empower women, and improve lives of children.
Zegarra continued, “The dignity of choice will be present when recipients are spending these monies, and hopefully supply a degree of relief, no matter how small, to our fellow community members that often go unseen.”
About Park City Community Foundation: Park City Community Foundation plays a vital role in solving the most challenging problems in Park City. We care for and invest in our people, place, and culture by bringing together local nonprofits, donors, and community leaders to contribute financial resources and innovative ideas to benefit all the people of Park City—now and in the future. As the home of Live PC Give PC, Women’s Giving Fund, Solomon Fund, and other important initiatives, the Community Foundation has brought millions of dollars to the greater Park City community and Summit County. Learn more about donating, volunteering, fundraising and getting involved at parkcitycf.org.
Media Contact: Christine Coleman, Park City Community Foundation, christine@parkcitycf.org, 415-209-8506.
Posted in: Our Impact, COVID-19