On Wednesday, April 29, Park City community Foundation hosted a virtual discussion with some of our Community Response Fund grantees who gave and update on housing needs during COVID-19. Leaders from Christian Center of Park City, Jewish Family Service, Peace House, and Park City Education Foundation focused on rental assistance and the economic consequences of the outbreak. An FAQ from the webinar is below and you can see the webinar recording at this link.
Jewish Family Service of Utah and The Christian Center of Park City have programs assisting families with rent and other bill payments.
Rent is paid directly to the landlords or the third party to whom the bill is owed, not to the person applying for the funds.
Given the large scope of the need and the average level of support capped at around $500, families can request funds from both organizations – in some cases, that does not cover the entirety of their bills.
$1,283.
Yes, organizations are encouraging those who are requesting funds to apply for federal unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, many workers in our community do not qualify because they lack documentation.
Yes. Park City Community Foundation is convening local leaders and experts in the field to advocate for rent abatement while the crisis prevents people from going back to work. Additionally, Mountain Mediation is working with individuals to help in communications with their landlords.
If you have concerns about someone’s safety or well-being, please reach out to them and check in on them regularly via phone or text. Peace House advocates are also available to talk to you about safety planning for a friend, family member or neighbor. The Peace House HELPLINE is staffed by trained advocates to assist anyone who has experienced dating & domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking with safety planning, safe shelter, and referrals to other services and programs whether those be in house and within our community. If you, or someone you know, is in an abusive relationship or feeling unsafe, please contact our 24/7 HELPLINE at 1-800-647-9161 to speak to an advocate.
We are committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable people and ensuring our nonprofit sector fully recovers. For that reason, we are planning our response over the urgent, stable, and recovery phases. At the present, we believe that we’ll need at least $2.75 million to meet the needs. In addition to this, we know that a full recovery will take the partnership of all sectors – business, government, and nonprofit.
Advocacy
Call or email your elected leaders at the state and local level and request they consider taking action in support of renters, particularly at multifamily properties and in the form of rent abatement. Also, by extending the moratorium on evictions. Payment plans help families for now, but in the long run, they contribute to creating a larger debt to dig themselves out of. Advocate for more revenue to be directed to the needs of vulnerable people.
Volunteering
Currently with most organizations closed, volunteers cannot come in to help. However, we know that Christian Center will be seeking volunteers for its food pantry and mental health counseling when things re-open.
Support
Other
Posted in: Our Impact, COVID-19