While the federal government sorts out its next steps in providing economic relief to unemployed Americans, local agencies are continuing to to help those in need.
More than 30 million out-of-work Americans saw their benefits drop at the end of July, as $600 weekly supplemental unemployment benefits, provided by the federal CARES Act, expired.
The number of filings has slowed in Indiana, but unemployment records are still historically high. Statewide, a total of 218,351 Hoosiers were drawing unemployment benefits as of July 25.
Bartholomew County showed similar trends in its most recent unemployment report.
In the county, 168 workers filed for initial unemployment benefits in the last week of July, which was down 337 the previous week and the lowest since shutdowns started in March. A total of 1,972 workers in Bartholomew County were receiving unemployment benefits as of July 25, down from 2,080 the previous week.
Thankfully, in Bartholomew County, measures are in place to help ease financial burdens while a new deal is worked out in Washington.
United Way of Bartholomew County’s COVID-19 Relief Fund is providing fast financial relief to local residents struggling to pay their bills.
Since mid-March, the COVID-19 Fund has raised more than $600,000 and distributed more than $326,000 to help more than 4,100 people via 10 different agencies. Outside of United Way agencies, resources have included township trustees, Love Chapel food pantry, Human Services Inc. and the city of Columbus.
United Way officials say that those seeking help from the fund truly need it. Many of the families requesting assistance are using the help to buy essentials such as groceries. Officials also said that most of the relief has come within 48 hours of calling.
Over the past two weeks, the number of requests has increased. Local agencies are working around-the-clock to continue to provide services and funds for those struggling economically through the pandemic.
Those in the nation’s capital could learn a thing or two from the expeditious teamwork displayed by Bartholomew County’s nonprofits.
While it’s unclear when the next round of stimulus benefits will start, residents should feel reassured that there are so many programs to help locally.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”How to get help” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Residents needing assistance should contact one of three United Way-certified agencies:
Sans Souci at 812-372-3419
Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center at 812-379-1630
Su Casa Columbus at 812-375-9370
[sc:pullout-text-end]
