The Champaign County COVID-19 Relief Fund has granted $20,000 to local groups to provide housing assistance.
This first wave of funds will help people who have lost wages or employment due to the Coronavirus pandemic stay in their homes.
“Keeping families housed is critically important. Shelter is a basic need, so we wanted to move as fast as possible to help people keep their housing,” remarked Sue Grey, United Way President & CEO.
Those in need should call Champaign County Regional Planning Commission at 877-548-4205, 10 am - 6 pm Monday through Friday, starting Friday, March 27, 2020. They will screen for eligibility, collect required documentation to support eligibility, and connect individuals with City of Champaign Township or Cunningham Township for a one-time assistance payment. Help is open to all Champaign County residents.
Eligibility Requirements
- Lives in Champaign County;
- Renters without housing subsidies (i.e. renters receiving subsidized housing are not eligible);
- Renters with earned income prior to Stay at Home order;
- Renters who have applied for unemployment insurance as a result of COVID-19 wage losses and do not qualify for unemployment insurance;
- Income up to 250% federal poverty level
Joan Dixon, Community Foundation President & CEO said, “On behalf of our generous donors, we join the United Way in helping those who are most impacted by lay-offs and reduced work hours. We hope this first distribution from our joint relief fund provides a small sense of security during this time.”
United Way and the Community Foundation continue to work within a network of partners to identify pressing needs. Future waves of funding will focus on these needs.
