Miami-Dade County allocates $20 million in COVID-19 relief funds to United Way of Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade County is partnering with United Way of Miami-Dade to continue providing hard-working individuals and families with emergency assistance and relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Developed by the County, The Miami-Dade Pandemic Assistance Program will address short-term economic hardship through financial assistance for basic living expenses such as food, utilities, childcare, medical expenses and rental assistance, among other needs. With 5 out of 10 households (54%) in Miami-Dade County living in, or one emergency away from, poverty, the pandemic has exacerbated an already difficult situation for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) individuals and families.

"Our County's collaboration with United Way of Miami-Dade will ensure that residents receive the assistance they need to make it through this pandemic," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "I thank our Board of County Commissioners for acting so quickly to help streamline this process."

The Miami-Dade Pandemic Assistance Program, funded by the federal CARES Act, aims to continue helping ALICE individuals and families impacted by the economic fallout of the pandemic crisis, including job hour reductions, furloughs and layoffs. Individuals and/or families who have experienced a significant loss of income, become unemployed, underemployed and/or experienced unexpected expenses as a result of COVID-19 and are residents of Miami-Dade County can apply for assistance beginning August 5. The application is available in English, Spanish and Creole by clicking here. For additional assistance, you can call 305-646-7068.

Miami-Dade County selected United Way to distribute the $20 million in federal funds due to its extensive  experience in addressing the community’s needs. In addition, United Way has been providing emergency assistance and relief during the pandemic since mid-March through its Miami Pandemic Response Fund, allocating more than $3.6 million raised to individuals, families and small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The fund was launched with $500,000 in seed money as a result of a funders' collaborative, including United Way.

“We have seen firsthand the hardships our ALICE population is facing through the emergency response efforts we began in March. COVID-19 has tested our community’s resolve while underscoring the power of working together toward the greater good,” said Maria C. Alonso, president and CEO of United Way of Miami-Dade. “We are grateful for our County’s trust and are proud to partner in this critical effort to lift up our neighbors in this time of great need.”

COVID-19 Resources:

• Visit Miami-Dade County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center
• Visit United Way of Miami-Dade COVID-19 Resource Center
• Call 2-1-1 where English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to assist.

In addition to the fund, other COVID-19 United Way efforts include food distributions, virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities and digital letters to heroes. Learn more here.

About United Way of Miami-Dade

Since 1924, United Way of Miami-Dade has been an innovative force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Today our work is focused on education, financial stability and health – the building blocks for a good life. We invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources. To learn more, give, advocate or volunteer, visit United Way of Miami-Dade on the web, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.