United Way unveils comprehensive campaign to help families in financial crisis

BOSTON - In the face of what many economists see as a "jobless" recovery, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley today released a comprehensive, community-driven campaign to help families out of financial crisis and toward financial stability.  The new campaign calls for 1) ensuring families are aware of the resources that exist to get them the help they need to get back on their feet; 2) expansion of the availability of swift emergency assistance for basic needs, and 3) increased support for the region's nonprofits to help bridge the gap from immediate emergency assistance to better long-term financial stability.  United Way is kicking off the campaign with an immediate $350,000 investment and is calling on the community to support the effort to help families recover from the economic crisis.

"On behalf of the Patrick-Murray Administration, I applaud the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley for their continued leadership in promoting awareness and resources for individuals and families during a very critical time," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, who attended today's announcement.  "By partnering with a number of agencies in the region, United Way's initiative will provide individuals and families with the needed emergency assistance this winter while also helping them move towards financial security."

"Unemployment in Massachusetts has reached its highest level in 33 years, more than 1,000 families are living in motels because shelters are at capacity." said Michael K. Durkin, president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. "Now is the time for the community to come together to ensure we have a coordinated, collaborative approach that not only ensures individuals and families get the immediate help they need while they are on the brink, but also to ensure they are able to achieve a level of financial stability necessary to become thriving, contributing members of the Commonwealth."

To respond to the urgency of this situation - particularly as we approach another winter - United Way is launching the Family Financial Stability Fund. Today's announcement, held at 10 a.m. at United Way's Financial Stability Center at 270 Union Street in Lynn, detailed the first round of emergency funding from the Family Financial Stability Fund to help residents with basic needs like food, shelter and utilities support this winter.  United Way is distributing $350,000 to 26 agencies across the region - and is coupling the investment with a call to the community to help meet the growing unmet demand that many organizations are facing this winter.

The campaign will also:

• Increase awareness of resources families can access for help: Fueled by a pro-bono ad campaign developed by PARTNERS + simons and other outreach, United Way will work to raise awareness of MASS 2-1-1, a free and confidential 24-hour hotline for residents in need. Last year, 2-1-1 received more than 18,490 calls for help from people in the Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley regions, up more than 4,000 calls from the year before. 2-1-1 specialists listen to the caller's situation and connect he or she with an organization nearby that can help. The toll-free number is also available by dialing 1-877-211-MASS (6277).

• Bridge the gap from immediate emergency assistance to better long-term financial stability: The campaign aims to ensure that the region's nonprofits, who have been hard hit by the economic crisis and cutbacks in state spending, can continue to provide proven, results-driven programs and services, such as job training and EITC awareness, that will put families on a path to financial stability.

Individuals or companies who want to get involved and help in the short and long term recovery of local individuals and families by giving, advocating or volunteering, can visit http://chooseyourimpact.org