PRESS RELEASE
July 6, 2020
HATTIESBURG, MISS. – United Ways across Mississippi have launched a statewide survey to assess the economic impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on Mississippians. All Mississippi households are invited to complete the United Way COVID-19 survey at unitedwaysems.org/covidsurvey. Individual responses are confidential.
Feedback from the survey will help to inform continued relief efforts by United Way of Southeast Mississippi and other area nonprofits and agencies serving the public.
“Every family in Mississippi has been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. One of the most important tools we can use to navigate times like these is knowledge gathered from the people we serve,” said Tracie Fowler, president/CEO for United Way of Southeast Mississippi in Hattiesburg and member of the Mississippi Association of United Ways.
Before the pandemic hit, many households were led by workers unable to earn enough to cover the basics and save for unexpected crises or loss of employment. For many, the economic crisis has stripped available assets and abruptly repositioned families into unfamiliar financial positions. The survey seeks information on a wide range of topics, including the most pressing concerns, job changes, child care challenges and other economic changes Mississippi families are navigating.
“The hard work that will be needed to help communities recover is the very work United Way does every day,” Fowler said. “We help connect those in financial distress with resources to pay bills and stay in their homes, we help feed those facing food insecurity and we help prepare children for success in school, work and life. The information from this survey will prepare us in tackling those challenges as we move forward.”
The survey is being conducted at no cost, courtesy of the Louisiana Association of United Ways and a network of volunteer experts, including Dr. Steven Dick, member of the Louisiana ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Research Advisory Committee, and advisory assistance provided by the United For ALICE team.
The survey takes about 10 minutes and includes questions such as: “What are you concerned about in the weeks and months ahead?, How has the coronavirus pandemic impacted the working arrangements for your household?,” and “Since, February 1, 2020, how has your child care arrangement impacted your income?”
“United Way wants to hear from the members of our communities,” said Fowler. “Please take a moment to complete this brief survey. Your feedback, your story, is imperative to understanding how we move beyond the shadows of this pandemic and rebuild for the future.”