When COVID-19 swept through the nation, layoffs and furloughs followed shortly after. California alone has seen its unemployment rate rise to 5.3 percent as of March, as millions found themselves without jobs after Governor Newsom’s stay-at-home order was mandated on March 19. 

A record number of Californians are making their way through the Employment Development Department’s (EDD) severely overloaded system to try and obtain financial support and benefits. Given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and its effects, EDD was unprepared for the influx of applicants, and those unemployed and in need are finding themselves in a tough position as they wait to be approved by the system. 

Locally, the Irvine-based United Way has galvanized to fill the gaps for county residents in need. Called the ‘OC Family to Family’ Campaign, Orange County United Way has launched prevention efforts to keep families and individuals housed and fed while out of work due to COVID-19. 

Orange County families that are at risk of homelessness and seeking financial assistance can apply to receive a $500 emergency debit card to help cover rent, utilities, food and other basic needs. 

Dedicated completely to homelessness prevention efforts, the OC Family to Family Campaign’s goal is to raise $1 million in order to help 2,000 Orange County families experiencing job loss or income reduction stemming from the current public health crisis. 

“As we take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers posed by COVID-19, it is imperative that we also take immediate steps to protect the livelihood of our Orange County community,” said Sue Parks, CEO of Orange County United Way. 

“There are many families struggling to make ends meet right now due to job loss or temporary layoffs. Our hope is that this money will help them make monthly rent and utility payments, or buy groceries. We’re grateful for support from the community and know we’ll be able to help many people.”

OC Family to Family is part of the local United Way’s larger Pandemic Relief Fund – a service that supports low-income individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness as well as the current Orange County population experiencing homelessness, by connecting them with not only financial relief, but vital social and human services.

According to Orange County United Way, they have been able to help 564 households in the past three weeks through the OC Family to Family pilot program. 

“I felt so relieved and grateful when I received the money. It gave me a hope that we’ll get through these hard times, and it reminds me I’m not alone. My family plans on using the money for bills, groceries and supplies for my kids who are now learning at home,” said Ashely, a pilot program recipient.

For those looking to help, now is the time to give, as The Lyons-Smith Foundation – created by UBS Financial Advisor Lawrence “Larry” Smith and his wife, Nancy Lyons – will match every dollar donated to the OC Family to Family campaign, up to $500,000.

“We know the needs of the community are great right now. We’re honored to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause and encourage other corporations and individuals to unite to help local Orange County families affected by this crisis,” said Smith and Lyons.

To make a donation to the ‘OC Family to Family’ Campaign, visit UnitedWayOC.org/Family or text ‘Family2Family’ to 51555.

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