What would you do if you lost your job today?  How will you make ends meet?  How will you support your family?  How will you pay the mortgage?  What about paying medical bills?  These questions are on the minds of countless people in our communities. 
 
Our region is facing challenges not seen before. The unemployment rate in Connecticut is at a 26 year high, and the demographic of those in need is changing and reflects these complicated times.  The current economic climate is forcing families to make difficult decisions between putting food on the table, paying medical bills and putting gas in the car so that they can keep their job.  United Way of Coastal Fairfield County through its partnership with the GE Foundation, it will be providing grant funding to organizations that provide basic needs such as food, shelter and emergency relief.  
 
Last year, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County responded to the increased numbers of individuals and families in our communities who saw their financial stability shaken by reductions in work hours and/or job loss. The Neighbor2NeighborUnited partnership with GE Foundation and Catholic Charities provided over $600,000 in grants to organizations to meet the surge in need.
 
With the goal of increasing the capacity of the safety net system in our area, United Way of Coastal Fairfield County will be accepting applications for grants to continue to assist organizations that serve their twelve town service area in the areas of emergency food, emergency housing and emergency relief (one-time expenses that threaten to put a family or individual in a crisis situation). 
 
There will be one round of applications. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, April 9.  A committee of volunteers working on the financial stability initiatives will review applications. The goal is to complete the review process quickly with the expectation that the process will be complete by the end of May. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Cathy DeCesare, cdecesare@unitedwaycfc.org or 203 339-6309 or Jim Crispino, jcrispino@unitedwaycfc.org or 203 339-6319.
 
Please click HERE to complete the application and return to neighborshelpingneighbors@unitedwaycfc.org by Friday, April 9th, 2010.
In addition, should your organization receive funding, you will be asked to implement the United Way Partner Brand Guidelines.  Click HERE to download the guidelines.