United Way of West Tennessee and the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation are working to fill the gap for displaced workers who do not qualify for traditional unemployment benefits, according to a news release from United Way of West Tennessee.
“United Way is here to serve,” said United Way of West Tennessee President Matt Marshall in the release. “Part of United Way’s mission is to coordinate solutions that address each community’s most critical needs in order to create a healthy, safe and united West Tennessee. This is the approach that we will continue to take with COVID-19 as we develop new solutions to meet community needs.”
“I know that this pandemic is hitting our families hard financially,” said City of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger in the release. “The executive orders being issued are extremely tough decisions to make. It comes down to choosing between financial hardship and lives and we chose lives. I don’t have all of the answers, but I can assure you that we have not forgotten about you. This city will not forget about you.”
As of April 2, $49,880 has been raised by local businesses and individuals in the community. This includes a $20,000 donation from the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, a $10,000 donation from the City of Jackson and a $5,000 donation from Jackson Chamber.
“It is imperative that we support the very people who enable our businesses to operate,” said Jackson Chamber President Kyle Spurgeon in the release. “In addition to this donation, we have been reaching out to our businesses to identify concerns and have created a website forwardjacksontogether.com with a list of resources that they can use.”
If you or your business would like to make a donation, visit wthfoundation.org to donate online or mail a check to The Foundation at 74 Directors Row, Jackson, TN 38305.
Fund distributions began Monday, April 13th. If you are an individual looking for assistance, please view the qualification guidelines below and call United Way of West Tennessee’s 211 hotline (assistance is only available for Jackson, TN residents). If you meet the eligibility requirements, funds will be distributed by Southwest HRA.
To Receive Unemployment Emergency Relief Assistance:
Contact your employer about your unemployment assistance eligibility. Businesses are encouraged to submit a Mass Layoff List to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to expedite the unemployment benefits process for former employees.
For those who are not covered by Option 1, you are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance directly through Jobs4TN.gov or through contacting the local office of Department of Human Services at (731) 426-0873. You are also encouraged to apply for TANF and SNAP assistance through the Department of Human Services.
If after following this process, you are still unable to secure assistance, then you may contact United Way of West Tennessee to apply for emergency assistance from the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund through Southwest Human Resources Agency. If approved, one month of emergency assistance will be provided. You can reach a representative at United Way by dialing 2-1-1. You will be required to supply a denial letter from the State, and proof that you are currently unemployed as a result of COVID-19. A copy of your latest utility bill and lease agreement will also be requested.
Per federal and state requirements, families must fall under the 85% threshold of the median household income to receive assistance:
- Household of 2: Maximum Income of $3,526/month
- Household of 3: Maximum Income of $4,356/month
- Household of 4: Maximum Income of $5,186/month
- Household of 5: Maximum Income of $6,016/month
- Household of 6: Maximum Income of $6,845/month