EL PASO COUNTY — The impact of COVID-19 is causing financial issues for a lot of people in El Paso County. “Our calls have increased 200%,” said Pikes Peak United Way, CEO, Cindy Aubrey. The 211 call center managed by the United Way had to hire extra people to deal with all the calls from people looking for guidance on where to get financial help for problems caused by the pandemic. "We started back in March, we have no idea when this is all going to end," said Aubrey.
Now, multiple non-profits have added options for offering financial help. It is through federal CARES Act dollars allocated to El Paso County. County leaders asked leaders at the United way to help with distributing the $1 million to local aid groups. The United Way took applications and brought in impartial volunteers to assess the applicants.
Children, seniors and minority groups, an wide range of non-profits have funds on the way to offer COVID-19 relief. "By October 15th all of these non-profits will receive funding. They will be able to turn around and help people who have lost their jobs, closed their businesses. Gotten sick," said Aubrey. The non-profits are required to screen applicants to make sure their issues are COVID-19 caused. The money will likely go quickly.
It gives the busy 211 call takers more options for referrals. They work to direct people to the most appropriate resource for their situation
