Marylanders Asked To Complete The COVID-19 Survey To Gauge Needs

MARYLAND — Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, 39 percent of Maryland households were not earning enough money to afford basic household necessities like food, housing, transportation, health care and childcare. For many, the economic crisis has stripped available assets and abruptly put families into unfamiliar financial positions.

To help get a better grasp on Marylanders' current situation, they are asked to complete the COVID-19 Survey, which seeks information on a wide range of topics, including the most pressing concerns, job changes, childcare difficulties and other economic challenges residents are navigating in order to get a better idea of the increased need across the state.

Previous reports, including the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) in Maryland: A Financial Hardship Study released in July of 2020, used data gathered before the pandemic, revealed that a record two million households were already one emergency away from financial ruin. As the pandemic hit, the stage was set for the unprecedented economic impact being endured by many across the state of Maryland. All Marylanders are encouraged to complete the United Ways in Maryland COVID-19 Survey by April 5.

“The pandemic has created a unique circumstance – more families and individuals than ever before are seeking services as a result of the rapid changes in industries across all sectors over the last year,” Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Maryland said in a news release. “The calls to the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline have informed us of an increase in need, but we need to know more in order to be even more effective – and expand our work to provide what’s needed where it’s needed.”

Several United Ways from across the state have joined United Way of Central Maryland in this effort. They include County United Way, United Way of the National Capital Area, United Way of Charles County, United Way of Frederick Co., United Way of Kent County, United Way Washington County, and United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and includes questions such as:

• What are you concerned about in the weeks and months ahead?
• The economic health of my community
• Paying rent/mortgage
• You or a loved one getting COVID19
• Children’s well-being, remote learning
• Adequate child care
• Getting food and other things I need
• Mental health issue (e.g., depression, addiction, anxiety)
• Medical issues other than COVID19
• Paying other bills
• Attending church or other social gatherings

The survey is confidential and no private information will be shared.