United Way In Morris County Pushes Forward To Help In Pandemic

MORRISTOWN, NJ — United Way of Northern New Jersey has helped people through financial hardship for more than a decade. But as the coronavirus pandemic sparked an economic crisis, some who had previously donated to the organization suddenly needed its help.

United Way of Northern New Jersey specializes in its advocacy for ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed) families. Thirty-seven percent of New Jersey households couldn't afford the basics before the pandemic hit, according to the nonprofit. It's not immediately clear what that figure might total in 2020.

The organization created the ALICE Recovery Fund to help the growing number of people economically impacted by the pandemic. But as the public's need for their work grew, so did their need for donations.

"We were challenged to fundraise not only to support our existing work, but also for this new, enormous need presented by the pandemic," said Laura Bruno, an organization spokesperson. "At the same time, with so many people unemployed, naturally, we were faced with a smaller donor pool, as there are donors who could no longer give under present circumstances."

The state began its coronavirus lockdown right as United Way of Northern New Jersey entered its spring fundraising season. So the nonprofit shifted its events and work to digital platforms.

The overall economic hardships also meant not as many people were in a position to donate. But a Paycheck Protection Program loan helped them move forward, and United Way of Northern New Jersey can point to several accomplishments during the pandemic.

The organization provided assistive technology for unpaid family caregivers. United Way of Northern New Jersey delivered the technology and virtually walked people through how to install it.

They also continued offering free tax prep and filing services for 6,000 low-to-moderate-income families.

"We had to take the entire operation virtual, no small feat as confidentiality and security are paramount," Bruno said.

United Way of Northern New Jersey also launched the ALICE Recovery Fund, which has now given nearly $900,000 to more than 600 families impacted by loss of income because of the pandemic. They also launched a second phase of the fund to connect unemployed workers in the region to job search, career coaching and mental health supports.

But sometimes, help arrives for United Way of Northern New Jersey. The organization announced that author MacKenzie Scott gifted them $10 million.

“We thank Ms. Scott for shining this megawatt spotlight on our work,” CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso said in a statement. “We intend to honor her gift by continuing the innovative research and data-driven changes needed to bring about lasting economic equity for ALICE families at the local, state, and national levels.”

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know about a local organization that should be profiled, contact josh.bakan@patch.com.

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