March
2020
COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund
A Message from Richard Porth         
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut 
 
United Ways across the state of Connecticut are joining forces to respond to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Together, they have created the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund. The Fund is working in tandem with other philanthropic efforts being coordinated statewide. It will rapidly deploy financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic, including those who are out of work or have reduced work hours.

The Fund will be used to help individuals and families that United Way  calls ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).  These are our hard-working neighbors who already live paycheck to paycheck. Many of them provide crucial services in our community-such as caring for our children and elderly parents.  Without a financial cushion, they are particularly vulnerable to the rapidly changing scenario our country now faces. United Way expects that the number of individuals and families in the state that fall into the ALICE income threshold will grow as the crisis continues.
 
Connecticut United Ways hope to mobilize a response quickly to get money to individuals who most need it to pay for food, utilities, and other basic necessities.

To donate to the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund go to    www.CTUWCovid19ResponseFund.org . 
COVID-19 Personal Protection Equipment Donations

At the direction of Governor Lamont and the Department of Public Health, a donations framework has been activated to assist in the collection of vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other goods and services as the need arises.

Requested Items:
  • N95 Respirators
  • Face Masks/ Surgical Masks
  • Face Shield
  • Surgical Gowns
  • Gloves (nitrile, or non-latex)
  • Thermometers
  • Thermometer covers (if applicable to type of thermometer)
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Other medical related items
 
Members of the public, businesses and philanthropic organizations that wish to donate these vital materials should visit the www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19.
 
For the latest information, resources, and guidance related to COVID-19 in Connecticut, visit www.ct.gov/coronavirus. Answers to frequently asked questions can also be downloaded HERE.

Access Health CT  Special Enrollment Period  

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Access Health CT announced a  NEW Special Enrollment Period  for qualified uninsured Connecticut residents. 

This Special Enrollment Period will be open from March 19 to April 2, 2020. 

To see if you are eligible call 855-805-4325 (TTY: 1- 855-365-2428). 

Enrollment is available by phone only.  The Access Health call center will be helping people enroll Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm.

To learn more visit  learn.accesshealthct.com.  Click  HERE   to download answers to Frequently Asked Questions. 

Blood Donations Needed

If you are healthy, one of the most important things you can do to ensure that we do not have another healthcare crisis on top of COVID-19 is to give blood. This blood shortage could impact patients who depend on lifesaving blood to survive. If you are healthy, consider giving now:

Added precautions have been implemented to ensure that blood drives and donation centers are safe for donors and their staff. 

Schedule your appointment to donate blood HERE.
VITA Cancellations

Most VITA sites across the state have closed in an effort to protect the health and safety of volunteers and clients. If your VITA appointment has been cancelled, please visit www.211ct.org/taxhelp in April for updates on in person filing options. 

The U.S. Dept. of Treasury has extended the 2019 filing deadline from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. The State of Connecticut has announced they will follow the same guidelines. Additionally, if you owe taxes for 2019 of less than $1 Million you have until July 15, 2020 to pay your balance in full without penalty or interest.

Some VITA sites are offering tax assistance via a virtual VITA model. See below for links to sign up for virtual VITA in some areas of the state:
You can also file your taxes for free today at www.myfreetaxes.com.

United Way continues to partner with H&R Block in order to provide free online tax preparation software to every household with a simple return. Click HERE to learn more.
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The mission of United Way of Connecticut is to help meet the needs of Connecticut and its residents by providing information, education and connection to services.