City of Bridgeport Receives Support From Local United Way

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has awarded the City of Bridgeport a grant to support residents experiencing ongoing economic fallout from the Covid-19 crisis. The grant was designed to provide emergency assistance for food, rent, utilities, or critical bills to help keep families in stable homes.

Representing the local United Way were two long-time Bridgeport residents: Tom McCarthy, who serves on the non-profit’s Board of Directors, and staff member Talyn Cook. Receiving the grant for the city were Health & Social Services Director Ebony Jackson-Shaheed and Deputy Director Amy Lehaney.

Health Director Jackson-Shaheed commented: “Since the Covid outbreak, we’ve seen a real need for food. And with high food prices and kids out of school for summer, family food budgets are even more strained. We plan to use this grant to provide grocery store gift cards to families. We truly appreciate the support from the United Way during these difficult times.”

United Way Board Member Tom McCarthy commented: “Our neighbors need help—many of them for the first time in their lives. We’re proud to work with the City of Bridgeport to provide hope and support to those who are struggling.”

During the pandemic, many residents suffered job or wage losses and are still trying to catch up financially. Now they face the additional challenge of inflated costs for budget basics like food, gas, and utilities. In the past year, resident requests for help from United Way’s 2-1-1 InfoLine totaled 33,348.

To help offset the fallout, United Way awarded grants of over $85,000 to the city and several community-serving partners during the pandemic. Additionally, the non-profit provided Bridgeport residents with electronic gift cards, freshly-made lunches, virtual tutoring, Covid test kits, and over 75,000 protective face masks.

United Way Board Member Tom McCarthy reflected, “Throughout the pandemic, our United Way has worked innovatively and tirelessly to ease the burden shouldered by our neighbors. Together with our partners, we will continue to build more equitable and resilient communities — where all our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive.”

Bridgeport is one of twelve towns served by United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. During the pandemic, United Way provided support to every town in its footprint.

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United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s mission is “Together, we mobilize our communities to improve people’s lives.” Our vision is that all children in coastal Fairfield County are successful in school and prepared for success in life. UWCFC serves the towns of Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Learn more at: http://www.unitedwaycfc.org .