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Crisis Response Fund

A coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners has joined together to create the Monroe County Crisis Response Fund that is rapidly deploying flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic consequences of this health crisis.

Contents
About
Questions/Comments
Our Partners
FAQ
Fund Recipients

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About

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About the Crisis Response Fund

Hosted by Pocono Mountains United Way, the Crisis Response Fund is providing flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of this outbreak. Grants fund organizations that have deep roots in community and strong experience working with residents without health insurance and/or access to paid sick leave, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare and tourism workers, and communities of color, among others. The Fund is designed to complement the work of public health officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.  

The first phase of rapid-response grants is increasing resiliency in disproportionately affected communities by addressing the economic impact of reduced and lost work due to the broader COVID-19 outbreak, the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by COVID-19 related closures, the increased demand for medical information and support, and fear and confusion about the outbreak among our most vulnerable residents. We anticipate that the primary areas of need includes: Food for children out of school, housing assistance for displaced workers (renters and owners), people experiencing homelessness (shelters in Monroe County are full or no longer taking new individuals and families due to the recent crisis) and college students facing barriers.  Pocono Mountains United Way reserves the right to support other areas of need that develop from the crisis. 

Pocono Mountains United Way is administering grants from the Fund and the decision of funding is determined by a subset of the Board of Directors of Pocono Mountains United Way and other community leaders. Together we are proactively identifying potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential recipients from community advisers, and recommend final awards. Funds are being released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases. 

Questions

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Questions

• General questions & inquiries about the Fund can be directed to Pocono Mountains United Way’s Development Director, Ryan Lohman at Ryan@PoconoUnitedWay.org.  

• For donors interested in contributing to the Fund, contact Pocono Mountains United Way’s President/CEO Michael Tukeva at Michael@PoconoUnitedWay.org. 

• For non-profits interested in utilizing funds, contact Pocono Mountains United Way’s Vice President, Community Impact Sarah Jacobi at Sarah@PoconoUnitedWay.org.  

• For media inquiries and interview requests, contact Pocono Mountains United Way’s Vice President, Community Impact Sarah Jacobi at Sarah@PoconoUnitedWay.org.  

• To make a donation by check or other assets, contact Pocono Mountains United Way’s President/CEO Michael Tukeva at Michael@PoconoUnitedWay.org.  

Partners

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Our Partners

Thank you to our partners who have come together from philanthropy, government, and business to support our community through the Crisis Relief Fund.

FAQ

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FAQ

I’m an individual who’s been affected by COVID-19. Can this Fund help me?
We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to be affected. On behalf of the Fund’s partners, Pocono Mountains United Way is working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic, and social impacts. 

While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. As we continue to award grants, we are posting them here. Please check back for a list of the organizations that may be able to assist you. If you are looking for resources now, please check our “Helpful Resources” page, or call 2-1-1 or 570-517-3953.

My organization is interested in resources from this Fund. Can we be considered?
We understand the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. Pocono Mountains United Way’s Board of Directors and Staff are working to ensure that the grants awarded meet the greatest needs in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In order to move resources quickly, we are not hosting a formal application process for the Fund. Rather, please fill out this short application to apply:  Crisis Response Fund Application

To confirm your application has been received, please email Sarah@PoconoUnitedWay.org.  

I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a prioritized grantee?
We are so glad that you are interested in donating! Currently, we ask that all gifts remain unrestricted to ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted.

Can I donate anonymously?
For transparency and our desire to thank every donor, we would like to list every donor on this page.  But if you would like your donation to be anonymous, please email Michael@PoconoUnitedWay.org.

Should I give to this Fund instead of making other donations?
This Fund was not created to be the only vehicle for getting needed resources into the community, but to help facilitate getting more targeted resources into the community. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community. 

What is NOT be included in the first phase of funding?
We anticipate multiple phases of funding to address the both the acute needs now and the longer-term impacts of the outbreak and recovery. In this first phase, we are prioritizing community-based organizations that are serving communities and individuals who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis. In this first round, we are not able to prioritize organizations who have lost revenue or are likely to lose future revenue due to canceled events or programs, or larger public institutions that are strained by increased demand for services. We recognize these challenges, and as the crisis and long-term impacts continue to unfold, we continue to assess and evolve our funding strategies. 

Based upon the charitable structure of the Crisis Response Fund, our grants are limited to 501c3 nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution, such as schools, faith-based organizations, and other public entities. We are not able to fund individuals or businesses directly, labor unions, or other 501c4, 501c5, and 501c6 organizations. 

Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund? 
The Crisis Response Fund prioritizes community-based organizations serving Monroe County communities. We are doing this with a recognition that many Monroe County nonprofits serve workers and residents in our neighboring counties. We also know that there are many organizations in neighboring counties that have broader footprints, serving Monroe County residents. 

When are you sharing who you fund? 
We are currently sharing who we have funded so far below. We hope that this will help the community navigate available resources, as well as provide transparency for our fund.

Fund Recipients

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Fund Recipients

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COVID-19 continues to negatively impact our entire region, and we are working to help those affected in a variety of ways.  We are seeing needs of families forced to figure out childcare/education, food security, housing security, and more.  See below for helpful resources.

• FOOD ASSISTANCE:
  • If you are in need of food assistance, you can call 2-1-1 to find a list of community meals and food pantries available near you or access the updated list below.  You can also use this search tool from Pocono Mountains Hunger Coalition:  https://PoconoHunger.org/find-food/
    Please note:  Individuals should call ahead to confirm that the pantry is still operating under normal hours or that community meal is still running. Food Pantry and Community Meals Updated Hours (Excel – Most up to date)
    PDF Version – Food Pantries and Community Meals Updated Hours (Updated May 20 2020)
  • All Monroe County school districts are offering free grab and go breakfasts & lunches to ALL children.  This includes East Stroudsburg Area School District, Pleasant Valley School District, Pocono Mountain School District, and Stroudsburg Area School District.  Please view locations, times, and instructions in the Food Access Programs spreadsheet.  You can also view local restaurants and groups that are helping out and providing free meals to students as well:  Food Access Programs for Monroe County (Excel – Most up to date)
    PDF Version – Food Access Programs for Monroe County (Updated May 20 2020)
• STIMULUS CHECKS:
  • The IRS has started issuing Stimulus payments and has launched two portals to ensure you receive your stimulus check.
  • Non-Filers Portal:  If you do not regularly file taxes (not in 2018 or in 2019), and are not required to file taxes, you can enter your payment info here to receive your direct deposit.
  • Get My Payment Portal:  If you regularly file taxes (in 2018 or in 2019) you can check the status of your payment in this portal – or update your direct deposit information so that you can receive your stimulus money as fast as possible.
  • FAQs:  You can read an FAQ from Senator Grassley’s office here: FAQ Or find an FAQ from IRS.gov here:  FAQ
  • If you want to determine if you will need to file taxes to receive the check, please reach out to our office at 570-261-8011.
  • SCAM ALERT:  Do not respond to any email, letter, or phone call asking for your personal information – the IRS will not email or call, or will ever ask for personal data.  Checks have started being sent out.  Two weeks after depositing your stimulus money into your bank account, the IRS will be sending out a letter stating the account it has been deposited into, and how to contact the IRS if you have not received your Stimulus payment.
• HOUSING ASSISTANCE:
  • Update: Governor Wolf Orders No Evictions or Foreclosures to take place until after July 10 (stay tuned for updated)  Source
    If you are experiencing foreclosure/eviction unlawfully, please contact our office at 570-517-3953 or the PA Attorney General at 717-787-3391
  • Mortgages backed by the government (including FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac mortgages) are currently included in a 60 day moratorium on foreclosure proceedings.  Source
  • If you are at risk of losing your home/lease or becoming homeless, please call 2-1-1 or 570-517-3953 and you will be connected with a housing specialist. This includes anyone at risk currently living in a hotel/motel.
• UTILITIES:
  • Your utility services will NOT be shut off during this state of emergency – even if you have already received a shut-off notice.  The Public Utility Commission has prohibited all Water, Natural Gas, Electric, Wastewater, and Steam utility services from terminations, as long as the “Proclamation of Disaster” (State of Emergency) issued by Governor Wolf related to the Coronavirus on March 6th is in effect.  Source
  • Blue Ridge Communications (Internet & Cable): has stated that they will remove data caps for all speed levels for the next 60 days (starting March 16, 2020).  For customers that contact them and let us know they can’t pay their bills because of the coronavirus pandemic, customer care specialists will provide flexible payment options and they will not disconnect services or assess late fees for 60 days. Phone:  1-800-222-5377  Source
• CHILDCARE
  • Fee-based School Care Programs:
    • Pocono YMCA:  http://www.poconoymca.org/
    • Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church:  http://www.stroudsburgwesleyan.org/
    • Quiet Valley Farm:  https://quietvalley.org/
    • Crimson Dragon:  https://www.got-karate.com/
    • Big Wheel:  https://www.bigwheelskating.com/all_day_program.html
  • Search for child-care and other early learning programs near you at findchildcare.pa.gov
• MEDICATIONS
  • Some pharmacies are offering home delivery of prescriptions.  Please call your local pharmacy to confirm if this service is available
  • Use a FamilyWize Prescription Discount Savings Card to save money on prescriptions:

    BIN:              610194
    Card ID:      FW100
    Group ID:   FW100
    PCN:             FW

    You can use this card with or without insurance.  Present card at time of purchase, and ask for the best price (through your insurance or through savings card).

• EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:  Educational and fun resources for children (and adults!):
  • Each school district has a list of educational resources for children.  Please view your school district’s website as well as the resources below.
  • Educational videos, educational games, and TV programming from PBS Kids
  • Scholastic releases “Learn from Home” website – providing day by day projects (up to three hours a day, can be completed on any device – multiple paths for different grade levels)
  • Education Companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings
  • Twelve famous museums offering FREE virtual tours
  • The Metropolitan Opera is offering free streaming of its live and recorded performances every night
• UNEMPLOYMENT:
  Self-employed individuals can now file for unemployment: The portal for self-employed individuals to file for Unemployment as allowed by the CARES act is now open.  You can apply here:  PA Self-Employed Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Portal
  For an FAQ on Self-Employment/Gig-Workers filing for Unemployment please see here:  PUA FAQ
• Apply for regular Unemployment benefits (for Employees/W-2 Workers)
  You may be eligible if:
  • Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
  • Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
  • You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
  • You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts.  Unemployment benefits are made available through taxes paid by your former employer(s) to partially replace your regular earnings and help you meet expenses while you look for another job. These benefits are intended to assist workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are not based on financial need, meaning that you WILL very likely qualify!  The one week waiting period for Unemployment has been waived, and it takes an estimated four weeks to start receiving payments – so apply as soon as you are out of work. it is easiest and fastest to apply online, or if you are not comfortable applying online you can call the PA Statewide Unemployment Line:  1-888-313-7284.
• WORKER’S COMPENSATION: If you get sick or are out of work because you caught COVID-19 while working, you may be able to apply for Worker’s Compensation.
• SNAP & OTHER BENEFITS: See if you are eligible for SNAP (food stamps) and other benefits (LIHEAP, Cash Assistance, Medicaid, and more).  With this short screening, you can see if you are eligible for all benefits that the state of PA can provide.  If you qualify, you can either apply online, or call the Monroe County Assistance Office from 7:30AM-5:00PM Phone:  1-877-905-1495 Or 570-424-3030.  They have no in-person appointments at this time.
• FILE YOUR TAXES: If you will be getting a refund, you can use this money to pay for essentials and as an emergency fund – with the understanding that you will not receive your refund for 2-4 weeks after filing.  You can currently file your taxes for free online at MyFreeTaxes.com, sponsored by United Way.  To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Pocono Mountains United Way’s in-person Free Tax Preparation program is currently temporarily shutdown, but will eventually reopen.  To schedule an appointment to have your taxes prepared for free when we reopen, please call 570-261-8011 (Income must be less than $56,000/year).
  • The IRS has extended the filing season until July 15th – and taxes no longer have to be filed by April 15th.  Taxes must now be filed this year by July 15th, and no interest, fees, payment, or penalties will be incurred until after that date – July 15th is being treated as the new “Tax Day”.
  • Pennsylvania income tax returns are now due on July 15th, with no payments due, penalties, or fees before then, to line up with the new Federal tax deadline.  Source
  • Local Taxes (collected by Berkheimer) are due on July 15th, with no payments due, penalties, or fees before then.
• CONTACT LENDERS:  Call your credit card companies, lenders, mortgage holders or landlords.  Let them know that you are being impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic. Some creditors have plans to account for when you are going through a hardship or emergency. Reach out to your credit card issuer, auto loan provider, mortgage company, or landlord to keep them informed on the situation and see what options are available to you.
• MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH:
  • Managing Anxiety and Stress about COVID-19, and reducing stress in yourself and others (CDC)
  • If you know of anyone struggling or who could use assistance, please call Carbon Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services:
    Carbon, Monroe, Pike Counties;
    Call: 570-992-0879
    New Perspectives Toll Free:
    800-849-1868
    MH Warm Line – 866-654-8114
    National Crisis Text Line: 741741
  • View more resources for substance abuse, recovery (AA), suicide prevention and more here
• RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OWNERS/NONPROFITS:
  • Federal:  The Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened up loans & some grants to help the business/nonprofit community during this time.  Businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the Small Business Association’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
  • State:  The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority will provide up to $100,000 to eligible small businesses at 0% interest with no payments due for 12 months after funding.  Applications to be released shortly.  NEPA Alliance to assist with application process for State and local assistance.
  • Local:  NEPA Alliance has 11 small business loan programs that are available to assist small businesses during this time.   Contact NEPA Alliance at (866)-758-1929 and ask for someone on the Finance team. Contact financing@nepa-alliance.org to be added to an emailing database for updates.
  • More information on how to support local businesses is available through the Pocono Chamber of Commerce, contact for more info:  https://www.greaterpoconochamber.com/
• RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OTHER AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
  • PVEN (Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network) recommendations for other food pantries (page is regularly updated):  https://pven.net/covid19/
• RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LANDLORDS:
  • Landlord Toolkit for responding to COVID-19 Effects on Tenants – includes sample letters, modified rent and payment plan agreements, and other resources to help landlords

Is there something we have not covered, or that you need more info on?  Please call 2-1-1 to reach someone who can direct you through a directory of services or call our office at 570-517-3953.

If you see something on this page that needs to be updated, please contact Lucas@PoconoUnitedWay.org.

Flyers to Share/Post/Use:

• COVID-19 St. Luke’s Hotline Card
• Prevent COVID-19 – English
• Sick with COVID-19 Fact Sheet – Arabic
• Stop the Spread – Arabic
• Sick with COVID-19 Fact Sheet – Spanish
• Stop the Spread – Spanish
• Sick with COVID-19 Fact Sheet – Vietnamese
• Stop the Spread – Vietnamese

HEALTHCARE:  Washing your hands, avoiding crowds (social distancing) and saniziting surfaces will all help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and ease the burden on our hospitals.

If you feel sick, you can call the following numbers to schedule testing and/or visits.

LVHN: 1-888-402-LVHN (5846)

ST. LUKE’S: 1-866-785-8537, option 7

Please do not go an ER or an Urgent Care Center until you have called one of the hotlines and have been screened.

SLUHN: Updates

LVHN: Updates

LVHN Local COVID-19 Testing Center Addresses (after you have called and scheduled):

Stroudsburg: 1655 W. Main St., Stroudsburg PA 18360
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Palmerton: 528 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For updates on the novel coronavirus COVID-19, please see the following trustworthy sources.  Together, we will continue to do all we can to positively impact, protect, and respond to the needs of residents of Monroe County.

UPDATE:  Monroe County is now in the “Green Phase” as of June 19.  Source
Mask-wearing, avoiding large gatherings, and social distancing are still in effect. View other allowed vs. not-allowed businesses and operations of this phase here.

Governor Wolf, CDC Call for Universal Masking in Public:  All individuals should wear a mask anytime that they are leaving their home.  Masks when working at or entering a business is MANDATORY.  Purchasing N95 and Surgical Masks are not required, and should be left available for use by first responders at this time.    Source
If you are in need of a mask, learn how the PA Department of Health recommends making a mask at home here or view other mask making guides here

All Non-Life Sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania to close physical locations as of 8PM March 19th to slow the spread of COVID-19 (revised Closure time:  March 23rd 8:00AM) Source
View List of Non-Life-Sustaining and Life-Sustaining Businesses here

PA Governor’s Office:  Updates

PA Department of Health:  Updates

Center for Disease Control (CDC):  Updates

World Health Organization:  Updates

Rising Up to Meet the Needs of Monroe County

There has been an outpouring of support from people like you who are willing to help out our community. We are working to combine efforts and maximize reach and have created a form to best match volunteers and community needs.

Sign up today to volunteer at: https://tinyurl.com/COVID-19PoconosVolunteer

Or contact Ryan Lohman at: Ryan@poconounitedway.org or 570-213-9133.

We Are Together. More Than Ever.

 Sign Up to Volunteer Today!

Community Cares Certificates 

Pocono Mountains United Way has launched the Community Cares Certificate fundraiser to support families in need as well as locally owned establishments. Simply donate in increments of $25 AND list the local establishment that you want to support.* There are no administration or overhead fees. 

Every $25 donation provides a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant for a family or individual in need.

Donate now on GoFundMe →

You are supporting local businesses AND local families in Monroe County!  To Date:  286 clients of 11 Nonprofit agencies have received $25 gift certificates to 29 Restaurants around Monroe County and counting!

We would like to specially thank Kiwanis Club of the Stroudsburgs for their $3,000 contribution to this program, and Kiwanis Club of the Poconos – Daybreak for their $1,000 contribution to this program (and contribution to our Crisis Response Fund).  We have now raised $7,150 for our Community Cares Certificates program, exceeding our goal of $5,000!

*Local establishment must be able to produce and mail certificates as directed by Pocono Mountains United Way. If chosen restaurant cannot provide a certificate, another restaurant will be chosen.  Certificates will be provided to individuals and families that are existing clients of Women’s Resources, Pocono Services for Families and Children, Pocono Area Transitional Housing, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network and Pocono Mountains United Way.  

Thank you for donating and showing our Monroe County community you care.  #LiveUnited #PoconoProud