The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted communities across the United States, causing business and school closures, health concerns, and staggering need. 

Through it all, hospitality and restaurant workers have increased their health and safety protocols while navigating the uncertainty of employment and the stressors of everyday living in a pandemic. 

To show our appreciation to hospitality and restaurant workers for their contributions to our community, Pocono Mountains United Way has established the Hospitality & Restaurant Worker Relief Fund. As an offshoot of the organization’s Crisis Response Fund, 100% of all donations will be utilized to support workers in these industries. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are a hospitality OR restaurant employee and live OR work in Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon counties you may be eligible to apply for this fund. 

Once you have applied for the Hospitality and Restaurant Worker Relief Fund, you will receive an e-mail with information about whether your application was approved or denied.  Funding is not guaranteed, and will be provided on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are depleted. Due to the volume of applications, we will not accept phone calls or emails requesting information about the status of individual applications. 

FAQ

Where can I apply for relief funds?
Click HERE to apply.  

What can I use relief funds for?
Relief fund assistance will be provided under two broad categories: 

1. Reduce barriers to work for the applicant – examples include: vehicle repair, child care expenses, uniforms/required safety equipment, training or certifications, etc.  
2. Make repairs for the safety and habitability of the applicant’s home – examples include: heating and cooling repairs, electrical or plumbing repairs, maintain safe entrances and exits from the home, etc.  

What will I receive?
Eligible recipients will receive assistance toward reducing barriers to work and/or funds for repairs affecting the safety and habitability of their home. Typical funding amounts will range from $250 to a maximum of $1000. All funds will be paid directly to vendors or service providers. No payments will be made to applicants.  

When will I be notified if I will receive money?
If you have applied for the Hospitality and Restaurant Worker Relief Fund, you will receive an e-mail with information about whether your application was approved or denied. Due to the volume of applications, we will not accept phone calls or emails requesting information about individual applications. 

When do applications open?
Applications opened on October 22, 2021. Eligible applicants are being approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. 

Who is eligible?
All applicants must be 18 years or older and meet income guidelines.  

Individuals who live OR work in Wayne, Pike, Monroe or Carbon County, PA and who are currently employed or who have been employed in the last 60 days by a restaurant or hospitality business in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply. 

What do I need to apply?
Eligibility criteria includes proof of employment at a restaurant or hospitality business (paystub, etc.), 2020 tax return, state-issued photo identification, and a short description of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the applicant financially. If the applicant has obtained quotes or invoices for services, those can also be included with the application.  

Can I apply if I am paid in cash?
All applicants must provide a paystub from within the last 60 days demonstrating their employment at a hospitality or restaurant business in Pennsylvania. If a paystub is not provided the application will not be processed. 

Can I apply more than once?
Individuals will only be eligible to receive assistance once every 365 days. Assistance will not be awarded to the same individual twice within a 365 day (one year) period. 

Who can I contact if I need more help?
Hospitality and restaurant workers and their families may explore additional resources and options available by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211.org for more information. Individual agencies cannot apply for the fund on your behalf, you can only apply using our online application. 

Where can I donate?
Visit https://poconounitedway.org/donate-now/ and fill out the form to contribute to the Hospitality & Restaurant Worker Relief Fund.  You will need to write “Hospitality & Restaurant Worker Relief Fund” in the notes section of your donation.

DONOR & MEDIA INQUIRIES

For donors interested in contributing to the Fund, contact Pocono Mountains United Way’s President/CEO Michael Tukeva at Michael@PoconoUnitedWay.org. Donors are able to contribute by check, cash, or other assets as well. 

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

OUR PARTNERS

Thank you to our partners who are coming together from philanthropy, government, and business to support the hospitality & restaurant workers in our community.