United Ways across Texas and the state organization, United Ways of Texas, are launching a statewide survey to assess the economic impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on Texas families. All Texas families are invited to complete the United Way Texas COVID-19 survey at www.surveymonkey.com. The survey will remain open through June 24. Individual responses are confidential. The survey is also available in Spanish at www.surveymonkey.com/spanish.
“Every Texas family has felt the impact of COVID-19 and even though much of our state has re-opened, life remains uncertain,” says Adrianna Cuellar Rojas, president and CEO of United Ways of Texas. “This survey represents an opportunity to better understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on Texans, to help inform state and community leaders in how best to support Texans in need.”
Before the pandemic hit, more than one in four Texas households were already struggling, led by workers that were unable to earn enough to cover the basics or to save for an unexpected life crisis or loss of a job. For many Texans, the economic crisis has stripped away family assets and abruptly repositioned families into unfamiliar financial positions. The survey seeks information on a wide range of topics, including the most pressing concerns, job changes, childcare challenges, and economic changes that Texas families are navigating.
“On a daily basis, United Ways across our state are focused on helping Texans thrive,” says Cuellar Rojas. “With COVID-19, the needs of Texas families, many who were already struggling prior to the pandemic, have been amplified, with disruptions in workforce, childcare, school, and overall life. The information gathered from this survey will help inform United Ways and others as we work to respond to both the immediate needs of Texans, and as we look forward to the next phase of recovery and what will be needed most to help get families back on track.“
“H-E-B is committed, now more than ever, to supporting Texans,” says Bea Lopez, H-E-B unit director and board chair for the United Ways of Texas. “As a long-time, proud partner and supporter of communities, H-E-B recognizes the importance of seeking out a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead for Texas families across our state. H-E-B and United Way proudly support and encourage Texans Helping Texans.”
The survey takes about 10 minutes and includes questions such as: What are you concerned about in the weeks and months ahead? (Check all that apply)
- You or a loved one getting COVID-19
- Paying rent/mortgage
- Paying other bills
- Medical issues other than COVID-19
- Mental health issue
- Children’s well-being
- Supporting my child/remote learning
- Adequate childcare
- Getting food and other things I need
- The economic health of my community
- Attending church or other social gatherings
- Other. Please specify.
“If you’ve felt the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, please take the time to complete the 10-minute survey,” Cuellar Rojas says. “United Way wants to listen and learn so we can know how best to help those Texans who have been hardest hit by COVID-19.”
About United Ways of Texas The mission of the United Ways of Texas is to integrate action and resources for the common good. UWT is an association working with local United Ways across the state representing 254 counties. Together, they work across communities to tackle common challenges that affect local communities but are bigger than any of one person — challenges the entire state faces. Along with United Ways across the country, they are part of a global network of more than 1,800 United Ways, servicing communities in 41 countries. For more information, go to www.uwtexas.org.
About United Way of the Brazos Valley United Way of the Brazos Valley fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the Brazos Valley. They strengthen the community by identifying issues facing the Brazos Valley, engaging individuals to build strategies and mobilizing resources to invest for change. United Way invests through Community Impact Grants to local nonprofit organizations and Investment Initiatives including 2-1-1 Texas, Youth Leadership Cabinet, Baby Bundles, and the Financial Stability Innovation Fund. For more information, go to www.uwbv.org.