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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

United Way Creates COVID-19 Relief Fund

United Way of McLean County
United Way of McLean County
The United Way of McLean County is targeting pandemic relief efforts to low-income people.

The United Way of McLean County said it will provide targeted help to reduce financial damage from the coronavirus pandemic. The United Way has announced a $100,000 allocation to support youth and families in the community affected by the outbreak.

“COVID-19 will have far-reaching effects in McLean County, especially among asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households and households in poverty. The best way for us to come together in this complex and fluid situation is to respond in a coordinated fashion, working together in public/private partnerships,” said David Taylor, UWMC president and CEO.

The United Way estimated 12,000 McLean County families fall into the ALICE category. These are households that are working and earning above the poverty line but cannot afford the basic cost of survival and necessities. An additional 12,000 households are living in poverty, according to the agency. The COVID-19 safety measures, financial burdens, and health concerns will disproportionately affect these ALICE families and families in poverty, said Taylor.

The money will be distributed through partnerships with, among others, the City of Bloomington, the Town of Normal, McLean County government, and local nonprofits responding to the impact of COVID-19.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.
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