Page 13 - United Way 2020 Brochure

Helping At-Risk

Individuals and Families

It was all hands on deck as critical services, such as Meals on Wheels deliveries, had to continue with an added layer
of safety for clients and volunteers alike. Meals on Wheels did not miss a beat and immediately delivered a 21-day
supply of shelf-stable meals to clients and Jefferson County senior center participants. Then, to further limit exposure,
the familiar daily deliveries shifted to weekly -- with each food box containing seven days of frozen meals and drinks.

The Priority Veteran program serves veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The COVID-19 pandemic further compromised these heroes, as social distancing protocols led to decreased capacity
at shelters; and unemployment increased demand for other basic needs, such as food and healthcare. To respond to
this gap in services, the program placed 70 veterans in hotels.

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Alabama Cares, a AAA program focusing on family caregivers, recognized the additional burdens placed on these in-
dividuals by the pandemic and responded on a case-by-case basis. Whether the person is caring for an aging relative,
or a senior is caring for a child, Alabama Cares offers help, including in-home respite care, monthly support groups
and temporary financial assistance.

592,973 103 7,688

senior meals were provided homeless veterans were served respite hours were
during the pandemic and 70 without access to provided to 187
shelters were housed in hotels caregivers