Study Revelas Families Are Struggling During The Pandemic

A study released by the united way of Iowa shows a dramatic increase in the number of people requiring assistance in 2020.

Our now?

"* a study released by the united way of iowa shows a dramatic increase in the number of people requiring assistance in 2020.

Kimt news 3's alex jirgens is digging into the numbers.... he joins us live in mason city?

"* alex?xxx katie ?

"* there is no doubt about it, family budgets have been strained this year.

Even the simplist things, including paying the water bill, have added to that strain.

The united way's covid financial impact study highlighted a few key areas in which covid?

"* 19 has impacted iowa families.

The pandemic has had an uneven impact.

Those in the service industry have been devastated.

Covering monthly expenses has been difficult.

Everything from childcare expenses to utilities is a challenge.

United way executive director deann cook says the study also found that the population of the so?

"*called 'newly needy' grew dramatically "the calls have been overwhelming this year, especially from folks who have never have had to navigate social services before and are looking at a starting point.

Just because they were able to keep their head above water prior to covid, but covid ?

"* their job went away or they developed a health problem, or a combination of all of those."

United way of north central iowa c?

"*e?

"*o jen ar tells me that the covid emergency relief fund ?

"* collected 102 thousand dollars this year and that 40 thousand dollars for individual assistance has already been spent.

Live in mason thanks alex.

The study grew out of prior work to elevate the needs and concerns of families living below the 50 thousand dollar threshold for a family of four.///