How to support people who are struggling financially during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in profound and unprecedented ways. Most if not all of us are worried about someone we love—whether it’s a relative, a friend, or our community as a whole.

In the face of this crisis, it’s important to remember that even the smallest acts of care can make a difference. We’ve compiled the tips and resources below to help you find simple, concrete ways to take action.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a financial crisis for millions of families. Many people have lost jobs and health insurance, and those who were already without adequate food, housing, or health care are now at even higher risk. Low-income children are especially vulnerable, since school closures have disrupted free lunch programs and other services.

If you have the means to give financially at this time, consider donating to your local food bank or to a nonprofit (such as United Way) that’s helping lower-income people cover rent payments and other basic needs. Some of these organizations may also have physically distanced volunteer opportunities; call or check their websites for details.

You can also offer emotional support to loved ones who’ve lost jobs or are struggling financially. Start by simply reaching out to let them know you’ll be there for them in any way you can. Many people anchor their identities in their work and income, so this is the time to emphasize to your loved one that they’re cherished and valuable no matter what. Remind them of their core strengths, and highlight the small things they do each day to contribute to their family and community. If they are experiencing severe financial hardship and struggling to meet basic needs, you can direct them to resources like United Way’s 211 helpline for information on government programs, discounted services, and nonprofit initiatives that may be able to help.

Here are some additional resources to help you support people who are financially insecure:

• Find Your Local Food Bank (Feeding America): Connect with your community food bank through this nationwide network.
• Join the Response to COVID-19: Donate to Your Local United Way's Efforts (United Way): This fund helps low-income families with the cost of food, housing, utilities, health-care resources, and more.
• Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund (Meals on Wheels): “The costs and efforts needed to protect seniors from COVID-19 require additional emergency funds, and that is why we are asking federal lawmakers, corporations, foundations and the general public to remember these vulnerable seniors in our national response.”
• Here’s How You Can Help People Who’ve Lost Jobs or Housing in the Wake of Coronavirus (Vox): Tips and resources for helping vulnerable service workers, supporting people struggling with food, health-care, and housing costs, combating xenophobia, and more.
• How to Comfort Someone Who Just Lost a Job (Next Avenue): Advice on what to say and do if someone close to you has been laid off.
• How to Cope with Financial Stress and Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic (CNBC): Eight simple steps to suggest to anyone who is worried about their finances.
• How to Cope with Financial Stress and Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic (CNBC): Eight simple steps to suggest to anyone who is worried about their finances.
• Where Can I Find Emergency Financial Resources to Help with COVID-19 Hardships? (GrantSpace): List of individual assistance grants available to people who are facing financial hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• COVID-19 Resources (211/United Way): Information on government assistance programs, discounted services, and mental health resources.
• A Guide to Helping and Getting Help During the Coronavirus Crisis (CNN): Index of resources for seeking and providing assistance with food costs, health care, housing, and more.