COVID-19
Our Community Response to COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to reevaluate many aspects of how we work and live together. We are certainly in this together, and we will be better for it post-pandemic. Together we can influence the national dialogue about the economy, healthcare, education, youth support and public safety for children, families, and veterans. Together we can make a healthier Connecticut, Nation, and World.
What We Are Doing as an Organization
Urban Community Alliance is dedicated to participating in the positive impact of the community through service delivery and continuing to be a viable resource for our community; even during the COVID-19 crisis. Based on community feedback, UCA has provided a prompt and efficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic. UCA has provided a Youth work initiative to at-risk youth that enables them to complete weekly chores and earn compensation that supports youth involvement in healthy, engaging activities in family and residential living environments. UCA has provided food to our families through the use of gift cards and participation in food distribution efforts in communities of color. Masks and volunteer services continue to be provided to families affected by COVID-19 in communities of color where risk is high. UCA staff/employees are considered “essential” and we have extended our offices as an “Emergency Site” during COVID-19 to provide a space for meeting confidentially to the Department of Children and Families. We continue to maintain regular contact with children, youth, fathers, families and communities; continuing to be a resource for meeting basic needs, PPE, technology access, and emergency situations.
COVID-19 Program Support
Nellie Mae Grant
Due to COVID-19, The Center for Psychology and Culture has created an anti-racism crisis response plan, aimed toward supporting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who are currently the population most affected by the racial attacks that have stemmed from this pandemic. An anti-racism social media campaign and a trauma-informed virtual support group will be offered to all persons who identify as AAPI. The plan will follow all social distancing and government protocols. The support groups will utilize healing techniques focused on AAPI communities who have been victims of hate crimes and bias resulting from COVID-19. The funds have helped cover capacity building and the costs of the campaign.
Yale Grant
Yale University’s generous support to Urban Community Alliance has increased the organization’s capacity to aid families in the New Haven community. UCA is assisting with food distribution to clients who are unable to receive food delivery assistance due to transportation limitations and also serving as a liaison between food distributors and families in need. The organization is also providing service upgrades to internet packages and other technological needs in order to ensure families are able to continue to work from home and children receive the education they truly deserve.
Community Foundation Grant
This generous donation has enhanced UCA’s supportive case management services by allowing us to respond to the basic needs of our community during the emergency circumstances that COVID-19 has created. The funds assist in sustaining our staff’s ability to continue to telecommute and the continuity of client engagement.