Parkites who didn’t get CARES checks will receive $1,000 from Park City Community Foundation

Photo: PCCF

PARK CITY, Utah. — The pandemic’s economic toll on people, families and businesses may never be fully understood. But what is emerging is a clear picture of how society’s most vulnerable members have been hit hardest – and in many cases are continuing to suffer.

Undocumented immigrants, particularly undocumented women, are integral to Park City’s tourism and hospitality industries through work in industries such as hospitality, but in most cases were ineligible for stimulus checks. And undocumented immigrants did not qualify for unemployment benefits at federal or state levels, despite paying into the tax base.

To alleviate the challenges brought on by the shutdown and lack of work during COVID, $250,000 from the Park City Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund will be distributed to those who did not qualify for unemployment or stimulus checks in the form of a one-time $1,000 payment. Counselors and social workers throughout the community have helped to identify qualified candidates for the program, and checks will be distributed over the next few weeks by Jewish Family Service.

“Jewish Family Service is so grateful to once again partner with Park City Community Foundation,” said Ellen Silver, executive director of Jewish Family Service. “For those who are most in need, this direct assistance will help them in a meaningful way and ease the financial burden many have experienced during this incredibly challenging year.”

Whether it is to fix a car, pay an overdue medical bill or back-due rent, or enjoy a respite from economic uncertainty, individuals will have full control and agency over how to use the funds, which the Community Foundation predicts will have a positive economic impact on the local community. National reports and studies demonstrate that direct cash assistance programs reduce poverty, empower women, and improve lives of children.