Financial Stability Tools for Uncertain Times
Bloomington, Ind., July 29, 2020 -- According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Monroe County is at 10.1 percent, up from 3.5 percent in January of 2020. Courtney Stewart, Health & Human Sciences Educator with Purdue Extension in Monroe County, says, “The increase in unemployment due to COVID-19 means that many individuals in our community are one unexpected event away from experiencing a financial crisis. Many residents will soon face potential housing problems when unemployment benefits start running out. The looming potential for evictions makes it more important than ever for people to be aware of the many resources in our community.”
To help navigate these services, the Financial Stability Alliance for South Central Indiana (FSA) developed a free local guide to financial resources including banking, employment, financial education, taxes and stable housing. The guide is available online at www.unitedwaysci.org/FSALocalResources.
Additionally, FSA cultivated an online financial resources library which includes helpful tools and websites covering a wide range of personal finance topics. The online financial resource library (www.unitedwaysci.org/FSAOnlineResources) includes budget templates, financial education workshop materials, credit and debt management resources, and episodes of “The Ins and Outs of Money” podcast to check out.
Several Financial Stability Alliance members have adapted to the current circumstances and are offering programs virtually to support residents during these uncertain financial times. Apprisen offers free personal finance and budgeting courses, financial coaching, debt management and bankruptcy counseling, and all services can be provided remotely.
Purdue Extension is offering budgeting and cooking classes virtually to help individuals have greater control over their physical and financial health. Work One South Central provides employment-seeking services such as job searches, resume workshops, and qualification trainings, and they are available now to help those who are seeking employment.
Broadview Learning Center, a program of Monroe County Community School Corporation, has virtual programs to help people finish High School and enroll in training and certification programs to become eligible for better paying jobs and careers in the future. These are just a few examples of the many services FSA partners are providing to help those financially affected by the COVID19 pandemic.
For more information on how FSA can help visit:
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About FSA: The Financial Stability Alliance for South Central Indiana is a cohesive network, led by United Way of South Central Indiana, that aims to increase the financial stability of residents in south central Indiana. The Alliance accomplishes this by advocating for policies and changes that will improve people’s financial lives; strengthening its members through development opportunities and sharing best practices; and measuring collective results, including the status of financial stability in the region.