Homefront Response

Why is There a United Way Homefront Response?

1. Our Community needs to know how to help our Utah families affected by the U.S. war efforts.

   • At the request of the Pentagon, American Red Cross, and LDS humanitarian services have suspended delivery of traditional care packages to military service people.

   • Utahns need a way to help their Utah neighbors impacted by the war through Utah-based groups rather than indirectly through national or international organizations.

2. Families of Utah’s military receive family mobilization briefings and ongoing assistance from strong military family support programs. However, families may need additional help with affordable childcare and basic needs, as well as additional support to deal with their elevated risk of depression and anxiety.

3. Utah veterans and their families are living at greater risk of being impacted by the high profile that the war in Iraq plays in public dialogue and in the news.

4. The general public is experiencing prolonged and heightened anxiety, in the wake of 9-11, 18 months of terrorist worries, the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case, the weakened economy, and the war in Iraq. Many need information about how to cope, and in some cases may need professional support – particularly children and those troubled by mental illness.

Who is Eligible to Receive Help From the Response Fund?

Any Utah State Resident who is:

• An immediate family member of mobilized reserve military or deployed active military service member

• An extended family member or close associate of an immediate family member of mobilized reserve military or deployed active military service member

• A family member of active military personnel recently killed in the line of duty

• Military personnel returning from active duty

• A war veteran or a veteran’s family member

Documentation required:

• Military ID and proof of relationship

• A completed application form

• Proof of financial need, if requesting financial support from the Homefront Response Fund

How Can Utahns Get Help From the United Way Homefront Response?

1. Utahns who need information about coping with the impact of our war efforts should visit the United Way Homefront Response website at www.uw.org.

2. Military families in need of assistance should first contact their family support representative from the appropriate military branch.

   • Each branch of the military has its own family support program. Check with the appropriate support program first, before seeking help from the United Way Homefront Response.

3. Contact the United Way Homefront Response partner agency in your community.

   • Utahns impacted by war should visit www.uw.org for a list of the nearest local agencies that can provide services or financial assistance.

   • Applications for family assistance can be viewed online at www.uw.org. Forms are also available through the 2-1-1 hotline, or at Dixie Care and Share 131 N. 300 W. St.George, Utah 84770 435-628-3661.

   • Those who do not have Internet service should call your local United Way Dixie 435-674-5939.

   • Visit the nearest partner agency and complete a request for assistance.

4. The local agency will then submit your request to the United Way Homefront Response Fund.

   • The United Way Homefront Response Fund Grant-making and Oversight Committee will review agency fund requests on a weekly basis.

   • Within 72 hours, successful requests for assistance will be received by the local agency and local assistance will be provided to qualified individuals or families in need.

5. Financial support will be provided to successful applicants.

   • Families must provide proof of need to the appropriate local Homefront Response partner agency.

   • Financial assistance will be provided to help those in need meet obligations; however, no direct cash payments will then be made to families or to individual applicants.

   • Individuals and families may request up to $2,000 in support per application. There is no limit to the number of times an application for assistance can be submitted.

   • No guarantee can be made that every application for assistance will be successful.

How Can Utah's Local Non-Profits Apply for Help From the United Way Homefront Resonse Fund?

1. Applications and United Way Homefront Response Fund information have been sent to all 1200 Utah non-profits that provide health and human services.

2. Applications for agency support are also available online at www.uw.org.

3. Agencies must demonstrate the following to qualify for support:

   • Show proof that the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) and has been in operation for over three years, with governance by a local board of directors;

   • Provide health and human services to residents in the State of Utah;

   • Submit additional proof of accountability, if the agency is not a current partner with a local Utah United Way; and

   • Attach completed applications from each individual or family requesting assistance, with copies of the client’s military ID and/or Social Security card.

   • Agencies will be fully responsible for screening and verifying applications to determine eligibility of recipients.

4. Agencies may apply for up to $30,000 in assistance per agency application. There is currently no limit for the number of applications an agency may submit.

5. No guarantee can be made that every agency application for assistance will be granted.

How Can Utahns Contribute to the United Way Homefront Response?

1. To give online, visit the United Way Homefront Response website at www.uw.org.

2. In addition, all Utah branches of Zions Bank will accept donations.

3. 100% of all donations to the United Way Homefront Response Fund will go directly to help Utahns impacted by the U.S. war efforts. Updates on the fund will be available online at www.uw.org.

4. Contributions will be matched. An anonymous supporter will match all individual contributions to the United Way Homefront Response Fund, up to the first $100,000 in donations.

5. Designations to a specific community are not possible. The United Way Homefront Fund Grant-making and Oversight Committee will evaluate all applications to determine which agencies will receive funds to help Utah families.

How Long Will the United Way Homefront Response Continue?

1. As long as there are applicants in the community and donations in the fund, the United Way Homefront Response will continue to operate.

2. The Grant-making and Oversight Committee will determine when the fund should be closed. The remainder of the funds will, at that time, be distributed to family support programs operated by the various components of Utah’s voluntary and active military.

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