The survey found that a majority of Dallas-Fort Worth residents have concerns about their health and economic well-being, including 67% of individuals who reported fear contracting the virus.
In addition, more than 40% of DFW residents said they would benefit from assistance paying bills or finding employment.
“The survey reinforces what we have seen first-hand in Tarrant County,” said Leah King, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “COVID-19 has greatly affected our community with many families struggling to make ends meet.”
In the region of the United Way’s assistance area that includes Tarrant, Denton, Dallas and Collin counties, 21% of households surveyed indicated that they would benefit the most from assistance paying non-mortgage-related bills.
An additional 19% of area residents said they would benefit the most from a new job opportunity for an adult in the household, and 17% of area households said they would benefit the most from assistance with mortgage payments, according to the survey.
Other key findings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include the top concerns among seniors. According to the survey, 74% of those 65 and older are concerned about contracting COVID-19, and 71% of seniors are concerned about the economic health of their community.
“It has been even harder for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, senior citizens and children,” King said. “Basic needs, such as food, mortgage and rent, utilities and medications, continue to be the most needed.”
Through its emergency relief fund, the United Way of Tarrant County has invested more than $1.4 million in the area while assisting more than 550,000 county residents with COVID-19 relief. The United Way has also established the Rebuild Tarrant County Fund in order to provide long-term community assistance.
Complete results from the United Way of Texas COVID-19 survey are available here.
