WFTV 9 Family Connection, United Way join in helping families affected by coronavirus pandemic

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV 9 Family Connection has teamed up with the United Way to help families who are just one paycheck away from disaster.

Money raised Tuesday will assist families impacted by the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and continue to make Central Florida Strong.

Forty-seven percent of Central Floridians are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) and are one paycheck away from financial ruin.

Read: 9 things to know about the United Way

ALICE focuses on people who lost their jobs or had their hours cut dramatically and weren’t making enough to have a savings to help them through an unexpected major expense or in this case, a crisis.

So far, the Heart of Florida United Way has received more than 11,000 requests for assistance during the pandemic.

Video: 9 Family Connection, United Way join in helping families affected by coronavirus pandemic Money raised Tuesday will assist families impacted by the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and continue to make Central Florida Strong.

To help the requests receive $1,200 each, it would take at least $13 million.

There’s still a waiting list of more than 7,000 requests.

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back during the pandemic, this is the perfect opportunity.

Click here if you’d like to give a donation or receive help.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina is a Heart of Florida United Way board member.

“We are one community and when times are tough we need to all pull in together to help those who cannot help themselves and you know those of us who have jobs, those of us who may have a little extra to give during this time now is the time to give to some of those folks who have lost their jobs or living paycheck to paycheck," said Mina.

Lockheed Martin Corporation has announced they will be matching donations cumulatively up to $100,000 as part of the initiative.

READ: This is how you can help Central Floridians stay in their homes

Central Florida Strong: Eric Gray We partnered with Heart of Florida United Way to raise money for the ALICE fund. It helps Central Florida families pay their rent, mortgage and utility bills if they fall on hard times.

Central Florida Strong: Nina Yon We partnered with Heart of Florida United Way to raise money for the ALICE fund. It helps Central Florida families pay their rent, mortgage and utility bills if they fall on hard times.

Central Florida Strong: Sheriff Mina We partnered with Heart of Florida United Way to raise money for the ALICE fund. It helps Central Florida families pay their rent, mortgage and utility bills if they fall on hard times.

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