In a press release Monday, the organizations announced the creation of the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund with the goal of raising at least $1 million

“The current shutdown is now the second-longest in U.S. history, and thousands of Utahns are feeling the impact,” the release said. “There are an estimated 40,000 federal employees living in Utah who are furloughed or working without pay, and programs like Utah HEAT and SNAP are at risk, leaving over 80,000 households without benefits. The Emergency Relief Fund will help ensure the basic needs of Utahns are still met as the shutdown continues by supporting impacted community and government partners and providing essential resources and support through the 211 Navigation Center.”

Amandi Goodwin-Garstka, public relations and marketing director for United Way of Northern Utah, told the Standard-Examiner on Tuesday that the two entities had raised around $5,000 as of Tuesday morning.

“That’s pretty incredible; it was just launched yesterday,” she said.

She said the means to access the funds are still being worked out and will be made available as more money is donated.

“We know where the funds are going,” she said. “They’re either going to those affected by the furlough or it is going to those supported by WIC or SNAP. We’re still working with the community partners on the distribution of it.”

Goodwin-Garstka was unaware of similar programs being enacted during previous shutdowns.

“From my understanding, I think this is the first time that United Way of Salt Lake and United Way of Northern Utah came together for a fundraiser,” she said.

She said that Ogden is an especially unique case at a time like this.

“Our community is really unique in that we’ve got Hill Air Force Base and we also have the IRS here,” she said. “Our community is really feeling it and we just want to be responsive, help out in any way we can and this is one way we felt like we’d be able to help.”

In the press release, Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski praised the partnership.

“Federal workers are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members,” he said. “They’re part of what makes Ogden strong. Our city is at its best when we stick together and set politics aside to focus on people. This is a time to neighbor up — to look out for one another and make sure those who are struggling know they’re not alone. In times like these, we’re especially grateful for our partnerships with organizations like the United Way of Northern Utah, who help bring all communities and resources together when it matters most.”

For information more on the United Way 211 Emergency Relief Fund and suggestions of other available resources, visit https://uw.org/relieffund/. People have the option to donate based on which region’s United Way chapter they are served by.