Phillipsburg, NJ, March 26, 2020- Norwescap, a non-profit serving Northwest NJ, is on the forefront of providing the public with emergency services during the Corvid19 pandemic.   The virus has impacted households across the U.S. with many individuals and families finding themselves short of resources. Many individuals and families in need are struggling to find basic necessities including diapers and perishables and the number of individuals who need assistance is growing rapidly as unemployment is rising.

“Now more than ever people need organizations like Norwescap to help them get the assistance they need to support themselves and their families,” said Mark Valli, CEO of Norwescap.   “The impact this virus is having on our region, state and country is unprecedented so Norwescap is providing emergency services to get the public through this pandemic. In a regular year, we serve over 30,000 individuals and families who are the most vulnerable with urgent resources. As that number grows, Norwescap will continue to serve on the front lines, connecting people to vital, life-sustaining services.”

Most of Norwescap’s services remain operational at this time. This includes a variety of services that are helping people maintain childcare, pay their utility bills, and manage their finances in this difficult time.

With so many of our community members being faced with the unexpected loss of income, it takes a financial hit on families and individuals. It can take several months or sometimes years to get back on a stable financial track. Norwescap’s Financial Empowerment programs are serving the communities by providing: one to one financial case management, critical debt and credit case management services, negotiating with creditors, family income reduction strategies, and Norwescap’s Family Loan Program.  The organization is also assisting people having difficulty paying their utilities.

Norwescap’s Food Bank continues to distribute food to its partner agencies across Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex counties and packing backpacks of food for distribution to school-aged children.  Additionally, to meet the growing needs of the public, Norwescap has set up emergency food pantries at three of its Head Start sites and main location. Meanwhile, the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program is distributing food checks to participants via the mail.

As the landscape continuously changes during the pandemic, Norwescap has created a 411 page on its website to keep the public informed of all services available.  The page has a listing of contact numbers for various resources and information for how to get help: (https://norwescap.org/covid-19/norwescap-service-updates/).

The Norwescap Resiliency Fund has been launched to help support those in need during the pandemic and beyond. Anyone who would like to support resiliency in our communities is welcome to donate online http://norwescap.org/get-involved/ . Funds will directly assist individuals with essential resources and basic necessities now and in the future.

###