As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the country, we stand committed as ever to serve our local communities. Our vital programs and services that focus on mental health, addiction treatment and recovery, health education, and community development are continuing in modified and safe ways, as we know our underserved populations need us right now. Families who have lost income still need food, neighborhoods are still being impacted by acts of violence, and seniors are struggling with loneliness more than ever. That’s why we do what we do. Here is how we’re helping:
Want to get involved? Please consider making a donation to our Neighborhood Enterprise Center and Emergency Food Distribution.
Emergency Food Distribution
Nearly all of UPAC’s clients live below the poverty line. Many have lost their primary source of income. Children are out of school, missing their free lunches. Seniors are physical distancing, unable to visit the grocery store. All of these individuals are facing food insecurity and we’ve developed our Emergency Food Distribution to help. We’re redirecting our Cafe Catering operations to create CARE Boxes for UPAC clients and Southeast San Diego residents in need. Boxes include 2 – 4 days of food staples, fresh fruits and veggies, one hot “Cafe Meal” prepared in our kitchen, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and a game or activity for each family. Boxes also include community resource information and linguistically appropriate COVID-19 information. Distributions are held each Friday at the NEC and we have distributed food to over 6,000 unduplicated individuals since the start of the pandemic.
Interested in signing up for a CARE Box? Please call our ACE Line at 619-500-1128 and follow the prompts.
Help Feed Families in Need
UPAC relies on donations from our generous donors to continue doing the work that we do. Please consider donating to help those who are in need during these difficult times.
City of San Diego COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program
UPAC is a community partner of the San Diego Housing Commission and is available to assist families with their application for the City of San Diego COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program. This program will help pay past-due rent and utilities for low-income households affected by COVID-19. City of San Diego households may qualify. Visit www.sdhc.org for more details on the program qualifications and to apply today. If you need help with your application, or access to a computer, call UPAC’s Neighborhood Enterprise Center at (619) 255-7644 or email rentalsupport@upacsd.com.
Community Health Worker Communications & Outreach
UPAC is proud to partner with The County of San Diego, as part of Live Well San Diego, to conduct outreach and education about COVID-19 to API populations, a group disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. We provide linguistically and culturally responsive materials and look forward to working with API partners in the community.
UPAC Programs
UPAC is committed to serving our clients in the safest means possible. Many of our services have adapted and begun utilizing telehealth methods, in an effort to stay connected and committed to client needs. We’re checking in with our seniors via telephone calls and continuing our addiction treatment and recovery programs, adult and adolescent mental health programs and community violence response teams. Even though we can’t physically be together, we’re still here as a community resource.
How You Can Help
We are extremely grateful to the community partners, collaborators and supporters who have stepped up to help in this time of need. If interested in supporting our organization, please consider making a donation to our Neighborhood Enterprise Center and Emergency Food Distribution to help us feed undeserved families impacted by COVID-19.
