Mississippi residents are primarily concerned about themselves or a loved one contracting COVID-19 in the weeks and months ahead, according to a statewide survey conducted in July by the Mississippi Association of United Ways.
The Mississippi Association of United Ways conducted the COVID-19 Impact Survey to assess the economic impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on Mississippians.
The survey received more than 2,000 responses.
Based on the results, 30 percent of respondents indicate that at least one person in their household became unemployed or saw a reduction in hours due to the pandemic.
Forty-one percent say that in order to make ends meet, they increased a credit card balance, borrowed from friends or family or took out a loan.
Thirty-one percent of respondents also say they faced a decrease in income due to lacking access to childcare.
Fifty-three percent indicate that their savings would cover basic bills for only one month or less if they were to lose their income.
Second to contracting coronavirus, more than half of respondents in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Perry counties say they are largely concerned about the well-being of their children and their children’s education during the pandemic.
Twenty-four percent of respondents from those areas also claim they needed technology to adapt to a stay-at-home order and/or school closures but were unable to make those accommodations due to financial constraints.
Overall, Mississippians indicate that assistance paying rent, mortgage and utility bills would make an important difference to their household’s financial well-being.
Feedback from the survey will help to inform continued relief efforts by United Way of Southeast Mississippi and other area nonprofits and agencies serving the public.
The survey was conducted at no cost, courtesy of the Louisiana Association of United Ways and a network of volunteer experts.
A complete summary report detailing all the results can be found at unitedwaysems.org.
