December 8, 2021

Salt Lake City and its community partners have distributed nearly $1.5 million in $500 and $1,000 cash cards to residents impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom were not able to access federal stimulus dollars. All told, 1,765 households were assisted through the Raise Up SLC program, using their cash cards to pay for rent, food, healthcare, clothing, utilities and other expenses

“I’m glad to know that so many households were able to get financial support that was so needed over the past year,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Getting cash cards directly into the hands of families who needed them means residents were able to address their most pressing, immediate needs. I appreciate our community partners for their time and work in making this program possible.”

University Neighborhood Partners, Utah Community Action, and Comunidades Unidas led the distribution of the cards.

“Many Salt Laker Card recipients have faced harrowing challenges since the pandemic began. From unemployment, food insecurity, the worry of eviction, and a higher likelihood of COVID-19 infection.” said Mayra Cedano, the Executive Director of Comunidades Unidas. “The extra boost provided through Raise Up SLC made a world of difference for them, and we’ve heard many stories of gratitude.”

The cash cards, dubbed the Salt Laker Card, originally totaled $500, but that amount increased to $1,000 after the City received CARES act dollars and generous donations from the community. Raise Up SLC began its fundraising phase in August 2020 after receiving an initial $50,000 and technical assistance from the non-profit Accelerator for America to set up a financial assistance program for residents. 

The program has now closed and no new cards will be distributed. But there is still $175,000 in mortgage relief available through Salt Lake City.