A single mother supporting two children may work two part-time jobs. She does not have a car, so she is limited in where she can work. Her income falls above the federal poverty line. It puts a roof over the heads of her and her children, and usually gets food on the table. But she cannot grow a savings account. An unexpected expense could throw the family into chaos. She has to skimp on child care and health care.
Compassion Fund helps Notre Dame employees with financial emergencies
University of Notre Dame employees who donate to the United Way of St. Joseph County also support the Employee Compassion Fund, an emergency assistance program that helps members of the Notre Dame community faced with temporary financial hardship. For every amount pledged to the United Way by a Notre Dame employee, five percent is deposited into the fund to help members of the campus community respond to financial crises resulting from unforeseen events or circumstances such as fire, natural disaster or illness. Since 2015, the fund has provided more than $41,000 in assistance to 49 employees, including more than $24,000 to 25 employees in 2016.…