DES MOINES, Iowa - A new study from United Way of Iowa shows low income people are especially strained by finances during the pandemic.
A survey conducted for the United Way by the University of Northern Iowa showed more than half of low-income families reported loss of income or increased expenses because of COVID-19
Families with incomes below $50,000 had higher concerns about paying for food, utilities and rent-or-mortgage.
The survey was conducted before the major statewide surge of the virus in mid-November. (Sept. 28 through Nov. 2)
The three main concerns reported by respondents were a second wave of virus activity and closures, a household member contracting COVID-19, and mental health issues.
The study concluded that the pandemic has created a growing population of "new needy" people in Iowa.
Read the full study here.