NAU records 165% increase in food voucher requests

18 April 2020

The number of people seeking help to feed themselves and their families has jumped by 165%, according to the latest data from the Needs Assessment Unit.

Premier Alden McLaughlin provided the figure at Friday’s COVID-19 press briefing as he outlined strategies Cayman continues to execute to suppress the spread of coronavirus.

He said, “957 families or 3,828 people have been assisted with food vouchers alone, representing a 165% increase since the COVID19 pandemic began.”

He added that prior to the COVID-19 crisis, assistance was provided to 361 families. That number has increased to 957 families as the emergency continues.

The numbers have steadily increased following the closure of Cayman’s borders in March and the ensuing collapse of the tourism industry.

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Staffing increases continue

The premier shared that staffing at the unit was significantly increased to assist with the growing demand for help.

“It has taken, I think, a little longer than any of us would have liked to get this thing in full gear, but it is now moving very well and working very well,” he said.

“Tremendous efforts have been made to protect and care for elderly shut-ins, veterans and seamen; support has also been offered and provided to victims of domestic violence,” he added.

To expedite the process, McLaughlin said NAU frontline staff have relaxed the requirements for new applicants.

“Staff have been instructed to ensure that food vouchers are immediately issued to persons upon receipt of a completed application and those whose nationality as Caymanian is confirmed for identification purposes,” he said.

The NAU accepts passports, voter ID cards and birth certificates for those who have them, he added.

So far this year, according to NAU assistance figures shared with the Cayman Compass, government has spent $1.097 million on food, $1.042 million on rent and $1.45 million on permanent financial assistance for Caymanians in need.

McLaughlin said, as of 16 April, a total of 1,842 families, or 7,368 individuals, have been assisted by NAU, and vulnerable Caymanians are being assisted with basic essential needs which include food vouchers, school lunches and rental assistance. A further 209 people had their Indigent Medical Coverage renewed.

Additional financial support was provided for families with children for the continuation of school lunches.

Alphabet system added for NAU callers

Starting Monday, 20 April, the NAU will use specific phone numbers and last-name assignments during office opening hours from Monday through Thursday, the premier said.

In addition to dialing 946-0024 (Grand Cayman) or 948-8758 (Cayman Brac), five new numbers have been made available to persons on their prescribed ‘letter day’. Those with last names A-K may call 936-0628, 936-1628 or 936-2628 and last names L-Z may call 936-3628 or 936-4628.

McLaughlin said the NAU has identified five additional people who were previously employed by the unit to be added to its support staff to further reduce any interruption in service.

“Two NAU staff members will offer dedicated support to the [email protected] address to answer and respond to any emails submitted,” he said.

NAU is also collaborating with the Department of Counselling and Rehabilitation to support the call centre with the sole purpose of answering phones, following up with clients and providing feedback.

Also starting Monday, tents will be erected outside the Aqua Mall in George Town and refreshments will be distributed for those heading to the NAU office.

“Three queues will be established catering to three individual groups; persons applying for food vouchers only; the elderly, the disabled, and those who are pregnant; and those seeking extended services. Additionally, two Customs and Border Control officers and one retired civil servant will provide assistance ensuring adequate social distancing is maintained,” the premier said.

Assistance for work-permit holders continues

Support is also being provided for work-permit holders who have also been impacted by the Cayman’s ‘shelter in place’ restrictions. The support is limited to food vouchers.

“Out of 240 applications received from work-permit holders for assistance, 143 were approved, and a significant number of the others are in the process of being dealt with,” McLaughlin said. “There were 36 deferrals to obtain further information and 61 applications are pending.”