CLICK HERE: DONATE TO THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
While the COVID-19 global pandemic creates enormous economic pressure on all Americans, the consequences of income inequality are multiplied for low-income individuals and families, including residents of Fairfield County. Those with the fewest financial resources are more vulnerable to the adverse economic effects of this pandemic as well as infection from the virus itself. The implications for cost-burdened households ripple across all aspects of a budget: loss of income due to illness, reduced hours or sick days, the burden of medical bills for the uninsured, childcare while schools are shuttered, additional daily meals for family members sheltering-in-place, and risk of infection due to cramped living quarters.
Near & Far Aid was founded over 65 years ago with a singular focus to mobilize our community to ensure that the most basic needs of our neighbors were met, especially in times of crisis. With the initiation of our COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND, our intention is to be proactive, funding areas of greatest need at this critical moment in time. Emergency grants to trusted organizations on the frontlines of poverty are being released immediately and targeted to alleviate the social and economic hurdles faced by so many during this crisis.
Of highest priority, at this time, are grants to assist with:
· food insecurity
· essential health and mental health care
· personal hygiene and cleaning supplies for organizations keeping their doors open to feed and serve all those seeking assistance.
Through the collective participation of our patrons, sponsors, and Host Committee, and with the incredible support of the Mitchell family, we raised over $1 million at our 25th Anniversary Gala on March 6th. Money raised will fund critical programs in the coming year, undoubtedly reeling from the blows dealt by the pandemic. The outpouring of generosity at our gala enables us to seed our Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund with $100,000 from the event’s revenue for immediate grants.
The need in our community is both outsized and urgent. Near & Far Aid’s track record of granting over $1 million annually to programs and agencies with proven outcomes makes us a trusted resource to distribute your donation thoughtfully and responsibly to the areas of greatest need.
For questions about the COVID-19 Relief Fund, the work we do, please visit our website at www.nearandfaraid.org or email us at [email protected].