CHICAGO — A new fund that aims to provide emergency food and basic supplies to people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic has raised more than $10 million since its launch Monday.
In collaboration with the city of Chicago, the Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago will begin distributing money from Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund to nonprofits in the coming days.
Funding will be distributed to organizations already working to provide emergency food, supplies and rent and mortgage assistance to vulnerable residents, said Helene Gayle, CEO and President of the Chicago Community Trust.
As coronavirus continues to spread, many hospitality workers have been forced out of work. Health and human service organizations have seen a surge in demand for services throughout the region, Gayle said.
“The funds will be focused towards helping people who are living paycheck to paycheck, who experience food insecurity, and rent insecurity,” Gayle said.
“It’s an emergency response to make sure people have basic supports that they need through organizations that are equipped to provide those services now,” she added.
The funds raised have come from philanthropic foundations, private corporations and individual donations, said Sean Garrett, CEO and President of United Way of Metro Chicago.
The recipients of the funds will be announced as soon as possible so those resources can start helping the community right away, Garret said.
On Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced they would match donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000 at Blackhawks.com/Donate. All fan donations through the end of March will benefit the COVID-19 Fund.
Garrett said the groups are grateful for the outpouring of support from foundations, corporations and individual donors who have rallied together.
“This a complicated time, a difficult time,” Garrett said. “I’m so blown away by the way people have responded….Even at a time when so many of us are nervous, people are still coming together to solve problems.”
Those interested in making a contribution can donate here.
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