For families already experiencing poverty, homelessness, and instability, the changes brought on by the COVID-19 crisis have been devastating and extremely scary.
Social distancing and other measures necessary to slow the spread of the virus have led to business and school closures. Some parents and caregivers have lost their jobs or had their work hours cut, and are struggling to feed their children. Others still have to work and must now find childcare and money for transportation costs. With school closures, distance learning is all but impossible for children who live in shelters or do not have access to technology at home, and is extremely challenging for students who are already behind academically.
Support Our Urgent Response for Children and Families
Now, more than ever, the work of our Healthy and Ready to Learn Initiative (HRL) is critical. HRL is providing resources and guidance to support the mental, emotional and physical health of students, families, and educators throughout New York City, the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis in the United States. But the added challenges brought on by this crisis are urgent, and families need your help now to weather this storm.
You can help families and children struggling to survive this crisis. Every dollar counts.
- $35 can provide a week of public transportation for a parent who must still commute to work
- $50 can provide a gift card for families who are now struggling to feed their children
- $100 can provide one hour of remote mental health counseling for a child to help them cope with disruptions brought on by this pandemic
A child’s health extends beyond access to clinical care. It involves all areas of their lives that impact their wellbeing, including nutritious food, stability, emotional safety, and education. Our urgent response to the COVID-19 pandemic encompasses the urgent medical needs of this crisis, as well as the financial and social needs that will impact children and families now and long past the peak of the virus.
We are so inspired by the hundreds of people who have stepped up to support our COVID-19 Community Emergency Response and Recovery Fund, but we still need more to meet our goal. Please join our effort by making a special gift to help us reach our goal of $5 million.
