Thanks to the generosity and compassion of our community members, fund holders, and businesses, we have raised $58,000 through our Community Emergency Relief Fund.
Today we announce our first grant from the Community Emergency Relief Fund: a $25,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, in support of a collaboration between Catholic Charities’ Loudoun office and Loudoun Cares. Funding will provide monetary assistance directly to individuals in Loudoun County impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis.
The Community Foundation made a secondary $25,000 grant from its Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund founded by the Visit Loudoun Foundation to provide financial assistance to those underemployed or unemployed individuals. Callers can seek support through the Loudoun Cares and Catholic Charities collaboration.
While we know that these first grants will be a tremendous support to many people, the needs we will see in the upcoming weeks and months will be significant. We ask for your continued support.
Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares will jointly rotate staff to respond to requests for financial assistance through a newly established COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline. Loudoun residents who need help paying rent as a result of lost wages from the COVID-19 crisis can call the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline at 703-669-50409. Trained staff from Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares will work together to complete an intake process and assess the needs of each caller. Eligibility requirements to receive financial assistance from the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline may be found at https://www.ccda.net/need-help/rent,-utility-assistance,-and-basic-household-needs/. Eligible callers may be able to receive up to $500 in financial assistance.
In addition to providing financial assistance, Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares also will help callers identify additional government, nonprofit, and faith-based resources. Both organizations have extensive experience helping people in need access financial assistance and community services.
“The strong partnership between Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares allows funds to be distributed strategically and efficiently to those in need,” said Amy Owen, our President and CEO. “Working together, these organizations pooled their resources to make sure we all are able to maximize the impact of the funding we have available. We ask our community to keep giving to the fund, if you can. The fund is designed for response, relief and recovery.”
Gifts to the Community Emergency Relief Fund may be made at https://communityfoundationlf.org/emergencyrelief and to the Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund at https://communityfoundationlf.org/product/tandhfund/.
Thank you for your compassion and support as we navigate this crisis together.
