I've been inspired by the great response of our local communities to the COVID-19 health and financial crisis. Our science-based approach and strong collective action is a national model and has saved many lives.
The financial hardship on so many is having devastating impacts. We need to invest in our future by supporting families who are struggling to get through this crisis.
We now have an effective way to help our most vulnerable families. A new Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F) was recently established to provide financial support to residents in need, stabilize small businesses and community-based organizations, and support needs assessment work to ensure that funding goes to our community's greatest needs.
This fund was born out of the West Contra Costa COVID Community Care Coalition, which includes over 100 agencies and programs that have met every week since the Shelter in Place to coordinate and advocate for communities most burdened by the pandemic. Leading organizations include The RYSE Center, EdFUND West, Richmond Promise, and Building Blocks for Kids (BBK).
This fund has already raised $340,000 in the last few weeks, and that's a great start.
I'm pleased to announce that local businessperson Eddie Orton, the owner of the Historic Ford Building and Craneway Pavilion and a supporter of the Arts and food security efforts, has just committed $25,000 to the Fund.
It would be great to see others match his generous contribution.
