Community Foundation raises over $180,000 in three weeks for COVID-19 relief efforts

HUNTSVILLE – It’s in times of crisis that many people come together to help one another the most. That’s excatly what The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville has found out through the generosity of many local donors to help with COVID-19 reliefe efforts.

Fourteen area nonprofit organizations will receive help through the donations in their efforts to provide basic needs and health and wellness resources.

“In times of crisis, as always, the Community Foundation remains committed to helping donors be generous, whatever that may look like for them,” read a press release from the Foundation. “Now more than ever, this community needs the collective power of generosity to meet our most pressing needs.”

The Community Foundation reactivated its Emergency Relief Fund, originally created following the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, to accept donations for COVID-19 relief efforts. The donations benefit non-profit organizations through grants to support their relief efforts related to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The need in our community is great as almost thirty local nonprofit organizations have requested grant funding totaling over $700,000,” the Foundation stated. “The Community Foundation is supported by a grants committee of community leaders to review each application and award grants from the Emergency Relief Fund.”

Through the donations, the Foundation has provided over $180,000 of funding to support the work of several non-profit organizations.

“We know that many in our community are dealing with unprecedented challenges right now. Small businesses – including nonprofit organizations – are cutting back on hours, and we’re all taking extra precautions to protect our family’s and our community’s health,” Melissa Thompson, CEO and President of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville said. “As the situation evolves, please know that the team at the Community Foundation stands ready to help. We live in a great community; and, when our community struggles, we all want to help.”

The Grants Committee has recommended the following organizations for funding to date:

DIRECT RELIEF TO INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

• Catholic Center of Concern: Catholic Center of Concern will assist residents who are confronted with emergency circumstances that cause financial hardship by providing assistance with utilities, rent, diapers/wipes, and prescribed medications for life-threatening prescribed conditions.
• Lincoln Village: Lincoln Village is supporting the members of its community with assistance to purchase basic necessities including food, toiletries, and diapers and assisting with rent and utilities.
• The CARE Center: The CARE Center will provide citizens in its community with food assistance and financial crisis support.
• The Salvation Army of Huntsville: The Salvation Army is providing onsite support as well as rental assistance and utility assistance to families and individuals. 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• HEALS, Inc.: HEALS is working hard to keep some of its clinics open so their patients are able to continue care and medications and keep them out of the ER.
• Huntsville Hospital Foundation: Huntsville Hospital Foundation is providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the safety of employees who provide care for all of us.
• Thrive Alabama: Thrive Alabama is working to make sure their patients’ health needs are taken care of in a safe and protected environment through the addition of Telehealth capabilities.

FOOD & BASIC NEEDS

• Asbury Church: Asbury Church’s Food Pantry is providing food bags to those experiencing food insecurity during the school shutdown.
• Downtown Rescue Mission: Downtown Rescue Mission is providing a clean indoor shelter, showers, and food to help the homeless population avoid this virus and limit spreading it to others.
• First Stop, Inc.: First Stop is working to ensure the health and safety of their homeless clients while also continuing to offer needed services.
• Food Bank of North Alabama: The Food Bank is continuing to distribute food to people in need in Madison County through their network of partners and via drive-through mobile pantries
• The Legacy Center: The Legacy Center provides support for older adults by offering essential services, such as grocery and food delivery, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Madison County 310 Board: The Madison County 310 Board serves individuals with intellectual disabilities and are in need of basic essential supplies to ensure their health and safety.
• Manna House: Manna House provides food, meals, hygiene, and baby items both at their location and through deliveries to those in need.

Visit www.CommunityFoundationHSV.org to learn about two opportunities related to COVID-19 response.