A community fund to support nonprofits that are working to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic doled out its first set of grants this week.
The Long Beach Community Foundation, which is coordinating the Coronavirus Relief Fund, gave out $20,000 grants to each of the following nonprofits:
- Urban Community Outreach, which provides resources to people experiencing homelessness.
- Food Finders, which helps stock local food pantries with donated perishable food.
- Harbor Interfaith Services, which offers support services to the homeless and working poor.
- Centro CHA, which helps low-income youth and families in Long Beach.
- Long Beach Community Table, which distributes food to homeless people, low-income families, seniors and those in need.
“The priority areas right now are those who are serving the most vulnerable, and the organizations who are in a position to immediately assist with aid,” Marcelle Epley, president and CEO of the Long Beach Community Foundation said in a live chat with the Long Beach Post Friday.
Organizations that can provide help with food, sanitation and shelter are highest priority, she said.
So far the foundation board has received 19 applications, which are reviewed weekly.
To date, the fund has raised $425,000. “The money is coming in very quickly,” Epley said.
To donate to relief efforts, text SupportLB to 501-55, or click here.