KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Kalamazoo philanthropic group is raising money to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kalamazoo Community Foundation has announced that it has set up a completely new fund, with money raised going towards non-profits handling the critical needs of area residents. Foundation officials say that since the outbreak began they have received $67,000 dollars in donations.
That money will now be utilized to assist with immediate and anticipated services as part of the Community Urgent Relief Fund.
Some of the programs funded include food assistance, childcare, and keeping partnering charitable organizations afloat in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas.
Working with the Kalamazoo County Response Consortium, partners will be identified and encouraged to collaborate to better determine the needs of local communities affected by COVID-19.
An ongoing task force founded by Gryphon Place and composed of various non-profits, the consortium was set up in the aftermath of the 2018 floods that caused $2.5 million dollars in property damage, displaced hundreds, and caused the city to issue a state of emergency declaration.
The lack of federal and state aid prompted area leaders to focus on creating an adequate disaster response the next time a regional crisis occurred.
A lack of workers and volunteers because of the coronavirus outbreak has led to reduced staffing for community service providers, right when they are seeing increased demand for assistance because of school and workplace shutdowns.
Foundation CEO and President Carrie Pickett-Erway says the consortium will be key in identifying volunteers and resources that could be used to bolster services such transportation, safe access to childcare, and food relief that residents need right now.
The United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo is also partnering with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to assist with COVID-19 relief. In the past week that organization announced that it had raised $850,000 dollars for its Disaster Relief Fund.
All money donated to both funds goes directly to non-profit organizations providing essential services to the community. Those interested in making a donation can do so at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way’s website.
