We are all deeply alarmed to learn how the pandemic and shutdown are affecting our most vulnerable and lowest-income neighbors.
Families housed in cramped living conditions are threatened with the very real possibility of losing their apartments. Despite a short-term freeze on evictions, landlords are harassing tenants for rent and rent bills are piling up month after month. Many of these families already live doubled up in apartments to make ends meet and many don’t have the documentation to qualify for emergency government assistance.
Add to that the rapid spread of COVID-19 in these densely populated neighborhoods, unemployment (possibly long-term), school-aged kids at home, hunger, general anxiety and who knows what — and it’s a powder keg of stress and danger for many of our most vulnerable neighbors.
The Neighbors in Need Montgomery Fund originated during the 2008 economic downturn, which was also very harrowing for many of these families. Residents like you from across our community responded generously to a challenge grant from a group of donors, including myself. We funded an accelerated and coordinated effort to reach neighbors who would have otherwise fallen through the cracks.
Well, we are doing it again. Our Neighbors in DIRE Need Montgomery campaign is supporting a coalition of leading nonprofits who are working in coordination and avoiding duplication of effort, as they rush to help our most vulnerable neighbors stay in their apartments and deal with basic emergency needs.
The Greater Washington Community Foundation’s past Montgomery County Philanthropists of the Year honorees and their families have teamed up to offer a challenge match of $340,000, so your contribution will be matched $1 for $1 making each of the dollars you give turn into two!
So Please, Make Us Match!
Sincerely,
Cliff & Debbie White
In partnership with past Montgomery County Philanthropists of the Year and their families
Patrice King Brickman and Scott Brickman
Bainum Family Foundation
Michelle Freeman and the Carl M. Freeman Foundation
Hope Gleicher and Andy Burness
Solomon and Dorothy Graham
Clark and Diane Kendall
Sally Rudney and Scott Hoekman
Craig & Pat Ruppert and Ruppert Companies
Carol Trawick
Anna and Robert Trone
Linda and Bob Youngentob
Join US!
Please use the form below to make a secure online gift.
Community Foundation donors can make a grant from your fund using the Donor Central portal. After clicking on the “Recommend a grant” link, please search for “Neighbors in Need Montgomery Fund.”
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