Time for Change Foundation is deeply concerned about the spread of the coronavirus. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting communities that are already experiencing economic insecurity, discrimination and instability, communities that we engage with and serve. As a result, the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, and other challenges.
Right now, we need your support. We are creating a COVID 19 Crisis Fund to directly support homeless women and children impacted by loss wages, school closures, and loss of childcare. During times of crisis, people look to leadership and our clients are no different. Their worries are monumental and heightened with the fear of losing their jobs, childcare, and housing security.
Did you know it costs on average
$175
per child per week for childcare? Imagine, having two small kids, working a full-time job at minimum wage and suddenly without notice your place of business shuts down. Compound that with the overwhelming fear of being evicted from your low-income housing and not having the means to survive. For those that receive subsidized childcare, support is contingent upon them working. Or, for those living in shelter programs worrying about the closure of those nonprofits.
The reality is Time for Change Foundation will be dealing with exactly those issues coupled with anxieties from our employees and their livelihood.
With the imminent loss of our annual fundraiser which on average raises $100,000 and in response to the unprecedented crisis of the COVID 19 virus, we are seeking to raise
$150,000
and are asking for your support towards this goal.
The reality is we work in a region plagued with high poverty, disinvestment of sizable philanthropic giving creates a stressful and worrisome environment. According to the San Bernardino County Capacity Building Consortium, “Sixty-seven percent of nonprofits in the region have revenues under $25,000,” which further exacerbates the need for increased support in this critical time. A report from The James Irvine Foundation states, “Foundation Funding Is Relatively Scarce,” as San Bernardino only receives $3 per capita in philanthropic dollars compared to $139 in Los Angeles.
As you may know, Time for Change Foundation’s 18
th
Annual Awards Gala is right around the corner. We have been paying close attention to the CDC’s recommendations as well as Governor Gavin Newsom’s call for isolation and keeping public events below a 250-person limit. While others have the ability to close their businesses and continue to pay staff their full wages and/or work remotely, our organization is on the front-line housing homeless women and children 24/7 and cannot.
With heavy hearts, acknowledging the COVID 19 pandemic, we are keeping our fingers crossed and praying that by March 31
st
things will look a lot different and there will be better news about the virus as we are in discussions about possible postponement or cancellation.
Equally important is your support during this crisis situation. It is one thing to think about the livelihood of your clients, but an added level of stress is thinking about the survival of your organization.
We want to thank you for your support during this critical time. We look forward to your partnership in ensuring vulnerable families are supported!
Sincerely,
Vanessa Perez
Executive Director
