The COVID-19 crisis disrupted lives and livelihoods in ways not seen in nearly a century. Middle- and upper-income families can often sustain themselves during temporary disruptions, but the pandemic has meant disaster on several levels for low-income families. Many lost jobs or had their work schedule significantly reduced, and childcare programs were put on hold, giving parents fewer options for finding new work. With support from the United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, NeighborWorks America and Center for Disaster Philanthropy, ANDP provided much-needed support for its rental tenants during the crisis.
Yessenia and her two children were among those who struggled financially in 2020. She lost her job as a scheduler, which meant she also lost her child care from a program that requires continuous employment.
“When you are a single mother, it’s always hectic to stay on top of things financially. But this has been especially hard. Losing your job and childcare – it’s a double-whammy. It impacts your mental health and your positivity.”
For tenant services, the pandemic meant an immediate shift from afterschool programming to more life-sustaining support. ANDP coordinated food assistance; provided delivery of personal protective equipment and toiletries; published and distributed a weekly pandemic resource guide, and offered financial rental assistance to maintain stable residency.
“I’m glad my family hasn’t been put out on the streets,” said Yessenia. “The rental help has been a huge help.”
Yessenia is one of dozens of ANDP rental families who received rental assistance and guidance through the organization’s Help Line – a phone line established to help connect tenants to aid for food, utilities, unemployment, tax filing, and more.
ANDP continues to provide rental assistance, distribute a pandemic resource guide, and coordinates on-site COVID-19 vaccinations for its tenants.
ANDP is very appreciative of the support provided by The Center for Disaster Philanthropy, United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, NeighborWorks America and others.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. CDP manages domestic and international Disaster Funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. For more information, visit: http://disasterphilanthropy.org, call (202) 464-2018 or tweet @funds4disaster.
