COVID-19 Relief Fund - MD/DC Freelancers
Donation protected
With increasing numbers of business/agency closings, along with a growing number of event cancellations, there are a lot of folks out there worried about how they're going to pay their bills, maintain their housing, and just survive as we take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is a scary time and I know a lot of friends, family, and community members who are already trying to brace themselves and plan for the worst. Many people are trying to stay home and avoid crowds to protect our elderly and most vulnerable friends and neighbors.
For those that rely on gigs to pay their bills, their general safety and stability are on the line too. Freelance workers, independent contractors, and others in the arts community don't have the same protections as workers with paid leave or those who belong to unions. One missed gig can significantly impact a person or family's livelihood. Delays in any potential state or federal relief may mean that folks will be unable to pay their rent/mortgage payments, car payments, utility/cell phone bills, feed their families, etc.
In my area, all major events/gatherings have been cancelled through the end of April. Many of my conference speaking engagements and teaching workshops have been cancelled for the next 2 months, but that doesn't make up the majority of my work, and I'm in the very rare and privileged position to likely be able to get through this crisis financially. But most are not. Those that rely solely on gigs/event production/performances, or even who might be working in the service industry are seeing fast and hard decreases in their income.
This fundraiser is aimed at helping folks in the Marylad and DC community who rely on gigs and events as their primary source of income, and have lost work due to cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds would be used to assist with rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, food, medications, etc. to try to stop the snowball from building, and help individuals and their families get through this time of hardship.
If you are an artist/freelancer in the Maryland or DC area in need of funds, click the link below to take a brief survey and apply for relief:
https://forms.gle/iehay6ZLsMm3wuHaA
For those that rely on gigs to pay their bills, their general safety and stability are on the line too. Freelance workers, independent contractors, and others in the arts community don't have the same protections as workers with paid leave or those who belong to unions. One missed gig can significantly impact a person or family's livelihood. Delays in any potential state or federal relief may mean that folks will be unable to pay their rent/mortgage payments, car payments, utility/cell phone bills, feed their families, etc.
In my area, all major events/gatherings have been cancelled through the end of April. Many of my conference speaking engagements and teaching workshops have been cancelled for the next 2 months, but that doesn't make up the majority of my work, and I'm in the very rare and privileged position to likely be able to get through this crisis financially. But most are not. Those that rely solely on gigs/event production/performances, or even who might be working in the service industry are seeing fast and hard decreases in their income.
This fundraiser is aimed at helping folks in the Marylad and DC community who rely on gigs and events as their primary source of income, and have lost work due to cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds would be used to assist with rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, food, medications, etc. to try to stop the snowball from building, and help individuals and their families get through this time of hardship.
If you are an artist/freelancer in the Maryland or DC area in need of funds, click the link below to take a brief survey and apply for relief:
https://forms.gle/iehay6ZLsMm3wuHaA
Organizer
Katie Dant
Organizer
Columbia, MD
