COVID-19 Urgent Micro-Grants for Immigrants
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Funds raised here support the creation of a COVID-19 Financial Solidarity Micro-Grant Program, to be facilitated by the Lynn Rapid Response Network (LRRN) . The program will provide emergency rent and essential utility support to immigrant families connected to the LRRN who have been affected by COVID-19.
The Lynn Rapid Response Network (LRRN) provides community networking and resources for over 125 immigrant families living in or near to Lynn, MA. Many of these families lived with financial stress before this crisis. Now, COVID-19 has caused mass unemployment, destroying these families’ livelihoods and what limited financial stability they had. For most of our community, their immigration status means that they are ineligible for many relief efforts. Language and fear present additional barriers to resources for the families we serve. As a result, the LRRN is launching the COVID-19 Financial Solidarity Micro-Grant Program to meet emergency, COVID-19-related needs within our community.
WHY WILL THIS PROGRAM WORK?
The LRRN already has well-established relationships with our families. They are comfortable reaching out to us if they need support, and they understand how our processes work. Many have received financial assistance from us in the past, and we already have the infrastructure in place to identify needs and distribute aid safely.
WHAT AID WILL THE MICRO-GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDE?
Families will be able to apply to receive a grant of up to $500 once per month. To make the biggest difference in the stability of our families at this time, we will prioritize requests for rent assistance. Part of our grant application includes an intake with one of a team of experienced community organizers familiar with our families and their needs. In addition to funds, grant recipients will receive information on additional resources, and wherever possible our volunteers will facilitate negotiations with landlords for rent relief to help provide stability during this difficult time.
WHO CAN RECEIVE A MICRO-GRANT?
Immigrant families connected to the LRRN who are currently financially impacted by COVID-19 can receive a micro-grant. Priority will be given to those who have been impacted by detention and others who have been identified as having the greatest need. We have determined these criteria to ensure we are helping those within the immigrant community we serve who have the least access to other resources.
WHAT IS THE LRRN?
The Lynn Rapid Response Network is a network of non-profit, public interest, and faith-based organizations working to bring communities across the North Shore closer in the common goal of making our communities safer and welcoming to immigrants of all backgrounds who live, work and raise their families here. For more information on the Lynn Rapid Response Network, visit us on our website, here: https://lynnrapidresponsenetwork.org/
WHO ARE YOU, AND WHY ARE YOU RUNNING THE FUNDRAISER?
I am Sarah Tuttle, a volunteer with the Lynn Rapid Response Network. I am running this fundraiser for two reasons: 1) I have the time! Our core community organizers are more busy than ever. Running this GoFundMe is a way for me to take some of the load off of them. 2) The LRRN's fiscal sponsor's offices are closed during this shutdown. They are unable to help with fundraising right now. We needed to move quickly to address emergency needs, and I volunteered to help.
WHO DECIDES WHO GETS A MICRO-GRANT AND HOW ARE FUNDS DISTRIBUTED?
Funds are distributed solely at the discretion of core community organizers on the steering committee of the LRRN. Funds are held in a dedicated account. When a written request for a grant disbursement from an approved community organizer is received, a check is disbursed directly from the bank. Checks are made payable to the person to whom a bill is owed. For example, rent support checks are made out and mailed directly to the landlord.
GREAT! HOW CAN I HELP?
Please make a non-deductible donation through this page, and help us spread the word! We are a grassroots network built on solidarity and community. Every $500 means support for one family. Help us reach our target of $25,000, to provide 50 micro-grants to our families with the greatest needs.
The Lynn Rapid Response Network (LRRN) provides community networking and resources for over 125 immigrant families living in or near to Lynn, MA. Many of these families lived with financial stress before this crisis. Now, COVID-19 has caused mass unemployment, destroying these families’ livelihoods and what limited financial stability they had. For most of our community, their immigration status means that they are ineligible for many relief efforts. Language and fear present additional barriers to resources for the families we serve. As a result, the LRRN is launching the COVID-19 Financial Solidarity Micro-Grant Program to meet emergency, COVID-19-related needs within our community.
WHY WILL THIS PROGRAM WORK?
The LRRN already has well-established relationships with our families. They are comfortable reaching out to us if they need support, and they understand how our processes work. Many have received financial assistance from us in the past, and we already have the infrastructure in place to identify needs and distribute aid safely.
WHAT AID WILL THE MICRO-GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDE?
Families will be able to apply to receive a grant of up to $500 once per month. To make the biggest difference in the stability of our families at this time, we will prioritize requests for rent assistance. Part of our grant application includes an intake with one of a team of experienced community organizers familiar with our families and their needs. In addition to funds, grant recipients will receive information on additional resources, and wherever possible our volunteers will facilitate negotiations with landlords for rent relief to help provide stability during this difficult time.
WHO CAN RECEIVE A MICRO-GRANT?
Immigrant families connected to the LRRN who are currently financially impacted by COVID-19 can receive a micro-grant. Priority will be given to those who have been impacted by detention and others who have been identified as having the greatest need. We have determined these criteria to ensure we are helping those within the immigrant community we serve who have the least access to other resources.
WHAT IS THE LRRN?
The Lynn Rapid Response Network is a network of non-profit, public interest, and faith-based organizations working to bring communities across the North Shore closer in the common goal of making our communities safer and welcoming to immigrants of all backgrounds who live, work and raise their families here. For more information on the Lynn Rapid Response Network, visit us on our website, here: https://lynnrapidresponsenetwork.org/
WHO ARE YOU, AND WHY ARE YOU RUNNING THE FUNDRAISER?
I am Sarah Tuttle, a volunteer with the Lynn Rapid Response Network. I am running this fundraiser for two reasons: 1) I have the time! Our core community organizers are more busy than ever. Running this GoFundMe is a way for me to take some of the load off of them. 2) The LRRN's fiscal sponsor's offices are closed during this shutdown. They are unable to help with fundraising right now. We needed to move quickly to address emergency needs, and I volunteered to help.
WHO DECIDES WHO GETS A MICRO-GRANT AND HOW ARE FUNDS DISTRIBUTED?
Funds are distributed solely at the discretion of core community organizers on the steering committee of the LRRN. Funds are held in a dedicated account. When a written request for a grant disbursement from an approved community organizer is received, a check is disbursed directly from the bank. Checks are made payable to the person to whom a bill is owed. For example, rent support checks are made out and mailed directly to the landlord.
GREAT! HOW CAN I HELP?
Please make a non-deductible donation through this page, and help us spread the word! We are a grassroots network built on solidarity and community. Every $500 means support for one family. Help us reach our target of $25,000, to provide 50 micro-grants to our families with the greatest needs.
Organizer
Sarah Tuttle
Organizer
Lynn, MA
