This is an emergency survival fund for Maurice Barnes, a single Black father who has recently lost his wife, mother, and two young children (ages 6 and 8) to COVID-19. Worse still, Maurice has not had the time to process these staggering losses due to the constant financial stress of being housing- and food-insecure (along with his young son) and the cold setting in.

No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, especially those in shock and mourning. We as a community must come together to ensure that the losses in the Barnes family do not go unnoticed or uncompensated as far too many Black lives have and do. These funds will afford Maurice and his son the vital opportunity to process, grieve, and ultimately close this painful chapter in their lives.

This goal reflects the absolute minimum cost estimate it would take to cover Maurice and his son’s utilities, food, and stable housing for the coming months, as well as grief counseling and funeral expenses. Please share and donate as generously as you can afford — itemized lists do an unspeakable disservice to the amount of rest, peace, and healing that this family needs and deserves.

Thank you for reading and for your consideration.