What's Happening?
Multi-sector Response to COVID-19 in Schenectady County
Schenectady County COVID-19 Response
The Schenectady Foundation Relaunches Rebuilding Families Fund
Our world has been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to assure our community that our non-profit sector and local governments are working very closely together to provide relief to families in Schenectady County. Here is a snapshot of where we are as of today - March 21st.
The Schenectady Foundation has formed a coalition of non-profits – Schenectady County COVID-19 Response Coalition -- to work together and to support each other, much as we did in past crises (Jay Street Fire, Flood Recovery). Among our partners are SCAP, City Mission, Boys & Girls Club, Bethesda House, YWCA, Schenectady Municipal Housing Authority, Proctors, Schenectady County, DSS and County Public Health Services. Others join each day.
We are also coordinating between County government, the City and the school district to align our collective resources whenever and wherever possible. We're pleased to report, that while this is an extremely complex and nuanced situation, we’ve all come together rather quickly, as we must! There is an almost daily conference call among our respective organizations, and among our Coalition members, to keep everyone on the same page.
Rebuilding Families Fund
The Foundation has relaunched our Rebuilding Families Fund to support response efforts. The Fund will be used to provide food, supplies and direct assistance to community residents. The Schenectady Foundation has made an initial commitment of $100,000, with an additional $25,000 offered for matching gifts to the Fund. We’ll continue to assess the need, and leverage public funding as much as possible. Here is a link to our on-line giving portal: Rebuilding Families Fund. 100% of all donations will go to COVID-19 response. We anticipate investing more as needs arise, and hope you will contribute to the fund.
This is certainly a difficult time for everyone. Our world has been turned upside down. We are ever so grateful for the unique and enduring fabric that has been woven into our community over time. Schenectady is strong as ever and we will get through this. We are thankful for the efforts of everyone to pitch in and help.
