Dear BHA Members & Supporters, “How can I help?” This is the question we have heard most often from the community since the Covid-19 pandemic began. We have carefully considered this question, in consultation with other organizations and supporters, and identified an area where we feel the BHA can make a difference. Today, on #GivingTuesdayNow, we are very pleased to announce the creation of the Brooklyn Heights Together Fund to support hourly workers who have been displaced from their jobs in Brooklyn Heights by the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to donate or learn more.
The money raised by the Brooklyn Heights Together Fund will provide for grants of $250 to qualifying individuals, helping recipients to buy groceries, medicine, diapers/baby items, and pay utility or other bills. Applicants will be asked to fill out a simple form that will include information about their former place of employment. Only those who were employed in Brooklyn Heights will receive funding from this effort. To process grant applications and disburse the funds, the BHA is working with the Arab American Family Support Center (AAFSC) which is experienced in administering emergency assistance of this kind. Located in neighboring Cobble Hill, AAFSC is a non-profit, non-sectarian, organization established in 1994 to provide social services to all immigrants and refugees. We are also working with local business owners to identify potential recipients and encourage them to apply for the grant. In particular, the Montague Street Business Improvement District (BID) has been helpful in providing contact information for many businesses. The need is overwhelming -- and we need to act quickly. We hope you will consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the BHA, which we will reserve in a separate fund restricted only for this purpose. You can also help us by spreading the word. Please tell your neighbors and friends about Brooklyn Heights Together, and let us know if you would like to nominate an applicant. Feel free to forward this email, and share the link to our donation page on social media. The people who work in our community are part of our community. From store clerks to delivery people, from salon workers to kitchen staff, these men and women contribute in countless ways to our neighborhood’s quality of life. We can help them now, by supporting Brooklyn Heights Together. Every donation, no matter the amount, can make a difference. Please join your friends and neighbors in this community effort! |