Dear Womankind Community,
We sincerely hope you and your loved ones are well. In these truly unprecedented times, Womankind is adapting to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. With the same commitment to our communities that we have had since our inception, we remain nimble and responsive.
With the enforcement of social distancing to flatten the curve as COVID-19 spreads, schools, child care centers and businesses have been shut down. Survivors and their children may be trapped at home with their abusive partners and face additional violence and challenges. We are concerned for their safety and well-being. During times of economic downturn and social isolation we have seen survivors face higher rates of abuse, violence, and financial hardship. Just in the last few days, numerous survivors have come forward and shared stories of losing their jobs, many of which may not even qualify for unemployment. We expect this number to continue to rise. Survivors are worried about basic necessities like paying rent, purchasing food, and accessing health-care as well as other essential items.
In response to these emerging needs, we are launching our Womankind COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide crucial immediate assistance to survivors and their families. Survivors need your help.
This fund will:
- Secure emergency cash assistance for survivors and their children to cover immediate needs such as rent and utility, food and medicine.
- Help provide healthy food and supplies- including much needed cleaning/sanitizing items- for survivors living in our Emergency Residences (shelters).
- Increase our staff capacity so that we can continue to keep our Helpline and Emergency Residences/Shelters operating 24/7.
Womankind remains committed to keeping our doors open to survivors and will continue to be a safe space for them. Our dedicated staff are first responders. They continue to step up to ensure that all those with vulnerabilities are helped. In this moment of heightened fear and uncertainty, we turn to you all. We need your help in mobilizing crucial funds to help survivors and their children. As we practice social distancing, we urge you all to practice social solidarity and compassion.
Now, more than ever, community is essential. Please be well and let's continue to take care of each other.
With gratitude,
Womankind
P.S. No amount is too small. Please share this with your friends and family and donate to our Emergency Fund because survivors can’t wait.
