 Dear Friend,
Even before the statewide “shelter at home” order was issued by California Governor Newsom, because of crisis scenario planning by my key staff, I had redesignated our neighborhoods as ‘resident access only’, redeployed the Peoples’ Self-Help Housing workforce, and implemented emergency procedures planned for less tumultuous times.That I was so readily able to do this was reflective of the forward thinking culture of this organization. Like any other leader in this nation, I had no idea that the coronavirus catastrophe was imminent, but what I did know was that at some point, PSHH would need to respond to some crisis of similar magnitude requiring immediate and effective action. In our scenario planning, we had thought that the trigger might be a wildfire, an earthquake or a devastating flood; never did we imagine that it would be a global pandemic. With the incredible goodwill and professionalism of my staff, our emergency deployment plans were almost seamlessly executed, and so here we are in Week Four still able to move our important mission forward, and providing vital services for our cherished residents.
It is with the same desire for forward planning, that we can project that while the majority of our residents are currently weathering the situation with fortitude and resilience, the time is rapidly approaching when their personal resources will be exhausted and further help needed. For many years, the Resident Assistance Fund has been an important source of relief to the most vulnerable members of our PSHH family. In the past, for our residents experiencing financial hardship, health issues, and medical challenges, modest monetary gifts have made it possible for a variety of issues to be solved quickly and compassionately.
When the impacts of the coronavirus deepen, we will see a meteoric rise in applications to the Resident Assistance Fund. We already know that many of these requests will be for rental assistance, childcare expenses and a huge amount will be for basic necessities such as food and utility payments. With children home from school, parents out of work, seniors increasingly isolated, and existing medical conditions exacerbated, this source of relief will be needed as never before. We want to be poised and ready to spring into action.
Immediately below, you will find links to easy online options for making your generous gift; if you prefer to send in your support, we have dedicated staff at our corporate office opening and processing the mail, so please know your gift will have immediate and impactful use. If you would like to talk to someone in person about other creative ways to help our residents, please email giving@pshhc.org and you will be called right back.
While the coronavirus may be like nothing any one of us has experienced in our lifetimes, like any other disaster natural or manmade, it hits the vulnerable hardest. Please make your generous gift today so we can immediately help when the call comes from those who during these challenging times, need us like never before.
With gratitude,
John |
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