MCF Grants $750,000 for Safety-Net Programs
December 10, 2008
contact: Fred Silverman (415.464.2527 or via email)
In a second round of grants to support individuals and families affected by the ongoing economic downturn, the Marin Community Foundation has announced $750,000 in grants to provide a range of services, including financial support, eligibility assistance, housing, and shelter.
Added to the recent grants for food banks and pantries, this additional support brings the total of safety-net grants made by the Foundation within the past month to $1 million.
"We know that many Marin residents, including a sharply increasing number of families and children, are reeling from the impacts of this economic storm," said MCF President Thomas Peters in announcing the grants. "Just as would be the case in any natural disaster, we need to rally around our neighbors, helping with their immediate needs as well as their efforts to rebuild.
"We're fortunate to have many organizations in Marin, both public and nonprofit, whose mission it is to serve people effectively and compassionately. But the core federal and state dollars supporting these programs aren't keeping pace with the need, so it's even more incumbent on private sources to step up, not just now but for some time to come."
The grants are being made to the following organizations:
Adopt A Family (to provide emergency services to families in crisis, including food vouchers, help with rent and utility bills, and car repairs): $50,000
Community Action Marin (to provide financial assistance to families who are experiencing a short-term crisis, for such needs as rental deposits and car repairs): $75,000
County of Marin Housing Authority (for work to prevent homelessness and to assist low-income families): $75,000
Homeward Bound (to provide immediate and short-term shelter to individuals and families): $400,000
Marin Family Action (to provide services to low-income residents of Marin County who are trying to either obtain affordable rental housing or rehabilitate their credit): $40,000
San Francisco Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund (to provide financial assistance to low-income Marin families — many of whom are working at minimum wages or minimum hours — who have one-time emergency needs that can't be met through other resources): $30,000
Marin County Department of Health & Human Services (to support eligibility and assistance programs): $80,000
Peters stated, "Our Board of Trustees, like those at many foundations, is balancing its desire to address the root causes of homelessness, poverty, and other complex issues — through our Strategic Initiatives and related efforts — with a strong sense of responsibility to respond to the immediate and poignant situations many in this community face now.
"And, we urge everyone throughout the County to think of those around them who are in need — if not crisis — and to join us in making a special effort to make a difference in their lives."
