Hello UCO supporters.
A quick Covid-19 update on our modified drop-in center, client services and annual Gala fundraiser.
First, a HUGE thank you to Councilmember Suzie Price; Sandy from UUCLB; Natalie from Temple Israel; community organizer Shirin; and our UCO boosters Charlotte, Nurse Anne, Gayle, Brittany, Clayton, Christine and Kristine; and Food Finders – your above and beyond donations to our food drive last week allowed us to provide 192 sufficient to-go lunches last Sunday. We also provided about a dozen grocery packs to housed individuals and families.
Thank you also to local dentist Dr. Meckes and Judge Sherri for giving us face masks for our staff and sanitizing wipes for our guests.
On Sunday, March 22, we provided over 180 to-go lunches.
Staff and I are continuing our case management and communicating with our clients and other agencies during the week. Our housing coordinator is currently helping look for apartments for a senior woman who lives in her car; a single mother with three young children with a preCovid-19 judgement; and a single mother with a teenage son currently living in their car and motels. In the past two weeks, we were happy that three senior clients were able to move from the streets and into their apartments.
We just received a grant from the Long Beach Disaster Relief Fund that is designated for rent assistance for individuals and families financially affected by Covid-19 shutdown. We thank the Long Beach Community Foundation for their confidence in our ability to administer these funds.
Our annual Kentucky Derby Gala fundraiser has been postponed – we hope to reschedule for late August or early September. We thank all of you who have purchased your Gala tickets and request your patience during these uncertain times.
During the Covid-19 shutdown, we continue to closely work with local health department officials and our partners at First Congregational Church to maintain the safety of everyone at our modified drop-in center.
We hope to continue providing a place for people who are living unsheltered to access sanitizing wipes, use restrooms (one at a time) and receive to-go lunches on Sunday afternoons.
Thank you for your support and please consider donating to us at https://www.ucodic.org/donate/