The Everett Community Care Fund had its first distribution of funds to qualifying residents on Thursday afternoon at LUMA on Ferry Street. After launching just two weeks ago with seek money from the United Way, the fund is seeking donations from the community and will distribute the money through five local partners – including LUMA, Mystic Valley Elder Services, La Communidad, Everett Haitian Community Center and Eliot Community Human Services. Each organization was given grants of $20,000 to distribute to members of the community who were in greatest need. All beneficiaries had to live in Everett, and had to demonstrate great need.
At LUMA on Thursday, 100 families lined up to get $200 grants that went directly to pay utility companies, rent or phone bills. Checks were made out directly to those entities.
Director Lucy Pineda said it was a great service to the residents, and so many were grateful and in need.
The drive continues and more donations are needed to help people who need to pay bills, make rent payments or absorb other expenses.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100 percent of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via nonprofits already working in Everett. Donations can be made by credit card or through a donor advised fund online or by sending a check to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, PO Box 51381, Boston, MA 02205-1381. Please make checks out to “United Way of Massachusetts Bay” and include “Everett Covid-19 Care Fund” in the memo of the check.