For many Youth Represent clients, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn created new financial emergencies.
We repeatedly heard from clients during the pandemic that unemployment, job closures, and lockdowns, not only disrupted their lives, but also kept them from having money to pay for emergency needs, like food, housing, child care, commuting, health care, and utility bills.
To help provide immediate assistance, we created our first-ever Client Emergency Fund, with $15,000 invested to address short-term emergency problems with cash and ensure they don’t become larger problems.
“Prior to the pandemic, many of our clients were already dependent on supplemental benefits and resources to live and the Covid-19 pandemic only made things harder. We realized that getting cash directly in their hands was how we could be there most for our clients,” said Eileen Eng, Associate Director of Operations and Emergency Fund Committee member.
The amounts distributed vary and are determined on a case-by-case basis. So far, our staff has identified and provided emergency funds to more than 52 clients, empowering these young folks to purchase food & medication, pay for transportation, avoid eviction and respond to other emergency expenses.
“Some problems involve more complex, collaborative policy and direct work. However, the pandemic taught us that other problems simply require cash to solve,” said Youth Represent Executive Director Michael Pope. “We strive to always hear, respond, and act upon the needs of the young people we serve.”
Given the success and impact of the Emergency Fund, and the continued need to support young people as we emerge from the Covid crisis, Youth Represent is committed to funding the project into the future.