As the fight against COVID-19 persists, the City of Gainesville and North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF) have partnered together to help those adversely impacted by the pandemic, whether due to illness, or loss of employment and wages. The City of Gainesville awarded nearly $175,000 in relief funds to NGCF, which they are now working to distribute through food and utility bill assistance for city residents.
Gainesville Housing & Special Projects Manager, Jessica Tullar, announced the partnership last fall, forged to respond to the impacts of COVID-19. “You all are very well aware of all the great work they (NGCF) do in our community and what I’m really excited about is they have the capacity to actually administer these funds on our behalf in a very expeditious and effective manner,” Tullar said.
The funds came from a grant, the Community Development Block Grant, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. This fund was created for the purpose of preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
“It is wonderful to live in a community where initiatives like this are created, and NGCF is proud to partner with the City of Gainesville to meet these critical needs,” Prater said.
Through the partnership, representatives from both groups will identify issues, such as food insecurity or residents’ inability to pay utility bills, and address them directly.
NGCF has researched local nonprofit organizations already assisting Gainesville residents with such issues and is using some of those resources, as well.
