RICHMOND, Va. -- The Robins Foundation, in Partnership with the City of Richmond, has launched a $1 Million Family Crisis Fund to help families impacted by job loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Robins Foundation and the city are providing matching $500,000 contributions to the fund aimed at helping families with children who are in immediate need of support.
Under the Robins initiative, eligible families will receive a one-time payment of $500.
The foundation says funds from the initiative can be disbursed to families soon as April 7 or 8, allowing for immediate financial relief for families and an immediate impact on the local economy.
“We are grateful to our community partners like the Robins Foundation who continue to step up to do the right thing and help those in a time of need,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “This is a challenging time for all, but efforts like this represent Richmond at its best.”
The city’s Office of Community Wealth Building will facilitate disbursement of city funds to interested and eligible families, working with Enrichmond as the nonprofit partner coordinating with Robins.
“Households who have lost income due to COVID-19 may qualify. This could include losing wages due to reduction of hours or layoffs, losing wages while caring for children out of school, or incurring additional cost for childcare due to school closures,” according to a release from the mayor’s office.
For information on how to qualify for assistance, call the Office of Community Wealth Building: 804-646-6464 or fill out an intake form.
The Robins Foundation and City of Richmond are also taking donations to the fund so that more families in the Richmond area can receive support. Those interested in contributing to the fund are encouraged to click here.
Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for the most complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.