March 19, 2020 – The Dallas Morning News – Catherine Marfin
With nonprofits that help the hungry and homeless in North Texas seeing unprecedented demand for services amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Dallas Morning News Charities has launched a fundraising campaign to raise money for many such agencies.
The outbreak of the new coronavirus has led to the closure of schools, restaurants and other public places, forcing North Texans to adapt to a new normal way of life. For the 23 nonprofits benefiting from DMN Charities, helping populations in need has become challenging as hundreds of thousands of North Texans face financial strain.
Grant Moise, publisher and president of The Dallas Morning News, said the pandemic presents an opportunity to help out.
“Our team wanted to find a way to help our community during this challenging time,” Moise said. “With record numbers of North Texans coming to us for news and information, we thought this relief fund would be an effective way to help those in need.”
The campaign is scheduled to run through May 1, but could be extended if coronavirus has continuing impact. With donors or The Dallas Morning News covering all associated administrative costs, 100% of donations will make their way to clients.
“These are extraordinary times that call for us all pulling together,” said Leona Allen, board chair of The Dallas Morning News Charities. “We know the need and demand on these charities will be great. This generous community will come through this by helping each other.”
Social distancing and self-isolation protocols for prevention of viral spread have presented unique challenges for nonprofits that have had to cancel events, suspend services and take other drastic measures in order to protect volunteers and those in need.
Jim Reeder, interim executive director of Arlington Life Shelter, a Charities client that serves homeless families and individuals, said the funds will help the shelter get needed supplies for people who contract the virus.
“We could see a potential increase in the need to isolate or even quarantine our homeless people, and that could likely require some additional staff,” Reeder said.
Reeder said that not only will money raised through the campaign help the shelter serve people struggling because of the pandemic, but also it will provide a cushion if the outbreak causes regular donations and sources of funding to dry up over the long term.
Cobi Lambert, chief philanthropy officer at Promise House, a Charities client that works to combat youth homelessness, said the outbreak has impacted the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations, including suspension of volunteer operations and having nonessential staff avoid work at the main office.
The outbreak also forced the agency to cancel its largest fundraiser, potentially creating further strain in the coming months if the increased need for more supplies continues.
“We know that in the coming weeks and months we are going to see an increase in the need for our services as people are impacted economically,” Lambert said. “We know that’s going to have an impact especially for families who are already struggling.”
Camille Grimes, executive director of The Dallas Morning News Charities, said the impact of extended closures, especially on hourly workers who are not able to earn during the pandemic, could not be ignored.
“Our charities are facing unprecedented numbers of individuals and families seeking shelter, fresh food, cleaning supplies and other services,” Grimes said. “This special fundraiser will help our charities as they continue to be on the front lines to serve our homeless and hungry neighbors.”
Participating charities:
Allen Community Outreach
Arlington Life Shelter
Austin Street Center
The Bridge
Brother Bill’s Helping Hands
Cedar Hill Shares
City House
Cornerstone Community Development
Crossroads
Dallas Life
Duncanville
Family Gateway
Frisco Family Services
Harmony
LifeLife for Families
Mission Oak Cliff
Network of Community Ministries
North Texas Food Bank
OurCalling
Our Daily Bread
Promise House
Sharing Life
The Stewpot
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