Lexington, nonprofits create fund to help with economic fallout from COVID-19
The city of Lexington and several nonprofits have started a fund to help people who may have lost work due to coronavirus and need help with food and other bills.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton announced Friday that the United Way of the Bluegrass and the Blue Grass Community Foundation have worked together to establish a Coronavirus Response Fund.
“The virus has economic consequences for many people,” Gorton said. “This is way for everyone to help their neighbors.”
The fund will give one-time grants to established social service agencies in Central Kentucky that can provide residents with access to food, prescriptions and health care. Grants also could possibly help pay for child care and other basic needs, the city said.
Some parents will likely have to take time off of work or have to cut back hours over the next several weeks as most area schools have closed for the next two weeks. Other businesses are cutting back hours for employees as more people are staying home and away from crowded shopping areas.
“The fund is designed to expand our capacity to support individuals and families experiencing hardship as a result of the virus and related closures and disruptions,” Gorton said.
Giving is easy. Go to https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 1:15 PM.
