A community-based initiative providing emergency financial assistance to Richmond community members and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic received a $50,000 boost from the Chevron Richmond Refinery on Giving Tuesday.
The donation to the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F) comes amid a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases that has prompted state officials to increase restrictions on businesses and activities statewide.
“Our support will target the everyday needs of Richmond families during the holiday season,” said Chevron Richmond Refinery Public Affairs Manager Linsi Crain. “The Chevron Richmond Refinery is honored to partner with the Richmond Rapid Response Fund as they continue advocating for Richmond residents. This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and supporting our community.”
R3F was launched in May by a coalition of over 100 local partners, agencies and stakeholders, led by the City of Richmond, The RYSE Center, EdFUND West, Richmond Promise, and Building Blocks for Kids (BBK).
The fund aims to provide wraparound relief for community members and organizations, from basic needs to housing support, in three phases. As of September, large stakeholders and individuals alike had donated $600,000 toward the Fund’s $1 million goal for the first phase, which provides direct financial disbursement to residents for basic needs. The coalition aims to raise $10 million in total for its long-term community relief plan.
The need continues to be dire. Following an alarming recent spike in cases and hospitalizations, state officials placed Contra Costa County and dozens of other counties into the most restrictive “purple” tier of the California’s color-coded reopening system. The reopening setback has forced many types of already-struggling indoor businesses to move their operations outdoors or close down and further degraded economic conditions for local families.
“R3F stands out as one of the most unique and holistic response funds in the Bay Area and maybe the entire country. R3F’s broad coalition of leaders are working to make every dollar and resource count for people in need, and they can use everyone’s support and donations,” said Mayor Tom Butt. “If you have the means to give, show your support and make a donation this Giving Tuesday!”
Added Crain, “We echo the mayor’s call to action for foundations, companies and the community to contribute to R3F as best they can during these difficult times.”
To learn more about R3F and to make a donation, please visit www.richmondresponsefund.org.
