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Like many, I got a (partial) stimulus check deposited today. Unlike many, my finances have not significantly changed in the crisis. If you're like me, please consider pledging to give some or all of your check to funds and orgs that are in need right now.
Here are some funds I've given to recently-- I'd love to know what other ones I should consider for my next round of donations. First up is COVID-19 Relief Fund for WA Undocumented Folks
- https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/covid-19-relief-aid-for-undocumented-folks
- https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/covid-19-relief-aid-for-undocumented-folks
Undocumented folks are among the most vulnerable groups in all this-- they most often have jobs that can't be done remotely and aren't getting the same assistance that others are. This relief fund aims to help 750 families in WA through several community partnerships.
Next, COVID-19 - Emergency Food & Farm Delivery Program, which is both helping families in need of food and farmers who haven't been able to sell their goods at farmers markets. https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid19-emergency-food-amp-farm-delivery-program
Seattle Farmers Markets also links to the Good Farmer Fund (link on this page: https://seattlefarmersmarkets.org/ direct link will result in an expired token). This again provides relief for farmers who haven't been able to sell their goods.
Many artists and musicians have been unable to work as they haven't been able to have gigs even before the full Stay Home order was put in place, and frankly, many of them have been struggling for a while in a city whose income inequality is on the rise. https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-artists
Local news orgs are also seeing a huge dip in advertising revenue even as they work their butts off to bring us the news. I gave to @TheStranger https://www.thestranger.com/contribute but also check out the Patreons of folks like @ericacbarnett & @daeshikjr (& give me more names to highlight!)
We got our first suggestions from @EsteyChen on some other funds to check out! The last one is specifically about https://www.wegotthisseattle.co/ https://twitter.com/EsteyChen/status/1250637885184700416
One of my counterparts in this race, @SheraeLascelles, is an organizer with @GLPsea doing outreach to sex workers for aid and sanitation supplies. Sex workers (regardless of legality) are specifically excluded from stimulus efforts and are extra vulnerable https://www.gofundme.com/f/hzudk7
Right now is also a hard time for people who get unexpectedly pregnant. @nwaafund has both a hotline and a support network for those who need abortions. https://fund.nnaf.org/fundraiser/2721255 They had to cancel their in-person annual fundraiser this year, but this is more critical than ever.
Right now, the Gov of Alaska is basically trying to shut down abortions (saying they're elective surgeries), which is going to result in more folks being delayed in getting care, and likely needing more expensive 2nd term procedures and potential travel to Seattle.
I'm also planning on donating to @NWHarvest's COVID-19 Hunger Response Fund, as food pantries in this area are expected to be depleted in the next few weeks. https://www.northwestharvest.org/hrf
Besides these, what funds or organizations would you like people to consider donating their stimulus checks to? You can also consider buying gift cards for your favorite small businesses, Venmo'ing your hair stylist (mine was really missing small talk, so we had a good convo)...
... or otherwise directing money to folks you usually pay for services whose incomes are likely down. This is the time to keep each other afloat, so pledge your check!
