According to Family Gateway President/CEO Ellen Magnis,
During this time of increased need, we had to cancel our spring fundraiser, Day to Play, which was expected to have more than 500 attendees. We already spent significant resources in preparation for this event, including deposits for vendors, and will only get a small portion of those funds back. Unless it is impossible during this challenging time, we have asked our sponsors and donors to keep their financial commitment for Day to Play so that we may cover sunk costs and loss of overall revenue. The event funds were unrestricted, to be used wherever needed most. And now we need those funds more than ever.
As a result of COVID-19, all family shelters are full or closed to intake except for Family Gateway. We are overflowing into hotels to keep up with capacity constraints so as not to turn families away. The biggest increase in need is from families who have been living week to week in hotels to support their families; without jobs, day care, school, etc. they are now seeking shelter care.
We know that this COVID-19 crisis will spark additional need for our services as soon as eviction bans are lifted, as so many families are being destabilized. If you can provide additional support for our agency this year, know that this will enable us to continue moving forward from a position of strength and creativity, rather than shrinking back into a protective mode and reducing service delivery. Please help us prepare for these increased needs and make up for funds lost with the cancellation of Day to Play by donating online at https://www.familygateway.org/donate.
* Graphic and photo provided by Family Gateway