Three organizations helping provide relief to residents in Jamaica Plain during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have received funding through the Boston Resiliency Fund’s grant program to continue their work in the neighborhood.
The First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, Hyde Square Task Force and Rose’s Bounty all received part of the $780,000 in funding to 39 organizations in Boston. This round of grants went to organizations working to increase food and health care access, support individuals facing homelessness and assist seniors.
“The Boston Resiliency Fund has been an essential provider to Boston nonprofits, building a network of support to help the most vulnerable Bostonians,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “The organizations granted have been vital to ensuring those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are supported. Thank you to every organization who has partnered with the City of Boston in providing resources to our community.”
The First Church will use the grant to purchase additional food, equipment and supplies for their Jamaica Plain pantry. Additionally, this grant will support the food pantry’s program coordinator, who works directly with food insecure households to assess needs and oversees volunteers and the delivery of groceries.
The Hyde Square Task Force will use the grant to support their ongoing efforts to provide youth and low-income families of color with gift cards that enable them to purchase food and groceries.
The Rose’s Bounty COVID Surge Support will use Boston Resiliency funding to procure food as well as to purchase COVID-19 safety items.
“We are deeply honored by the recognition and faith the Boston Resiliency Fund has shown in our work at Rose’s Bounty,” said Darra Slagle, Executive Director of Rose’s Bounty. “This year has been a tough year for our neighbors already facing food insecurity, and for those who now find themselves in this situation for the first time. Serving twice as many families as we did in 2019, Rose’s Bounty now serves over 950 Families per month; feeding 2700+ individuals every month. With the help of this grant, we can meet many of the increased costs associated with the pandemic. Rose’s Bounty has worked tirelessly to adapt to these changing times in order to make sure that families and seniors in West Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park have access to fresh and healthy foods.”
Of organizations receiving funding this round, 51 percent are led by a person of color and 64 percent are led by a woman. In total, since the launch of the Fund, 56 percent of the organizations that received funding are led by a percent of color and 58 percent are led by a woman.
Since its launch at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, $34 million has been raised, and $30.3 million has been distributed to 366 organizations.