Community HousingWorks Launches $1 Million Housing and Hunger Relief Fund to Support Residents Experiencing Financial Impacts of Pandemic
Sun Country Builders Kickstarts Fundraising Campaign as Lead Donor
San Diego CA— To support its residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit affordable housing developer Community HousingWorks is launching a Housing and Hunger Relief Fund to supplement local, state and federal assistance programs as the pandemic approaches the one-year mark.
COVID-19 has worsened economic inequality throughout the country, leaving many Community HousingWorks residents in more dire financial situations due to prolonged job loss, increased health care and utility costs, and a digital divide that requires internet access and devices to access critical public resources. While local, state and federal assistance programs have provided a safety net for many households, significant needs still exist. Some Community HousingWorks residents are now in the same position they were in before they came to Community HousingWorks – making the impossible decision between paying for rent or paying for food.
The Community HousingWorks’ Housing and Hunger Relief Fund will raise $1 million to help hundreds of residents with their most urgent needs, including rental assistance, food and household essentials. Funds raised will help Community HousingWorks’ residents who have applied to the program pay past due or upcoming rent, buy groceries, and receive access to financial coaches to help navigate financial hardship.
“While government assistance programs have provided critical support for many families, the prolonged impact of the pandemic continues to erode residents’ financial situations as they juggle these hardships month after month. Significant support is still needed,” said Sean Spear, president and CEO of Community HousingWorks. “With the help of our generous community members’ contributions, we will be able to continue to provide a stable home and keep our residents on their path toward increased opportunity. Our communities are places where our residents can do more than survive – they can thrive, succeed and plan for the future.”
Community HousingWorks is seeking donor contributions to raise $1 million to help hundreds of San Diegans weather the financial impacts of the pandemic, sustain the progress and stability they’ve achieved through Community HousingWorks, and continue their momentum toward a stronger future. When the goal is reached, Community HousingWorks will be able to support more than 330 low-income households who applied for the organization’s Rental Assistance Program with up to $2,000 in rental assistance, food distribution, and financial coaching.
To jumpstart the campaign, a lead gift has been donated by Carlsbad-based Sun Country Builders. The construction company has partnered with Community HousingWorks’ on the development and rehabilitation of a number of its apartment communities in San Diego County.
“As a builder of affordable apartment communities, Sun Country Builders understands firsthand the importance of ‘home,’ particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Peter Bridge, director of client relations of Sun Country Builders. “For years now, we’ve supported Community HousingWorks’ programs which help residents maximize the potential of their lives. We’ve contributed to the Sue Reynolds’ Next Gen Fund, a program which provides career pathway training and after-school educational opportunities; the Study Stars afterschool learning program; and a vocational and apprenticeship program. Now, we have accepted an invitation to join the organization in funding its newly established Housing and Hunger Relief Fund. We’re pleased and grateful to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Community HousingWorks in these efforts. “
In addition, Carlsbad-based nonprofit organization, Allgire Foundation, has partnered with Community HousingWorks to provide food to more than 400 households over three months of the campaign.
Nationally recognized for excellence in development, financing, and resident services, Community HousingWorks is a statewide organization with affordable apartment communities throughout California and a deep commitment to San Diego County.
To help Community HousingWorks’ residents with their most urgent needs and contribute to the vibrant, strong futures of thousands of San Diegans, please contact: Tammy Walz at HHRF@chworks.org.
About Community HousingWorks
Founded in 1988, Community HousingWorks is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that develops, rehabilitates, preserves and operates affordable apartment communities in San Diego and throughout California. In addition to providing working families and seniors with stable homes in healthy communities, Community HousingWorks layers in powerful programs, services and connections to resources. These tools help people attain financial stability, improve their health and overall well-being, and set school-age children up for success in the classroom and beyond. Community HousingWorks owns over 3,600 apartments in 42 communities statewide, serving more than 9,000 working families, children and seniors. Community HousingWorks is an exemplary ranked member of the national NeighborWorks Network®, an award-winning affiliate of UnidosUS and a member of the prestigious Housing Partnership Network. To learn more, visit chworks.org