LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Helping those who need it most.
In response to economic hardships brought on by the pandemic, two organizations launched an emergency fund to help struggling families.
The #GiveTogetherNow initiative offers access to a one-time cash transfer to help supplement lost wages. It’s a relief available to families across the country. Several families here in the valley are able to get assistance too though the help of local organizations.
"I Went to work that day and then that day I found out I was laid off that quick." Taja Tellis is one of the tens of thousands of Nevadans who lost their job during to the pandemic. She was laid off mid-April from her PBX operating job at a local hospital.
COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS-RELATED COVERAGE
"At this point the kids were already at home full-time so just basically you know trying to get unemployment how am I going to feed them, how am i going to support them How am I going to pay bills it was very shocking."
Then, help came. Tellis is one of the cash recipients from the #GiveTogetherNow fund.
"That was a huge help because at that point you know I had nothing haven't even received food stamps at that point so was definitely able to buy groceries put money on bills."
Nonprofits across the country are participating in the #GiveTogetherNow initiative — a rapid relief response to get cash directly to the families hit hardest by COVID-19.
Launched in March by Stand Together and Family Independence Initiative (FII), so far #GiveTogetherNow has helped more than 100 thousand families across the country. .
One of them is Leaders in Training, a Las Vegas college access and community empowerment organization. LIT founder, Erica Mosca, says, "The biggest thing is that we got 100 thousand dollars for 200 people on Monday and because of our close connections with families, by Wednesday they each had 500 dollars in their bank account."
13 HELPS | Coronavirus Resource Guide
Right now, the #Givetogethernow waitlist to receive cash assistance is closed due to high demand. But organizers say more help could be on the way.
Paula Sneed is the Board Chair of FII. She says, "We’re hoping to provide support for other families who are part of other organizations by attracting more donors to go on the website, give and indicate they want their money to go to Las Vegas."
For every 500 dollars raised for Las Vegas, the organizers will work with nonprofits to get cash to the hands of local families.
"There's families out there that I can't even imagine you know what they are going through right now... If there are people out there that can give i would say please do so. It truly helps. It truly does," says Tellis.
For more information on how to donate, click here.
