DMNA Funds Covid-19 Relief Efforts
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:33AMAt the DMNA meeting on May 18 the board approved funding for two initiatives that respond to immediate needs created as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, the board allocated $20,000 to an organization called WorkingPartnerships.org. This organization has established a relief effort to respond to the needs of hospitality and event workers in the Twin Cities. They are working collaboratively with the City of Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis, and have asked us to join them, as the downtown community has been severely impacted by COVID-19 with the closing of bars and restaurants, shuttering of event venues and the loss of convention business. The DMNA funds will be used to support the work of Navigators who are helping people from our community with the following challenges:
- Applications for unemployment insurance
- Childcare procurement
- Navigating healthcare coverage
- Securing food assistance
- Providing working protections
In addition to providing funds for WorkingPartnerships.org, the DMNA also allocated dollars for the purchase of masks for people living at The Atrium, a residential building owned by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and for the purchase of masks for giveaway to downtown residents. They are also considering locations for distributing masks at Trader Joe's, or The Commons. More info to come on this effort.
