PROVIDENCE- West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC) has received $100,000 in grant funds from Bank of America to support 02907 residents through the WEHDC COVID-19 Relief Fund. The COVID-19 relief fund is available to residents of 02907 and participants of WEHDC programs including Dunamis Synergy, Sankofa, and WEHDC’s Home Ownership Center. Applicants can receive assistance with rent, utilities, groceries, or technology support.
WEHDC began the COVID-19 relief fund in May of 2020, as a response to needs identified through the 02907 Health Equity Zone Community Needs Assessment. According to a survey administered to 02907 residents, 41.5% of subjects indicated that COVID-19 has affected their employment since March 1, 2020. Additionally, 13.8% of respondents indicated that while COVID-19 had not yet impacted their employment, they were still concerned that it might.

To date, the COVID-19 relief fund has administered $71,534.52 in support to the 02907 community with rent, utilities, food and basic needs. Additionally, the COVID-19 relief fund has provided families with tools support remote learning. This support would allow the COVID-19 relief fund to expand, according to WEHDC’s Executive Director Maria Carvalho,

“We are so grateful for the generosity of our partners at Bank of America. Our COVID-19 Relief Fund is meeting the critical needs of our community in order to address the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had in 02907. Thanks to this generous contribution, the COVID-19 relief fund will continue to ensure that residents have the support they need to make it through this challenging time.”

The $100,000 grant is part of a $1 billion, four-year commitment the bank made to help local communities address economic and racial inequality that has worsened as a result of the global pandemic.

“At Bank of America, we’re committed to taking care of our clients and communities. West Elmwood Housing’s mission to promote the development of healthy and affordable housing for the many people who benefit from their programs and services fits perfectly with our goal of helping those who have been disproportionately affected by the health crisis,” said Bill Hatfield, Market President for Bank of America in Rhode Island.

Those in the 02907 community who are interested in applying for support through the COVID-19 relief fund can apply online or call 401-453-3220.