“HOPE for All” Organized

By Staff, 05/4/20 11:42 AM
An organization has been formed called “HOPE for All”.  The mission statement is as follows:

The HOPE for All: COVID-19 Relief Fund is specifically designed as a supplemental relief effort for those who have been laid off, lost employment, furloughed, or who have become underemployed as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The effort is designed to provide supplemental food, funds for utilities, funds for housing and funds for transportation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This relief effort is not intended to be a permanent supplement, but to assist individuals and families of Hope and Hempstead County during the short-term.

Funds raised for the effort will be deposited in a separate bank account created by Hope in Action to which $6,000 has already been committed. Funds will be raised through individual and group contacts, as well as a fundraised to be held (virtually) on May 21st.

Individuals, groups, local organizations, civic clubs, businesses, and industries are coming together to provide HOPE for All.

The organization held a ZOOM meeting on Monday to discuss the initial funding and a proposed video concert which will feature a variety of local talent.  Some of those who have been contacted about performing include Racheal Hale, Arnetta Bradford, the Daniels Family, Jason Helms, and Brady Rhodes.  SWARK.Today is to donate the technology to stream the fundraiser.  Some of the local hosts are to include Mayor Steve Montgomery, Beckie Moore, and Sharon Caldwell.  A date for the proposed video program is to be announced.
A “HOPE for All” account has been set up at Farmers Bank & Trust and donations can now be made.  Efforts are now underway to determine criteria and develop applications for those seeking assistance.  State Representative Danny Watson probably best summed up the assistance by terming it a “hand up not a hand out”.
During the ZOOM meeting it was learned the Hope Rotary Club has voted to donate $300 to the effort and that club is challenging all other local civic clubs to help.  Representatives from Noon Lions, Evening Lions, and Kiwanis were on the Zoom meeting and promised to bring it to their club’s attention.
Catherine Cook and J.R. Wilson will serve as co-chairs for the effort.