Austin Disaster Relief Network Continues Efforts to Raise Funds for COVID-19 Relief Fund
APRIL 21, 2020, Austin, TX – In response to the economic impact COVID-19 has had on the economy of Greater Austin, and specifically those who’ve lost jobs and income, the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) announced today it has begun distributing financial aid to individuals and families. The aid is intended to cover costs associated with food and gas, along with other essential items as additional funds are raised. As of 5:00 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2020 ADRN had assisted 28 individuals/families with funds raised through the organization’s COVID-19 Relief Fund.
We are expecting to assist hundreds of families who've lost their jobs or seen a reduction in their income over the next couple of months as a result of the COVID-19 crisis,” Daniel Geraci, Executive Director of ADRN said. “While the funds they receive through the stimulus package may help them catch up on last month’s bills, we’re hoping to give them additional assistance for the month of April and May by providing for their groceries and gas.”
Greater Austin area residents interested in requesting funds can go to adrn.org/COVIDRelief for instructions on how to apply. In order to be considered to receive financial support, applicants will be required to complete an online form and provide the following documents:
- A valid photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, Texas state ID, a passport or an official immigration card
- A current utility or phone bill for address verification
- A recent document (since March) providing proof of a reduction or loss of income due to COVID-19, such as documentation showing that unemployment has been filed for or an employer-issued termination/furlough letter
With the Austin City Council predicting 261,275 potential job losses, a large influx of funds is still needed to enable ADRN to assist those impacted. Those interested in donating to ADRN’s COVID-19 Relief Fund can give at adrn.org/give.
In addition to meeting financial needs, ADRN is also working to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by COVID-19 through its Prayer Hotline, which was launched on March 30, 2020 in partnership with Spirit 105.9, Unceasing Prayer Movement and Christ Together.
“We’re hearing from many individuals who are experiencing fear and anxiety caused by lost jobs and income,” Geraci said. “The Prayer Hotline, coupled with our COVID-19 Relief Fund, is enabling us to restore hope among Austinites by meeting their emotional, spiritual and financial needs. We’re asking Austinites to support their neighbors by making a financial contribution today.”
ABOUT ADRN
Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization comprised of more than 190 greater Austin churches and thousands of trained volunteers. ADRN’s network enables church members to organize, prepare and respond quickly in the event of a disaster, large or small. ADRN network churches, volunteers, business partners, local agencies and community organizations provide in-kind and monetary donations and additional volunteer assistance that enable ADRN to fund the rebuild/repair of survivor homes and provide immediate assistance to those in crisis. Since 2009, ADRN has brought emotional, physical and spiritual relief to more than 43,000 individuals, sponsored more than 3,100 families and given more than $16.0 million in disaster relief funds. Learn more at ADRN.org.
