Nonprofits that help people experiencing homelessness and vulnerabilities in Minneapolis and St. Paul are facing immense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and AT&T and the AT&T Foundation are helping local organizations serve their clients during this crisis.
AT&T and the AT&T Foundation announced today nearly $100,000 to five Twin Cities nonprofits dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness or hunger in Minnesota.
“One of AT&T’s core values is to Be There when people need us.”
Paul Weirtz, President – AT&T Minnesota
“One of AT&T’s core values is to Be There when people need us,” said Paul Weirtz, president of AT&T Minnesota. “Now more than ever, our most vulnerable residents – and the organizations that support them – need help. We’re proud we’ve been able to provide some support in Minnesota.” AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have donated to the following organizations:
- The Salvation Army Northern Division: A $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation will support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The Salvation Army’s most important programs – food, emergency services and housing – remain open and are seeing increased demand. For example, their Twin Cities service centers are experiencing a fivefold increase in demand for food. At just one location, more than 260 families are seeking food a week, up from 50. The grant will also support the Harbor Light Center, the largest homeless shelter in Hennepin County, and its relief programs that have been impacted by COVID-19.
- People Serving People: A $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation will help People Serving People continue its mission to provide shelter, basic needs, early childhood education, and comprehensive support services to families experiencing homelessness and other adversities. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the shelter’s programs, operations and staffing, but the organization remains open and working to keep staff, guests, and the community safe. Currently, People Serving People cannot utilize its nearly 7,000 volunteers, access is limited to the shelter, there is increased internet bandwidth, cleaning has been expanded to three times a day, and meals are delivered in disposable containers to rooms. The grant will help People Serving People meet these increased costs to continue serving children and families in Minneapolis.
- Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities: A $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation will help Union Gospel Mission cover increased expenses related to COVID-19, including added PPE supplies, transport, cleaning and triage costs, so it can safely continue its programs to fight homelessness. The Mission provides safe shelter, emergency food, medical and dental care, education and substance abuse recovery services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The grant will help the Mission purchase much-needed facemasks, cleaning supplies and equipment rentals so the nonprofit can continue providing homeless services, shelter and food to those in need.
- Second Harvest Heartland: A $12,500 contribution from AT&T will help Second Harvest Heartland as it works around the clock to get much-needed food to local families, partner food shelves, and other hunger-relief programs. The demand for emergency food assistance has risen to historic levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Second Harvest has ramped up food distribution and redesigned services in response to a steep increase in local hunger due to the pandemic.
- Hunger Solutions: A $10,000 contribution from AT&T will support Hunger Solutions as it works to address the surging demand for food resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hunger Solutions has been helping implement new food shelf delivery models that maintain safety for staff, volunteers, and clients during the pandemic. They have also been helping families and kids find out where they can get a free meal during the school closures, and providing Minnesotans with ways they can help members of their communities struggling with hunger.
AT&T’s support is part of AT&T Believes℠, a company-wide effort to make a meaningful impact in local communities. In December, AT&T provided $100,000 in contributions to The Salvation Army, People Serving People and Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities to support homelessness services as part of its Believe Twin Cities℠ initiative.
AT&T has also made a nationwide commitment to provide much-needed support for first responders, medical personnel and others impacted by COVID-19. The effort kicked off with a $1.5 million contribution to World Central Kitchen. We’re also supporting Feeding America, The Salvation Army and Team Rubicon. AT&T will also be collaborating with a host of additional local organizations in communities most impacted by the pandemic. Learn more, including instructions for making individual contributions, by clicking here.
To learn more about how AT&T is supporting communities during the current crisis, visit https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html.
