||| FROM HILARY CANTY for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

Thank you for your continued support of the Community Emergency Response Fund. The generosity of our Island continues to amaze. Over the past 8 months 600 individuals have contributed $1.6 million- truly life changing support for the hundreds of families who have received mortgage and rental assistance, allowing them to keep a roof over their heads. And the hundreds who now rely on the food bank to keep food on the table. And the many who reach out daily to the Community Resource Center for medical and transportation assistance, and household essentials. And the seniors who are homebound counting on food deliveries and weekly check ins to keep them going. All of these programs are supported by the Emergency Fund, thanks to you!

While we have all been impacted by the pandemic, it is clear that the most vulnerable in our community and in our Nation are being hit hardest. San Juan County leads the State in the highest year over year job loss. The economic impacts continue to be felt and will likely grow over the winter.

When we opened the Emergency Fund in March, we anticipated needing three months of funding to help increase social services to meet the growing need. That window quickly expanded as the needs continued to rise.

Because you have contributed, we have been able to assure funding for key social services through March of 2021. We plan to keep the fund open at least until the first quarter of 2021 to ensure that those who need help can find it. The All In Washington matching pool is continuing as well and we will be able to get a match on dollars donated through the end of 2020 (thank you to the Seattle Foundation and their donors).

Orcas will be changed by this crisis. With your help, our chances of rising out of it with strength and compassion are great.

Thank you. Stay well–

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