Pledges Intentional Support for Communities of Color and the Undocumented
Additional funding brings foundation commitment to more than $1.7 million in 2020-2021 to support COVID-19 relief efforts and help mitigate the racial and health disparities of the virus
SAN JOSE, CA – The Health Trust, a Silicon Valley nonprofit operating foundation focused on building health equity today announced an expansion of its funding for the local response to COVID-19. The increase includes an additional $1 million during the next year to address enduring health inequities that have been amplified by the pandemic, plus a commitment to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s COVID-19 racial equity funders pledge.
The funding augmentation builds off of the foundation’s temporary relief fund strategy to continue to address COVID-related needs of the most vulnerable communities, including East San Jose residents and black residents; and provide support for nonprofits to plan and implement longer-term recovery efforts, ultimately building healthier, more resilient communities.
“At the onset of this pandemic, no one would have imagined the magnitude of the economic crisis that rapidly followed on the heels of the virus – both disproportionately impacting populations already on the margins,” said The Health Trust CEO Michele Lew. “Our Board of Trustees unanimously embraced an opportunity and the responsibility to support our communities by investing in basic needs that will undoubtedly determine and shape health equity.”
The decision, described as “big and bold,” was approved by the Board of Trustees in late June in addition to the Health Trust’s $2.275 million annual grant investment which funds projects that align with the organization’s mission and at least one of its three focus areas — Improving Health Through Food; Making Chronic Diseases More Preventable and Manageable; and Prioritizing Health In Housing.
COVID-19 has unmasked the depths of disparities that have long impacted specific communities and certain populations. Local figures reflect national trends as Black, Latinx and Native American communities have disproportionately been hit the hardest by the pandemic. Now, tens of thousands of jobs have been lost among the lowest wage, often undocumented and uninsured, residents who were already struggling with food and rent. Additionally, the senseless killings of Black Americans and subsequent protests have further highlighted systemic inequities and injustice faced by communities of color.
“As we grapple with many unknowns, one thing is certain,” added Maria Garcia, Program Officer at The Health Trust. “There are communities, and essential nonprofits serving them, that require immediate attention and support to weather the health and economic impacts of this pandemic.”
About The Health Trust
The Health Trust is an operating foundation founded in 1996. Our mission is to build health equity in Silicon Valley. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to be healthy – especially the most vulnerable. To that end, we fund community-based organizations and public agencies whose work aligns with our mission, provide direct services, and advocate for policies and initiatives that help build health equity. To learn more, please visit healthtrust.org.
###
Contact: Maria Garcia | mariag@healthtrust.org | 408.513.8729