The Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) has created the Ventura County Rapid Response Fund to help all affected individuals, families, nonprofits and small businesses due to COVID-19.<\/p>\n
VCCF began the fund on March 13 and estimated that $25 million would need be raised to support the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is an abundance of need,\u201d says Vanessa Bechtel, president and CEO of VCCF. \u201cEvery dollar makes a difference. If we all pitch in, we can help our neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n
VCCF has partnered with the County of Ventura, Amgen Foundation, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Give An Hour and the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to support these efforts, along with securing personal protective equipment (PPE) for doctors, emergency responders and others on the front lines. Other essential items include baby monitors and iPads to communicate with family and friends for those stuck in isolation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really critical that those on the front line have PPE; it\u2019s like a war zone out there,\u201d says Bechtel. \u201cWe are negotiating the purchasing of certain equipment on behalf of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Individuals and families living in Ventura County making less than $50,000 can apply for direct financial assistance distributed by Southeast Ventura County YMCA\u00a0to help with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care and other needs. Bechtel says she has heard stories such as a mother being laid off from work having to take care of her sick child with cancer and wondering how she would be able to pay the medical bills.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir stories are heartbreaking,\u201d says Bechtel.<\/p>\n
Bechtel says hundreds of individual and family applications have been submitted and money is being distributed in rounds, with the first round being $120,000 by April 10. Applications can be submitted through the form on the\u00a0VCCF website<\/a>, RapidResponseVC.org.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have more applicants than funding,\u201d says Bechtel. \u201cWe are trying to get funding out as rapidly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n VCCF has also partnered with 805 Undocufund for undocumented service workers to receive individual assistance. Bechtel says more than 1,700 families applied within the first 24 hours. VCCF is also working in partnership with Future Leaders of America, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project and The McCune Foundation to assist these types of individuals.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to raise millions of dollars for this,\u201d says Bechtel.<\/p>\n The Rapid Response Fund will also help nonprofits with unrestricted and general\/charitable needs affiliated with the COVID-19 response. Money will also be distributed in rounds.<\/p>\n Bechtel used FOOD Share as an example, which delivers food every month to 76,000 people in the county and began using mobile pantries to deliver food.<\/p>\n \u201c(In one day) the mobile pantries almost ran out within an hour,\u201d says Bechtel. \u201cThe need is extensive and it requires a rework of logistics. So many food pantries are closed and they need the flexibility to buy food and supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n Bechtel used another example of caretakers unable to show up to work to bring items to senior citizens in isolation.<\/p>\n \u201cThese organizations need unrestricted support to deal with new need,\u201d says Bechtel. \u201cThere are more barriers than normal.\u201d<\/p>\n Small businesses needing resources and funding can also apply. The VCCF board recently approved a $125,000 challenge grant to help Women\u2019s Economic Ventures provide businesses with low- and no-interest loans. Bechtel says with the EDC partnership, the nonprofit had more than 1,000 small businesses reaching out for help within the first week.<\/p>\n \u201c(On average) they work with 900 or more per year,\u201d says Bechtel. \u201cThey need capital to get to these slow businesses. It\u2019s about getting bridge funding so that they have the tools to continue to operate.\u201d<\/p>\n Applications for small businesses will be ongoing. Small business owners seeking assistance should schedule an appointment through the\u00a0EDC website<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to stay committed and open,\u201d says Bechtel. \u201cBy giving, volunteering and helping to spread the word by taking small action, we can maintain a resilient community.\u201d<\/p>\n