Caritas of Austin gets $50,000 gift to help with COVID-19 needs

AUSTIN, Texas - A global day of giving and unity, GIving Tuesday Now, is taking place on May 5 and The Meyer Levy Charitable Trust has made a lead gift donation to Caritas of Austin in the hopes of inspiring others to give.

#GivingTuesdayNow is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits all over the world. The local nonprofit I Live Here I Give Here is the official Central Texas community leader for the event.

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Caritas of Austin says that since mid-March and the stay-at-home mandate began to stop the spread of COVID-19, 75% of its clients have been impacted in some way by the coronavirus.

To help Caritas of Austin, The Meyer Levy Charitable Trust has made a gift of $50,000.

“The purpose of this grant is to assist Caritas in its urgent need for the funds required immediately to meet its rapidly expanding client base’s most basic needs during this pandemic crisis," says The Trust's family trustee Michael R. Levy in a news release. "Although this crisis obviously requires significantly more resources from individuals, foundations, and local governmental entities, this grant will give some support to Caritas’ key programs to meet basic housing and food needs and for personal protection equipment for staff and clients.”

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Caritas of Austin says it has altered how its services are being provided during the pandemic as its staff continues to do its part to end homelessness by moving clients into permanent housing.

In lieu of face to face meetings, case managers have had to purchase phones for clients to continue supporting them, and deliver food from the pantry for those who must remain isolated.

There has been an increased need for groceries from the pantry as well as rental and utility assistance. Lunches continue to be served Monday through Friday for anyone needing a meal but since the dining room in the Community Kitchen is closed, staff prepare and hand out over 200 sack lunches each day. 

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“I am moved by the outpouring of support from individuals, businesses and foundations to help continue our work and meet these unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19,” says Jo Kathryn Quinn, CEO of Caritas of Austin. “And we are deeply grateful to The Meyer Levy Charitable Trust – not just for or this generous gift but to use it as a catalyst to encourage others to give.”

#GivingTuesdayNow gifts can be made to Caritas of Austin on its website.

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