As we continue to adjust to our temporary “new normal,” Bread for the City is making innovative changes to continue serving our community while many staff remain safe and sheltered in place. We’re distributing food across DC via targeted delivery and Mutual Aid Networks, we’re seeing patients in our clinic (and making big plans to increase COVID-19 testing — more to come on that), and our social workers, attorneys, and behavioral health staff are continuing to provide support via phone to clients with active cases and mental health needs.

Still, we have had to make some changes to operations, despite our optimism that by pulling together, we can flatten the curve and end this. One big change: our Good Hope Gala, scheduled for May 9th, has been postponed until September 25th. We’re disappointed that we have to wait to see our clients, staff, and donors dressed up and ready to dance, but we’re working on other ways you can remain engaged around our mission.

To that end, we have another Save the Date! May 5, 2020, will be a special #GivingTuesday/Do More 24: a day to celebrate and support nonprofits across the country who have been going the extra mile in response to the pandemic. We are aiming to raise $175,000 in celebration of all of our work: the food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social assistance we provide every day. If we were still having our spring gala, we would do this in the room during our All in a Day’s Work live auction, but this year, we’re hoping to achieve the same goal online. Stay tuned for more info!

But May 5th isn’t the only opportunity to partner with us: stay connected during this time of social distancing, and raise funds for our emergency response services by joining our new peer-to-peer campaign. This is a great opportunity to help community members while staying connected with friends and family. It can be a service project for a teenager in your life, or a bored child who wants to get creative. Or maybe your company or agency is looking to make a difference for neighbors and families experiencing increased burdens from the pandemic. 

If so, join us at EveryDay Hero to help raise money for our COVID-19 Response Fund – all from the safety of your couch! It’s a great way to stay in touch, do some good in a time of great uncertainty, and educate your family on the importance of giving. 

Finally, we are all so grateful to our donors who have already pitched in. Notable leadership gifts have come from the following partners:

Anonymous Individual
Health Resources and Services Administration
The Marriott Foundation
The World Bank Group
The A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation
Share our Strength
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
International Monetary Fund
Aviv Foundation

Together, we can make sure that all DC residents have the necessities they need. If we know anything, it’s that our clients are creative and resilient, and with the support of donors, volunteers, and community, we will pull together and get through this. 

Want to stay up-to-date on Bread for the City’s COVID-19 response efforts? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Want to make a gift? Please do so at this link.