From June 17-30th, Moonflower Co-op will be hosting a Round Up at the Register campaign to benefit the Moab COVID-19 Housing Relief Fund!
When you shop at Moonflower during these two weeks, you will have the opportunity to “round up” your purchases to the next whole dollar. 100% of your change will go directly to this fund, which is intended to provide emergency housing assistance to individuals and families in the Moab area who are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus crisis. This fund has been set up by the Moab Valley Multicultural Center/Centro Multicultural and the Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah.
Many of us have received a stimulus check or unemployment benefits due to being laid off of work because of COVID-19, but many of our neighbors have not. While many landlords have deferred rent during the pandemic, deferred payments will eventually come due and families still have to eat. Housing is a right that all humans should be able to have access to without the fear of removal. Studies show that homelessness can be a traumatic event that influences a person’s symptoms of mental illness. The Moab community has generously donated thousands of dollars to the Deferment Fund to help struggling families maintain their housing.
The Housing Authority’s first disbursement on May 7, 2020 was able to provide a rent check for 13 families. They hope to be able to provide this much, if not more, help for all families that apply for the following months until things can return to some sense of normalcy. With the burden of rent alleviated for these families, even if only for a month, the stress of facing eviction will be reduced as well. They will be able to focus on using their money for purchasing healthy food and other necessities. Priority for the disbursement of the Fund will be given to those who have limited or no access to other types of relief. The money is given directly to the landlord.
You may have noticed that we have been hosting more Round Up campaigns this year than our normal quarterly schedule. We aim to assist our many local non-profits who may be struggling to continue operating during the pandemic, and to aid special projects such as this housing relief fund. And just as a reminder, when you round up your purchase total, your change goes straight to the organizations (or in this case, directly to people in need). We don’t take any of the funds, we just facilitate the donations and make it easy for many people donating small amounts to make a big difference! And another reminder, for those making curbside orders, you can also let us know to round up your purchase if you would like to donate to the cause!
Join us in supporting our fellow community members who are struggling to meet basic needs.