Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced the latest steps to provide resources and support to the city’s most vulnerable residents as the challenges presented by the pandemic exposes the need for greater philanthropic investment to support emerging local needs.  The Jersey City COVID-19 Community Relief Program is now accepting private donations to minimize hardships for needy families and seniors by improving access to food and other necessities. The Relief Fund will also invest in the local economy by helping small businesses and nonprofits get back on their feet.

The fund has a goal of raising $3 million, and in the first 48 hours it has already surpassed $1.5m raised.

“We are in the midst of unprecedented times, and I have no doubt we will overcome the challenges we’re facing if we work together to support one another,” said Mayor Fulop.  “This Relief Program will be a great resource for our most vulnerable residents and businesses who are the backbone of our community.”

The local Jersey City program will be administered through the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC), a 501c3 nonprofit. Donations can be made through the JCEDC website at www.JCEDC.org.  All donations will utilize community programs to address the needs of seniors and low-income families and youth.

The Fulop Administration has already introduced several measures under the Mayor’s Community Relief Plan that including rent freezes in rent-controlled buildings and support for small businesses facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 with a 100% match on state grants.

“The city is working daily to protect the health and safety of residents.  However, we need the community’s support to address the full scope of this crisis,” said Vivian Brady-Philips, Vice Chair of the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation. “We know that many of our community members — both local businesses and concerned residents— want to help address this crisis, so we have set a goal of raising $3 million for the Jersey City Relief Fund to support citywide initiatives that will help the city not only recover, but also continue to move forward.”

Tax deductible donations can be made out to “Jersey City Economic Development Corporation”.

“As local governments nationwide face the current COVID-19 crisis and the anticipated financial fallout, we’re working to mitigate the impact on our community as much as is possible.  This Relief Fund is our latest step in providing support and financial relief to those who need it most,” concluded Mayor Fulop.

For more information on this and other related relief programs at www.jcnj.org/coronavirus.