Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Lawrence residents and organizations have stepped up to the plate in inspiring ways. Whether it’s delivering food, securing shelter, or creatively providing emotional support, the community has pulled together as ONE Lawrence. Mayor Daniel Rivera, city councilors, state representatives and community leaders are announcing the establishment of the One Lawrence Fund in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley to make sure that no Lawrence resident or family gets left behind.
“Once again faced with an emergency, Lawrence has proven our strength as a community,” said Mayor Daniel Rivera. “This crisis impacts everyone in some way – but not all of us equally. Many people are facing incredible challenges meeting basic needs. Many of our most vulnerable community members have lost the ability to work. Not everyone who works is able to access unemployment, a stimulus check, or other forms of assistance. These are needs I hear about in my office every day, and they are needs I want us to respond to as One Lawrence.”
“As the pandemic has reverberated across hospitals, businesses, and schools, we have seen first-hand how Lawrence is a strong, resilient community,” said Michael K. Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “The One Lawrence Fund is an example of how together, we can mobilize resources for those most financially impacted by this crisis.”
The One Lawrence Fund will mobilize resources to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. The fund will distribute gift cards through the community partners to cover the costs of rent, food, utilities, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities.
United Way has established the fund with an initial $100,000 and will distribute 100% of donations to Lawrence community organizations (less credit card processing fees) who will distribute it directly to the families who need it most. Partners include The Center, Lawrence CommunityWorks, Groundwork Lawrence, ACT Lawrence, and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council.
The One Lawrence Fund is a collaboration of Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, City Councilors Kendrys Vasquez, Marc Laplante, Ana Levy, Maria de la Cruz, David Abdoo, Pavel Payano, Estela Reyes, Jeovanny Rodriguez and Celina Reyes, State Senator Barry Finegold and State Representatives Frank Moran, Marcos Devers, and Christina Minicucci. Community Partners include United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, The Center, Lawrence CommunityWorks, Groundwork Lawrence, ACT Lawrence, and Greater Lawrence Community Action Council.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via organizations already working in our community, with a focus on those who do not qualify for other types of assistance such as unemployment. Donations can be made by credit card or through a donor advised fund online or by sending a check to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, PO Box 51381, Boston, MA 02205-1381. Please make checks out to United Way of Massachusetts Bay and include “One Lawrence Fund” in the memo of the check.
To request assistance, call 978-620-4717. In addition, COVID-19 resources are continuously updated at We Are Lawrence.