Enterprise Community Partners Launches Covid-19 Emergency Response Program to Provide Resources and Support to Low-income Renters and Housing Providers

COLUMBIA, Md., May 18, 2020 /3BL Media/ — Emergency Action for Resident and Partner Stability, a Covid-19 response program providing relief funding and assistance to nonprofits nationwide to ensure that individuals and families living in affordable housing communities can remain in their homes and access support, is launching today by Enterprise Community Partners. The program’s goal is to ensure immediate and continued housing and economic stability for low-income residents, along with sustainability for organizations on the ground that provide housing and supportive services.

Emergency Action for Resident and Partner Stability offers nonprofit community partners flexible support, including:

• Emergency grants of up to $150,000 to help organizations stay afloat and meet the immediate needs (such as rent, utilities and resident services) of the families and individuals they serve.

• Immediate and long-term guidance on resilience planning and financial strategies, as well as other technical assistance and training to help community-based nonprofits remain viable.

• Aid for organizations seeking critical government relief funds and other interventions that can help address resident and community needs.

Enterprise’s capital, policy and programmatic solutions, coupled with its nationwide network of partners, make it uniquely situated to provide relief where it’s urgently needed. As part of this effort, Enterprise is advocating to secure governmental resources at the federal, state and local levels to provide services and support for vulnerable communities and residents affected by the pandemic.

“Covid-19 is disproportionately impacting people and communities of color,” said Priscilla Almodovar, chief executive officer, Enterprise Community Partners. “Affordable housing providers, many of whom are nonprofits, are on the front-lines assembling resources to support their residents and carry out basic operations. Governmental aid is critical over the long term but people need help right now, and philanthropy is stepping up.”

The philanthropic support that Enterprise is seeking for the program will complement the vast resources the organization already deploys each year in communities around the country. Initial contributions totaling $2 million from the Wells Fargo Foundation as part of its $175 million commitment in response to Covid-19, as well as substantial gifts from Ballmer Group and Center for Disaster Philanthropy are making it possible to distribute the funds at speed. Enterprise also contributed $1.4 million of its own resources to the program to help meet the overwhelming demand.

“Having a safe and affordable place to call home is essential at any time, but especially during Covid-19,” said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with the Wells Fargo Foundation. “During this unprecedented time, too many individuals including people of color are struggling financially and facing instability. Wells Fargo shares a deep commitment to advance housing affordability solutions that keep people housed through supporting important initiatives such as Enterprise’s Emergency Action for Resident and Partner Stability effort.”

“We are grateful to our generous donors for their partnership as we mobilize our collective resources quickly to support our neighbors,” added Almodovar.

Emergency Action for Resident and Partner Stability was created to respond to the needs of dozens of housing partners who work with Enterprise’s 11 markets, and on rural and native lands around the country. Work is underway to distribute the first wave of emergency grants to key partners and provide on-the-ground assistance. Owners and operators of affordable housing interested in learning more about the program can fill out an inquiry form.

Corporations and foundations interested in making a contribution to support the Emergency Action for Resident and Partner Stability program should contact Tammy Garlow at tgarlow@enterprisecommunity.org. Individuals can also make a donation through Enterprise’s website at www.enterprisecommunity.org.

About Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise is a proven and powerful nonprofit that improves communities and people’s lives by making well-designed homes affordable and connected to opportunity. As a social enterprise, we bring together the nationwide know-how, policy leadership, partners, donors and investors to multiply the impact of local affordable housing development. Over more than 35 years, Enterprise has created 662,000 homes, invested nearly $53 billion and touched millions of lives. Join us at www.EnterpriseCommunity.org.

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