In response to the dual health and economic threats facing Chicago’s Environmental Justice communities, the Chicago Environmental Justice Network (CEJN) has created an Emergency Response Fund. The goal in 2020 is to raise $1,000,000 — all of which will go towards 6 grassroots, community-based organizations directly impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Funds will go towards a highly coordinated, community-led response including:

 

      • Mutual aid support services (food delivery, emergency rent relief, mental health services, youth support)
      • Lifesaving public health communications in English and Spanish
      • Assistance connecting community members with public and private support services
      • Advocacy to ensure all homes have access to running water – a key defense against the mounting spread of Covid-19 
      • Additional health care coverage for staff members and community leaders & payment for community volunteers
      • Technology to transition organizations to effective remote work
      • Organizational infrastructure needs to carry-out emergency responses

   

Community-based Environmental Justice organizations in Chicago are particularly well suited to respond to the Covid-19 crisis because of their deep, longstanding, and authentic relationships with vulnerable populations in Chicago.  They both serve and are led by communities on the frontlines of this crisis, and they have the ingenuity and public health expertise required to respond to this moment. Benefiting organizations include: Blacks in Green: BIG (Woodlawn), Neighbors for Environmental Justice (McKinley Park), People for Community Recovery (Calumet), Ixchel (Cicero and Berwyn), Southeast Environmental Taskforce (Southeast Side and South Suburbs), and the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (Little Village). 

 

How to Donate:  

  1. Click on DONATE link to enter Network for Good page
  2. Enter Donation Amount
  3. Make sure to designate donation for EJ Emergency Fund

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW