Today, the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) has announced a $2 million grant through The Audacious Project to support COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts in Atlanta. Purpose Built Communities will receive the grant to support the work of three organizations in city: East Lake Foundation, Grove Park Foundation and Focused Community Strategies. The critical funds will be utilized to offset the pandemic’s impact and meet the short- and long-term needs of vulnerable residents and community wellness partners in the East Lake, Grove Park and Historic South Atlanta neighborhoods. The funds will be matched by a local campaign for an additional $2 million to support these COVID-19 relief efforts. 

A commitment of $26 million in funding has been made through The Audacious Project to apply toward HCZ’s goal of raising $50 million to support the implementation of ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts in Harlem and the six U.S. cities. The newly launched William Julius Wilson Institute (WJW) at HCZ will serve as the platform for this national effort.  

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it has become clear that it is disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, and specifically Black Americans. In East Lake, Grove Park and Historic South Atlanta, essential services that the East Lake Foundation, Grove Park Foundation and Focused Community Strategies regularly provide to community residents have been disrupted. 

With schools closed and planning to utilize virtual learning, children most at risk will lose access to food and safe learning spaces with the appropriate technology and internet access. Parents working in essential businesses or at home continue to struggle without adequate childcare. For lower-wage workers without a safety net, the shutdown of many employers has created layoffs and even greater economic insecurity. Many families do not have enough money to pay rent and utilities, putting them at risk of homelessness if they cannot recover financially.

The East Lake Foundation, Grove Park Foundation and Focused Communities Strategies have each implemented COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts to deploy resources equitably, quickly, and strategically across the communities they serve. COVID-19 relief funds established in each community are primarily providing rental, mortgage and utility assistance for residents and suppling vital food, personal care and cleaning items. Additionally, the funds will ensure families in need can access critical fee-based education and wellness programs when partner organizations resume services and children can access the technology they need for virtual learning.

“During this historic time in our city, stepping up to address racial inequities is more important than ever. One of the ways we can do that is by providing relief during this crisis, and the East Lake Foundation, Focused Community Strategies, and Grove Park Foundation have been vital leaders, advocates and partners for their neighborhoods,” said Carol Naughton, President and interim CEO of Purpose Built Communities. “We are grateful for the leadership and support of the Harlem Children’s Zone and The Audacious Project in this national effort.” 

“HCZ and Purpose Built Communities are aligned in our missions to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Given its roots in Georgia, we are excited to partner with Purpose Built Communities, bringing valuable resources for COVID-19 relief and recovery to some of the most impacted neighborhoods in Atlanta,” said Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone. 

This generous $2 million grant from the HCZ through The Audacious Project is part of $26 million commitment to support the implementation of ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts in Harlem and six U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Minneapolis, Oakland, Chicago, Newark, and Detroit.