For Immediate Release-

April 10, 2020

Contact: Jake Flynn, 213.473.7003, cell- 310.663.3770

**PRESS RELEASE**

COUNCILMEMBER BLUMENFIELD ANNOUNCES FIRST FOUR $10,000 COVID-19 EMERGENCY GRANTS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

WEST SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many local nonprofits are struggling to serve vulnerable communities in the West Valley. To support those in need, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield announced he will direct $100,000 from his office’s discretionary funds towards establishing emergency grants for local nonprofits so they can continue their vital services, such as food pantries, senior programs, and homelessness services.  He will also share grant applications with other public and private sector potential donors to generate additional resources.  This is above and beyond the tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of critical supplies and food he has been donating from his BobCAT (Community Action Team) emergency warehouses.

To accelerate the rollout of these funds, Blumenfield has selected the first four nonprofits to receive $10,000 nonprofit emergency grants. These nonprofits are:

• West Valley Food Pantry (Local Food Pantry based in Woodland Hills serving unprecedented number of hungry clients during COVID-19)
• West Valley YMCA (Local YMCA in Reseda opening showers to homeless individuals during pandemic, running clothing drive and blood drive)
• Guadalupe Center (Catholic Charities organization based in Canoga Park providing food, ESL, tutoring, thrift store and recreational classes)
• ONEgeneration (Senior Enrichment Center based in Reseda providing food and programming for seniors throughout the West Valley)

“This is a tough time for the West Valley,” said Blumenfield. “Many families cannot afford groceries and are going to their local food pantry for the first time. But nonprofits are hurting too and are already struggling to get services to their clients. Nonprofits in the West Valley need support now more than ever and that is why I am proud to have directed $40,000 to four outstanding organizations helping folks in need. I’ve worked very closely with these organizations for years and know that each one of them does critical work for our community.”

In addition to the four organizations that each received $10,000, Blumenfeld is offering grant opportunities up to $10,000 to more nonprofits addressing the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofit leaders interested in learning more and applying for these grants, please fill out this simple form. Also, Blumenfield will share these grant applications with other public and private sector donors in an effort to generate additional resources for these important non-profits.

“I encourage additional nonprofits in need to reach out so we can continue ‘helping the helpers’ of the West Valley.”

To continue supporting nonprofits, Blumenfield also created a survey that prospective donors and volunteers may fill out to get connected with local West Valley nonprofits. To complete a survey and learn where help is needed, please go here. To have your organization added to the list of organizations seeking volunteers or specific supplies, write to [email protected]. 

For more information about the organizations receiving the first round of grants and where the money will go, please check out this video.

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