We are incredibly happy to announce that Fathers’ Uplift has partnered with Stand Together and the Family Independence Initiative to #GiveTogetherNow. In the face of COVID-19, we will be supporting fathers and families we serve with temporary cash assistance in the form of a one-time $500 cash transfer.
The Boston neighborhoods we serve, Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have been among the hardest-hit in our state from the effects of COVID-19 and the associated shut down of business activity.
Less than 20% of black workers nationally are able to telecommute, leaving families we serve to decide in many cases between health and the incomes they rely on to support their families. Because of situations like this, minority communities are facing higher rates of infection and death. According to a study highlighted in the Boston Globe, “Of the cases in Boston in which a patient’s race was identified, more than 40 percent were Black. Yet Black people only make up a quarter of the population.”
Additionally, a significant portion of the population we serve does not qualify for the CARES Act stimulus checks. Fathers who owe child support payments, the majority of which is owed to states and not to mothers and children, will not receive financial support from the CARES Act, regardless of their financial situations and ability to pay down what they owe. This puts many of our fathers in extremely vulnerable positions, oftentimes just as they were beginning to repair bonds and reconcile relationships with their children.
From Slate, “According to the Office of Child Support Enforcement, nearly 6 million noncustodial parents are behind on their child support payments, owing more than $114 billion in past-due support. One study found that 70 percent of the national child support debt was owed by noncustodial parents who earned less than $10,000 per year.”
This is a struggle that we can sympathize with. We’re here for our fathers to fill the gap the best we can.
It’s more important than ever for us to be present for our constituents and clients. We have to act now to help our communities emerge successfully from this pandemic.
Families living with low incomes that are eligible to receive cash assistance through #GiveTogetherNow:
If you meet these above criteria, please contact us HERE to determine if you are eligible for cash assistance through #GiveTogetherNow.
If you would like to contribute financially to supporting families in this direct manner in the face of the economic disruption wrought by COVID-19, please contribute HERE and select the COVID-19 Family Support designation option.
Our fathers would also benefit from support to our general operations at this time, as mental health and wellness is impacted dramatically by current health and economic concerns (suicides rose 1% with every 1% increase in unemployment during the Great Recession).
Fathers’ Uplift remains committed to serving our community as best we can. In these uncertain and challenging times, we will continue to do all we can to support you, our fathers, children, and families.