COVID-19: Affiliates in Response

In wake of the current COVID-19 Pandemic our Urban League Affiliates remain on the front lines facing this health crisis head-on. Each week, the Affiliate News Wire will highlight the efforts of a few of our unsung heroes as they continue the mission of 'Empowering Communities and Changing Lives'.
Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 03/23/2020 - 12:36

AT&T Commits $10M to Distance Learning Fund in Wake of COVID-19 School Closures

One of the nation’s leading telecom companies is making an eight-figure commitment to distance learning.

AT&T on Friday rolled out a $10 million Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund.

The goal: “to give parents, students and teachers tools they need for at-home learning. The fund also will provide resources to maintain meaningful connections and bonding opportunities for those isolated from family and friends.”

With coronavirus mandating social isolation virtually everywhere, with curfews, shutdowns of mass gathering places, and other nonnegotiable factors inhibiting in-person gathering, the fund is well-timed.

The decision was lauded by Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League.

“Members of our communities face many challenges amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and they need the ability to continue to learn and bond,” Morial said.

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 03/23/2020 - 12:36

CFUL Applauds Charter for Putting Community First During Crisis

As Americans continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Florida Urban League (Orlando, FL) applauds Charter for ensuring that Floridians remain connected.

For the next 60 days, Charter is offering free service and installation for families with children enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12 and/or college students who do not already have their broadband service.

Furthermore, to ensure that all service remains uninterrupted, Charter has pledged to:
 

  • Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
  • Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and
  • Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

 

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 03/23/2020 - 12:36

NUL Congressional Advocacy Program - DEADLINE EXTENDED

In light of the recent changes and adjustments we have all had to make in response to the COVID-19 crisis, we are happy to announce that the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program Spring 2020 Cohort application deadline will be EXTENDED until Sunday, March 29, 2020! There is still time for your affiliate staff members, Young Professionals, and GUILD members to apply!

Now more than ever, we need voices across the country to advocate for the rights and resources our communities deserve!

Remember that this program can be completed entirely virtually and is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders from across the Movement in the social justice advocacy space!

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 03/23/2020 - 12:35

UL Greater Pitt & City Provide Short Term Housing Assistance to Residents

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh’s (URA) Board of Directors this afternoon approved a new program for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) who have been affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities. 

Beginning Monday, March 23, households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) at 412.227.4163 to be screened for assistance. 

Submitted byihall_11 onMon, 03/23/2020 - 12:35

ReMarcs Newsletter - March 21, 2020

Coronavirus crisis. Watch our president and CEO Marc Morial share the latest updates and how the Urban League plans to help. | Call for urgent meeting. When white America catches a cold, Black America gets pneumonia. That's why we want to meet with Congress ASAP. More on this. | Coronavirus and communities of color. In this week's column, we lay out the specific ways this public health crisis harms Black America. Read on. |  Make Black Count. The Census Bureau is taking steps to slow the spread of coronavirus but you can fill out the form online! Marc Morial explains on MSNBC. | Helping people stay connected. See how our partner Comcast is making sure millions of people have access to the internet during the coronavirus emergency. | Special COVID-19 coverage. Our D.C. team has created a handy guide with the latest numbers, happenings, and resources around the pandemic. Check it out!

Submitted byrwilliams@nul.org onMon, 03/23/2020 - 11:18

Civil Rights Leaders Call on Congress to Address Disproportionate Impact of Coronavirus on Black Americans

NEW YORK (March 16, 2020) –--The nation’s leading civil rights organizations have requested an urgent meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer regarding racial equity in the coronavirus response proposal.
Submitted byrwilliams@nul.org onTue, 03/17/2020 - 11:16