Disaster Relief Fund activated for COVID-19

     The most vulnerable people in our community need our help. In the wake of a global pandemic, low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes are experiencing food insecurity and struggles with housing, childcare and transportation costs. In the days to come, these needs will only increase.

     On behalf of Jones County, the Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) board is activating the Jones County Disaster Relief Fund.

     As our community and its most vulnerable populations are facing the effects of COVID-

19, the Jones County Disaster Relief Fund provides an opportunity for the public to give with the reassurance their donations will be used to quickly move resources to where they are most urgently needed in their own community, particularly toward needs not being met by existing non-profit, local, state and federal programs.

     The Foundation board is working with a grant committee including Board Chairperson Doug Edel, Fidelity Bank and Trust; Jenna Lovaas, Jones County Public Health; Rachel Vonbehren, Jones Regional Medical Center; Patty Manuel, Maquoketa Valley Electric Coop; and Rev. Wade Reddy, Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. This group will be tasked with reviewing grant applications and making awards that first address economic needs and the health impact on vulnerable populations caused by COVID-19-related closures and other impacts of the outbreak. The fund will direct dollars out to those organizations on the front lines of serving vulnerable families.

     The fund activation is an outcome of the Foundation board’s disaster preparedness planning and helps ensure a strategic response for charitable giving during times of

emergency. The board has pledged an immediate grant of $5,000 to start the fund. These funds are available thanks to the generosity of donors who have supported the

JCCF.

     To give online to the fund, visit dbqfoundation.org/jonesrelief.

     In addition, checks can be made out to Jones County Disaster Relief Fund and dropped off at any of the banks or credit unions in Jones County or mailed to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, 700 Locust St., Dubuque, IA 52001 on behalf of the JCCF.

     Questions can be directed to Sherri Hunt, JCCF coordinator at jccf@dbqfoundation.org or by calling 319-551-3402.

     “We know that our communities are suffering. But we also know that when we have our community working together we have tremendous strength to respond,” Board

Chair Doug Edel said. “This fund will provide the right people and the resources they need to ease isolation and anxiety families are suffering throughout our communities.”