Jersey City launches local COVID-19 relief fund, already halfway to $3M goal

The City of Jersey City, partnering with their Economic Development Corporation, has launched a local COVID-19 relief fund and are already halfway to their $3 million goal in just 48 hours.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

The Jersey City COVID-19 Community Relief Program is now accepting private donations to minimize hardships for needy families and seniors by improving access to food and other necessities.

The Relief Fund will also invest in the local economy by helping small businesses and nonprofits get back on their feet.

“We are in the midst of unprecedented times, and I have no doubt we will overcome the challenges we’re facing if we work together to support one another,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.

“This Relief Program will be a great resource for our most vulnerable residents and businesses who are the backbone of our community.”

The program will be administered through the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC), a 501c3 nonprofit. Donations can be made through the JCEDC website at www.JCEDC.org.

“All donations will utilize community programs to address the needs of seniors and low-income families and youth,” the mayor’s office said, noting that Tax deductible donations can be made out to the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation.

The administration has already introduced measures such as rent freezes in rent-controlled buildings and supporting small business by providing a 100 percent match on state grants.

“We know that many of our community members — both local businesses and concerned residents— want to help address this crisis, so we have set a goal of raising $3 million for the Jersey City Relief Fund to support citywide initiatives that will help the city not only recover, but also continue to move forward,” JC EDC Vice Chair Vivian Brady-Philips added.

“As local governments nationwide face the current COVID-19 crisis and the anticipated financial fallout, we’re working to mitigate the impact on our community as much as is possible. This Relief Fund is our latest step in providing support and financial relief to those who need it most,” Fulop concluded.

More information on this and other related relief programs can be found at www.jcnj.org/coronavirus.