In 2019, when we began our work in East Baltimore, several community members challenged us to support them with funds that address persistent unavoidable problems with navigating poverty. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic began, problems like medical debt often had a ripple effect, making it impossible to stay current on major bills with fixed or limited income. We responded by creating the following small-scale "Caring Funds" to provide limited, emergency support to enrollees to uplift peace of mind and advance anti-poverty measures.
Having a cellphone has become an essential part of 21st century safety, security, and workforce viability. We provide a limited number of enrollees with a cellphone, phone case, and phone charger as well as one year of unlimited calls, text, and data so they have 12 months to never worry about excellent phone service.
We created a limited "pipeline" to link enrollees to employment opportunities, and additional training from collaborating organizations that would lead to employment opportunities. Some of these opportunities involve GED and further training leading to jobs in the healthcare field. Others involve remote, at-home work for call centers and emergency preparedness.
When we helped select community members gain remote, at-home employment, we found that their children often needed to get into the home after school safely without disturbing the parent who was working inside the home on the phone or Internet. Thus, we created a Key Fund to make and distribute additional sets of keys to youth and other family members so they can get inside the home safely.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, we began providing limited emergency funds for medical assistance to help offset the costs of personal protective equipment or bills not covered by help insurance. We also continue to provide limited PPE—gloves, masks, and over-the-counter testing equipment for COVID and STIs. We also provide a limited monthly supply of condoms, dental dams, menstrual supplies, basic first aid supplies, and diapers.
We have provided limited funds to help community members pay off or pay down gas and/or electric bills. We also refer them to public and private energy assistance agencies and help them navigate the process of applying for energy assistance.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, we began providing limited emergency funds to aid in making rent and referrals for housing assistance.
Please become a recurring monthly supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/wisdomcommunity and help sponsor one of our Caring Funds.