In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Samuel H. & Maria Miller Foundation has made a $500,000 donation to the Diocese of Cleveland Emergency Assistance Fund.
Per a release, the fund -- which is managed by the Catholic Community Foundation -- will assist those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, addressing immediate basic needs such as food, rent and utilities. Additionally, the fund will also provide resources to Catholic Charities, which is working on the frontlines and is committed to the mission of helping people of all faiths, races and creed who are in need
The Miller Fund is named after the late Sam Miller, a Cleveland businessman and philanthropist who was known as "a catalyst for cooperation between the Jewish and Christian communities."
“Sam’s legacy continues to bring people together in tackling tough issues, like the one we are facing today,” Patrick Grace, executive director at the Catholic Community Foundation, said in a release. “So many individuals and families are struggling to meet their basic needs. Catholic Charities faces an increased demand to assist people hit first and hardest by this crisis – people who were already disadvantaged. The Miller Foundation gift will help ensure that more services are delivered so that many of our neighbors do not suffer.”
Additionally, the Catholic Community Foundation recently established an Emergency Response Fund that allows pastors to apply for grants in order to deliver assistance to people in the community at the parish level. Since March, more than $75,000 has been donated by individuals through a crowdfunding site at www.CatholicCommunity.org/GiveToHelp, with the private donations boosting the Assistance Fund to over $575,000.
Those looking to donate to the Emergency Assistance Fund and/or the Emergency Response Fund via check can send them to: Catholic Community Foundation, Attn: Megan Gerome, 1404 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44114.