Atlanta — Apr 22, 2020
The Atlanta Regional Commission has received a $95,000 grant from the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to provide weeks of home-delivered meals to about 600 older adults who had been on a waiting list for this service. The individuals served by this grant are at serious risk of going hungry due to factors such as the inability to afford food, cook for themselves, or get to the grocery store.
The Response and Recovery Fund is a joint effort from the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. To date, more than $10.5 million has been issued to 62 local organizations.
As the Area Agency on Aging for the 10-county region, ARC allocates federal and state funding to provide critical services to older adults and disabled individuals in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale Counties, as well as four regional non-profit organizations.
“These emergency dollars arrive at a critical time,” said Becky Kurtz, managing director of ARC’s Aging and Independence Services. “Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, older people who normally receive meals in a group setting at senior centers are simply unable to do so. And many older adults are avoiding trips to the grocery store. This service becomes a lifeline.”
ARC is working closely with its providers to find solutions to delivery challenges in the current climate and develop weekly communication channels with its most vulnerable clients. ARC also operates empowerline, whose website and phoneline link older people and their caregivers with trusted community services and healthcare providers.
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 73 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
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Contact Name: Kate Sweeney
Contact Phone: (404) 314-7863
Contact Email: ksweeney@atlantaregional.org
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
