RISE San Luis Obispo has received a $15,000 grant from The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County Disaster Support Fund to help respond to the increased demand for services due to COVID-19.
The Disaster Support Fund is designed to provide support for those greatly affected by natural disasters in our community. Grants include funding for short-term housing and rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment, health and human services, and other long-term recovery needs.
Funding partners and a generous community of donors have made it possible for the Disaster Support Fund to award more than $600,000 in grants to nonprofits in the region working with populations most impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Community Foundation continues to accept donations by mail, phone, and on their website. All donations to the Disaster Support Fund are tax deductible and all administrative fees are waived to provide urgent support to those working with communities who have been affected by the outbreak.
RISE serves survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) and their loved ones throughout San Luis Obispo County. With the spread of COVID-19 and mandatory Shelter-at-Home orders, IPV victims who are living with abusive partners are faced with new challenges. Across the country and locally, violence in the home is spiking.
In the beginning of quarantine, RISE saw a decrease in calls to the crisis line, likely due to victims’ inability to call for help while constantly at home with their abusers. Since restrictions were lifted, RISE has seen an approximately 30% increase in requests for services.
Simultaneously, RISE has seen an approximately 30% decrease in donations. “We are so grateful to the Community Foundation and local donors who have contributed to the Disaster Support Fund,” said Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director. “Thank you for helping us to sustain vital services for survivors during these unprecedented times.”
ABOUT RISE
RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour crisis line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two safe houses, individual and group counseling, and prevention education. To learn more about our services and how to support our mission, visit: riseslo.org