Hospice of San Luis Obispo County (Hospice SLO County) was awarded a $10,000 rapid response grant from The Disaster Support Fund of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. This fund is made possible by donations from groups such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, First 5, PG&E, The Community Foundation SLO County donors and the community. This combined effort has helped numerous non-profits during this difficult time of COVID-19 and Hospice SLO County is grateful for this crucial assistance
“This generosity and support will help fill the financial gaps realized from the catastrophic impact COVID-19 has had on our ability to fundraise. Four events that we have relied on for budgeted income have been cancelled. It is tragically ironic that our fundraising efforts are challenged like never before at the exact moment when our services are so vital to our community’s collective health,” said Susan Olson, Director of Development.
“Every week, more people die from COVID-19 than were lost on 9/11. Understandably, there is an ever-present and palpable fear of death and dying. Many people are facing the possibility and reality of their own death for the first time. The need for Hospice SLO County’s services has increased in ways we never expected, and we have been honored to meet that need. Calls for help with Advanced Care Directives and last wishes have increased along with request for respite, end of life doula support and grief counseling. Hospice SLO County is working through its staff, counselors, counseling interns and volunteers to bring comfort to hundreds of people each month,” said Olson.
Hospice SLO County will use this grant to support operational expenses which will help maintain uninterrupted community services.
For over 40 years, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County (Hospice SLO County), a local, 501(c) 3 non-profit, volunteer, non-medical hospice, has been providing county-wide in-home respite care, emotional support, practical assistance, and comfort to individuals who are experiencing the impact of a life-limiting illness. The organization also offers grief-counseling services, including individual, family and group counseling, to anyone grieving the death of a loved one. All Hospice SLO County services are provided at no charge and are supported through direct donations and fundraising events.