The arrival of COVID-19 has ushered in a new level of uncertainty across the country and while the virus may not discriminate, the uncomfortable reality is that its hardships are felt disproportionately. The sudden increase in unemployment and the closure of entire sections of the economy have left families and young people waiting for food benefits to arrive.

 INCREASED DEMAND

For example, in Philadelphia requests for food and housing assistance have risen by 250% within the last month.

As an essential life-sustaining agency, the doors at Valley Youth House remain open and our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to meet the increased needs of the most vulnerable.

Prior to the pandemic, nearly 20% of the city’s population categorized as food insecure, defined loosely as ‘the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food’. However, in the wake of COVID-19, Philadelphia’s younger population are finding themselves unemployed, and struggling to come up with rent payments while still attempting to put meals on the table. The stark reality of food insecurity is that it isn’t a new concept, dating back nearly 50 years; however, the current situation with COVID-19 puts a spotlight on how economic conditions not only exacerbate the issue but expand its reaches.

COME TOGETHER – RIGHT NOW

Recognizing that we are stronger together than we are alone, the Valley Youth House street outreach team, known as the Synergy Project, partnered with the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Aramark to provide over 900 pounds of food for young people affected by the ongoing pandemic.

Through this unique partnership Synergy Project team members were able to deliver food directly to the doors of the many young people they serve. Such donations mean that families and young people do not to choose between living expenses or food in this uncertain time.

With initial food deliveries complete the Synergy Project has shifted focus to address the long-term need for food and emergency supplies for young people impacted by COVID-19 by setting up a food distribution point outside of our Philadelphia offices.

HOW CAN I HELP?

How can I help? There is no one size fits all approach for providing support to those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. However, you can make an immediate impact on the lives of the young people by coming together with Valley Youth House and our many partners to eliminate food insecurity for young people by making a gift today.

• $10 will provide a young person with one meal
• $25 will provide a family with one meal
• $50 will provide emergency supplies for a young person
• $100 will provide emergency supplies for a family
• $250 will provide a week of meals for a young person
• $500 will provide a week of meals for a family
• $1,000 will provide emergency food supplies for one weekly food distribution site

If you need housing or food access resources, click here.