Hotels and other businesses have been laying off or furloughing employees amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Karidat extended food assistance in January to 367 families; in February, 504; in March, 940; in April, 813; in May 893; and in June, 232.
But Dela Cruz said this month, the number is picking up again. As of July 22, Karidat had already helped 340 families.
“It slowed down in June, but we think it’s because of stimulus checks,” Karidat Executive Director Lauri Ogumoro said.
A church-based charitable organization, Karidat is giving food certificates to people who need help.
Ogumoro said this assistance may not be enough, so they advise recipients to also seek help from the Empty Vessel Ministry and the Salvation Army or, if they are eligible, from the Nutrition Assistance Program .
“What we are giving out to people is something that is donated to us,” Ogumoro said. “We do not discriminate, but we want to be able to serve people who don’t have access to federal assistance. We are trying to fill in the gap of an unmet need.”
