COVID-19 Update For Our Supporters

By now, most of you reading this message have been working from home and practicing social distancing to keep safe during this uncertain time. I wanted to let you know how Greater Cleveland Community Shares is responding as an organization.

First of all, I want to thank our supporters who continue to make unrestricted funding available to our 40 member organizations. Some of our members are very small one- person offices, and others have many employees or even multiple offices throughout the state. But they all know that they can rely on Shares to provide them essential operating support each quarter. As we prepare to distribute our first quarter 2020 distribution checks, I am deeply appreciative of the nearly 3,900 donors whose contributions these checks represent. Your donations are helping keep the doors open to serve those in need across Greater Cleveland. Thank you. You are already helping.

To protect the health and safety of our community, Community Shares is following the advice of public health experts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our Perkins Avenue office will be closed as of 5 p.m. Monday, March 16. The closure policy aligns with Governor DeWine's Stay at Home Order.

Staff will be working from home and can be reached best by email:

• Cynthia Ries, Executive Director, cynthia@communityshares.org
• Miranda Moulton, Campaign & Membership Manager, miranda@communityshares.org

For those of you looking to take action amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the resources below:

Where can I find emergency financial resources to help with COVID-19 hardships?

Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Resources

Student Meals & Free Food

NEOCH Petition: Ohio needs an Eviction Moratorium & Homelessness Prevention Resources

Many of our members have already followed suit and are continuing to maintain their community services remotely. We encourage you to check in with them as situations change daily. However, some of our member nonprofits remain open and are still offering services to the public: 

Cleveland Animal Protective League

Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center

Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential (LEAP)

May Dugan Center

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH)

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio

Preterm

Providence House

Women's Recovery Center

We suggest that you connect with Community Shares’ Facebook page and subscribe to our e-news to keep up to date on their activities, as well as current needs in the community.

Wishing you safety and good health,

Cynthia Ries,

Executive Director