SAN DIEGO–Eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) remains committed to helping San Diegans of all faiths, backgrounds, and ages maintain stability through this crisis and beyond.
Today, JFS released statistics to demonstrate the region’s increased need for assistance during the pandemic. The 102-year-old nonprofit has also announced a new, “Triple Your Impact Giving Tuesday” donation match challenge for the JFS COVID-19 Relief Fund on Dec. 1.
JFS’s COVID-19 Relief Fund responds to the urgent needs facing San Diego’s most vulnerable community members as a result of the pandemic. Funds help provide home-delivered meals and free groceries; direct funds for rent/mortgage, utilities, medical and other expenses; transportation support, such as gas cards, car repairs and insurance; and much more.
As of November 8, increased need for financial assistance in the wake of COVID-19 can be seen in the significant rise in San Diegans requesting aid for specific purposes, compared to pre-COVID levels, such as:
- Rent/mortgage assistance: 76% of recipients (12% pre-COVID)
- Unemployment: 56% of recipients (26% pre-COVID)
- Lack of health insurance: 41% of recipients (13% pre-COVID)
This year, all Giving Tuesday gifts up to $55,000 will be matched 2:1 for triple the impact. These matching funds have been made possible thanks to the generosity of B.J. Adelson, Endeavor Bank, Kay and Bill Gurtin, Leonard Hirsch, Sharon and Raulf Polichar, Nessim Tiano, and an anonymous donor.
“In response to the pandemic, Jewish Family Service is helping more people than ever,” said CEO Michael Hopkins. “The pandemic is unique, affecting many people who are seeking help for the very first time in their lives. The comprehensive support we provide is only possible because of the generous support of the community, our dedicated volunteers and all our partners – we are thankful for everyone who supports us and has stepped up to advance our mission. For those who are able, we hope you can join us for Giving Tuesday to triple your impact.”
Modified or increased services and current results include:
- Home-delivered Meals for Older Adults: In late March, the County of San Diego asked JFS to increase its number of home-delivered meals for isolated seniors from 400 to more than 1,600 per day. JFS created two shifts in its Loonin Family Kitchen and transitioned staff in other departments to the kitchen to accommodate the need.
- Over 896,000 meals have been delivered to older adults at home since the start of the pandemic. This is a more than 2,000% increase in meals delivered.
- Over 896,000 meals have been delivered to older adults at home since the start of the pandemic. This is a more than 2,000% increase in meals delivered.
- No-touch, Drive-thru Food Distribution: Anyone in critical need can pick up bags of fresh and non-perishable food at the JFS Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa every Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bags come stocked with a variety of fresh produce, dried/canned goods and other pantry staples.
- An average of 600 families is served each week by this new service, with JFS providing about 330,000 meals to date.
- An average of 600 families is served each week by this new service, with JFS providing about 330,000 meals to date.
- Senior Services: JFS continues to offer a variety of programming for older adults – with virtual meetups including tea-time, chair exercise routines, musical performances, and more. The organization also provides remote technology assistance for older adults who need help with their computers, Zoom, the internet, etc. As the largest transportation provider for seniors in the county, JFS maintains its “On the Go” rides for older adults for vital needs, including doctor’s appointments and grocery store trips.
- “On the Go” has provided more than 9,700 critical rides to seniors from May through September 2020.
- “On the Go” has provided more than 9,700 critical rides to seniors from May through September 2020.
- JFS Safe Parking Program: The JFS Safe Parking Program is a program funded by the City of San Diego operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego to provide people experiencing homelessness a safe space to sleep in their car for the night, along with case managers and housing specialists to help individuals and families move out of their vehicles and into more stable housing.
- During the pandemic, the program has served a total of 916 clients.
- During the pandemic, the program has served a total of 916 clients.
- Access Calls: To help direct people to available resources, JFS runs a confidential access line at 858-637-3210. Regular business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Since March, JFS has received 11,400-plus calls for assistance. This is over five times the number of typical calls.
To learn more or donate, visit www.jfssd.org/givingtuesday.
