Military Friends Foundation Launches COVID-19 Massachusetts Military Relief Fund
March 30, 2020 – Today Military Friends Foundation 501c3, announced it is launching the “COVID-19 Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund” and pledging $100,000 to support these efforts. “With the COVID-19 health crisis sweeping across the Nation, we are aware of the enormous challenges our service members and their families will face in the coming weeks and months,” said Sarah Sweeney, Army Wife & Executive Director of Military Friends Foundation. “During this pandemic, our Warriors are standing on the frontlines fighting this medical war. Our mission is to stand up and support them.” The Fund is seeking support from the public to raise an additional $100,000 to help meet these critical needs. 100% of donations will go to provide relief to those left vulnerable by the pandemic.
Through a collaboration with the state’s Department of Veterans’ Services and Massachusetts National Guard, the Fund will give immediate financial support to Massachusetts military families and Families of Fallen Service Members. The Fund will initially provide grants for essential financial help so families may quickly purchase groceries, health supplies and other necessities in their own communities. It will also provide funds to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) for Service Members. The Fund will serve military families across the Commonwealth by bringing support directly to them.
“During a time like this we need to continue protecting our brothers and sisters who sacrificed for this country. Thank you to the Military Friends Foundation for stepping up and lending a helping hand to our Commonwealth’s Veterans, Gold Star Families, and military families to ensure they have the resources to face the challenges of COVID-19,” said Massachusetts Veterans’ Services Secretary Francisco Ureña.
Governor Charlie Baker has activated National Guardmembers to provide critical community support including the transportation of supplies and setting-up medical sites for screening and care as the Commonwealth takes action to combat COVID-19. “Thousands more stand by, ready for activation,” said Brigadier General Frank Magurn of the Massachusetts National Guard. “Many of these soldiers and Airmen, as members of the broad and diverse workforce in Massachusetts, are feeling the impact of layoffs and business closures on their family income. This Fund will provide meaningful support as they prepare to respond to the needs of the Commonwealth.”
Military families are facing many unique challenges in the wake of COVID-19. The Pentagon has halted official travel, including permanent change of station (PCS) moves leaving some families paying for two households and others strained overseas waiting to come home from a deployment. Even before this crisis, military spouses face a national unemployment rate of more than 18%. Like many, military families are also confronted with the daunting challenge of school and day care closures which can create significant barriers to access an adequate food supply.
Once again the Military Friends Foundation, an outstanding organization, is front and center to provide needed support for those who protect us. We are very thankful for their generosity and help as we face this crisis together,” said Rep. Linda Dean Campbell, Army Veteran and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
“We are all in this pandemic together and as a society we must support those who protect us. These frontline heroes, one and all, and their families, have always made sacrifices in defending our great nation. I’m so thankful that the Military Friends Foundation is leading the charge to help our service men and women in this perilous time,” said State Senator Walter F. Timilty, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
To apply or donate visit www.militaryfriends.org/covid-19-massachusetts-military-family-relief-fund or call 1-84-HELP-VETS. Donations can also be sent to “COVID MA Military Relief Fund c/o Military Friends Foundation”, 6 Beacon Street Suite 200, Boston, MA 02108.
