Community Corner
Councilmember Lee And The Change Reaction Offer Community Relief
District 12 Councilmember John Lee has teamed up with The Change Reaction to provide relief to struggling residents and businesses.
NORTHRIDGE — Good news, District 12: help may be on the way. Councilmember John Lee has again teamed up with The Change Reaction nonprofit to create two new programs to help residents and small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A Helping Hand” grocery assistance program will help individuals facing food insecurity, and the CD12 Small Business Angel Fund will offer interest-free loans and many other forms of support to struggling small businesses.
“There’s no denying that residents are struggling as a result of the measures we’ve taken,” said District 12 Councilmember John Lee. “We have an obligation to do everything we can to not only help our residents get their very basic needs met, but to also support the business community so that our economy can rebound when we are ready to lift the stay at home order.”
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One program, called "A Helping Hand", will offer grocery gift cards to District 12 residents experiencing food insecurity due to a loss of job or income as a result of the pandemic, especially if they are not receiving other forms of government assistance.
The Small Business Angel Fund will offer district businesses interest-free loans, flexible repayment options, and expert assistance with credit assessments, restructuring leases, and reviewing operational plans. To be eligible, businesses must be located in District 12, submit proof of 12 months of timely rent paid through March 2020, and have submitted and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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“What we’re trying to do here is provide a simple, streamlined process to continue helping local small businesses and families in need,” said Greg Perlman. “We all have a role to play in supporting the most vulnerable during this crisis. My wife and I have decided to substantially increase our philanthropy during this crisis because if not now, when? I’m glad that together with Councilman Lee, we can build on the success of our previous partnership to provide some relief.”
To apply for either program, visit www.CD12.org.
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