Alicia's House Receives $20,000 COVID-19 Grant

The Covid-19 pandemic has had two major negative effects on food pantries. Many pantries have been forced to close either temporarily or permanently. As a result, more people are unemployed and more people are looking to the remaining food pantries for assistance. This puts even more pressure on the remaining food pantries, that were already overworked and under pressure.

Through it all, Alicia's House continues to do great work. Alicia's House is a food pantry started by Grandma Stella and Poppy Juan to honor Alicia, a young girl who passed away in 2001. Located in Chicago, Heights, IL, the non-for profit food pantry supplies food to hungry families. Each food bag contains a special little treat as an homage to Alicia, who had done the same years ago while working next to her grandmother at the church pantry.

Because of the current pandemic, Alicia's House is facing an increase of 78% in the number of families they are serving compared to this time last year. That number is expected to grow as more people turn to Alicia's House for help. As the number grows, the burden on Alicia's House grows.

Fortunately, there is good news in the form of Blue Cross of Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) awarding Alicia's House a $20,000 grant, as part of BCBSIL’s $1.5 million COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund. BCBSIL selected 75 organizations across Illinois with missions focused on access to care, hunger and shelter to receive $20,000 grants to rapidly help address to the current crisis.

President of BCBSIL Steve Hamman stated, “While we continue to help ensure our members have access to the care and coverage they need, these grants allow us to broaden our impact and make a difference in the lives of so many.” In a press release, Alicia's House responded, “The COVID-19 Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will help us to meet this demand and ensure that our services will not only help our current families, but will also help the many children, adults, and seniors who are seeking our help during this pandemic.”

The $20,000 grant will provide immense relief, but Alicia's House still needs help from those who can. In times like these, it is easy to focus on our own situations and forget those less fortunate.

I was introduced to Alicia's House by my dear friends Glen and Alicia Rylko, who often volunteer and always spread the word on Alicia's House. Their efforts inspire me and I do my best to shine the light on Alicia's House.

These are the most challenging of times for us, but let's not forget those less fortunate who have been impacted much more than us. Alicia's House remains a positive force in the community. The BCBSIL grant helps and folks like Glen and Alicia continue to tremendous work, but Alicia's House can always use more help. I certainly know they appreciate any and all forms of assistance.

For more info, go to AliciasHouse.org. Also, follow Alicia's House on Facebook.