Harford Coronavirus: Foundation To Aid Residents, Nonprofits

BEL AIR, MD — An organization in Harford County is preparing to help those affected by the new coronavirus. The Community Foundation of Harford County plans to offer assistance to individuals and organizations that need help as a result of the pandemic.

People can donate to one of two funds to offer their support. One fund will benefit residents who get the virus. The other will go toward organizations serving people affected by the illness.

Three people in Harford County have tested positive for the new coronavirus as of Thursday morning, according to state health data. However, after an 88 percent rise in cases in the past two days, Gov. Larry Hogan warned the public about the "rapid escalation" of the virus.

It prompted the governor to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people Thursday as well as the closure of enclosed malls and entertainment venues, days after he ordered the closure of gyms, theaters, dine-in restaurants and bars.

"Everyone is hearing about restaurant workers for now that are out of work, but we all understand that in the coming weeks, layoffs are going to be affecting other types of businesses," Community Foundation of Harford County Executive Director Jennifer Farrell told Patch Thursday afternoon.

"When you think of everything that could happen you want to do something," Farrell said. "We're all interconnected."

The Community Foundation of Harford County is a public entity that collects funds and connects them with local nonprofit organizations and the people they serve.

In the days ahead, the Community Foundation of Harford County will be reaching out to churches and other organizations to find out what their needs might be, then it will announce how people can apply for aid through an open grant process, Farrell said.

People can donate online or by mailing a check to Community Foundation of Harford County, P.O. Box 612, Bel Air, MD 21014.

Those who would like to donate to organizations providing direct services to individuals who have the new coronavirus to help cover rent, fuel and food should select the foundation's "Help Your Neighbor Fund," designed to provide emergency assistance to residents of Harford County.

The foundation will also give money to organizations that provide additional services for impacted individuals. To give to this cause, people should select the "Harford County Cares Fund."

"Everyone and anyone can help by contributing to these funds," Farrell said in a statement. "The funds address any and all needs arising from this terrible situation, are directed 100 percent towards Harford County residents, and all donations are tax-deductible."

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus: Child Tests Positive, Malls To Close, Gov. Says
• Harford County Declares State Of Emergency Due To Coronavirus