Now that easy online/app/text giving is possible while we are not meeting in person, St. John’s invites members and friends to support a particular need in Greater Cincinnati.  Immigrants who have lost work are generally not receiving unemployment nor stimulus funds.

The Sanctuary and Immigration Team has learned that while some agencies have helped pay rent for March and April, vulnerable residents are still unable to work and pay bills.

The Heartfelt Tidbits agency, which offers programs to support refugees and recent immigrants living in Southwestern Ohio, is currently also collecting money to help pay rent for unemployed refugees and immigrants.

Our May 24 service weekend will include an opportunity for us to electronically “split the plate” via GIVEPLUS+ with Heartfelt Tidbits, specifically to provide rent support for people in need.

Here is a note from the executive director of Heartfelt Tidbits, Sheryl Rajbhandari:

“Please enjoy the latest Newsletter for Heartfelt Tidbits.  During COVID-19 Heartfelt Tidbits has been busy with weekly food deliveries for some of the neediest of those in the community who don’t have transportation to local food banks.  In addition, with funding from United Way and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Heartfelt Tidbits was selected to receive funding to pay rent for the families they had identified as being at risk for homelessness without assistance. 

While the finances weren’t enough to cover 100 percent of the bill, it was enough to pay rent for families in April and some in May.  Future donations are being allocated towards the rent relief fund until all families have been covered.  Due to Heartfelt Tidbits only having one full time and a part-time person, all of their overhead cost is covered by revenue earned from a specific project; therefore, 100% of the donations go towards programming and our newest neighbors.  Thank you!”

Of course, you can give before then if you’d like.  Find the ways to give via the GIVEPLUS+ methods listed at stjohnsuu.org/donate. You can choose “Split the Plate” and online, you can designate how much of your gift goes to St. John’s and how much to Heartfelt Tidbits.  If you use the mobile app and select “Split the plate,” your gift will be equally divided between St. John’s and Heartfelt Tidbits.

Thank you.