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Atlanta groups give out $100,000 to help needy families during pandemic

Kimberly Dukes, executive director of Atlanta Thrive
Kimberly Dukes, executive director of Atlanta Thrive
By
July 2, 2020

Two Atlanta parent groups are distributing $100,000 to families who need help with housing and other basic needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The groups Atlanta Thrive and Latino Association for Parents in Public Schools have provided financial assistance to more than 190 families so far. On average, families receive $299 to $599 in "hardship grants" to help buy food, pay rent and take care of other needs.

The funding came from RedefinEd Atlanta, an Atlanta-based education nonprofit.

“For parents who were struggling to make ends meet before the pandemic, this crisis has made matters worse, and they need help,” said Kimberly Dukes, executive director of Atlanta Thrive, in a written statement.

Roughly $75,000 was distributed beginning June 1 to families who applied for help. Organizers said that within five hours of opening the application window, demand surpassed supply. 
The remaining $25,000 will be distributed by LAPPS, which is working with the Atlanta Public Schools' partnership office to identify families in need.

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