Debra Cherif: “I truly appreciate your help!”
by Stephanie Kalele, Donor Relations Manager
When New Yorkers were asked to shelter at home at the start of the pandemic, Debra Cherif, a resident of Astoria Houses, spent her little savings to buy enough food and essential household items to safely isolate at home. Because she faces an increased risk for severe illness from the virus due to her underlying health conditions, Debra was unsure when she would be able to go buy groceries again.
As the pandemic worsened so did her finances. Soon she found herself a month behind in her rent. This situation took a toll on her mental health, feeling an increasing sense of anxiety from the possibility of getting evicted. Then an Urban Upbound team member introduced her to our COVID-19 Basic Needs Grant in November.
This was not Debra’s first contact with Urban Upbound. She joined our Jobs-Plus Astoria program in 2018. One morning, as she rode her motorized wheelchair past our office, she was greeted by a team member. Debra stopped to chat and hear more about our services. She began working with our financial counselor and using our computer lab together with her husband to work on his citizenship application, something they weren’t able to do at home. A regular participant of our community events ever since, Debra attended a turkey giveaway event this past November, during which learned about the direct grants program we created to help pay rent, utility bills, and other debt incurred by NYCHA residents as a direct consequence of the pandemic. Following a quick application process, she was awarded a grant to cover the outstanding balance of her rent.
“I am proud of you for using your personal fund during a pandemic to contribute to lower-income families who are hardest hit right now. I truly appreciate your help!”
The Basic Needs Grant and our other relief and recovery efforts are only possible thanks to the donations and contributions we have received. During a recent conversation with Debra, she asked us to deliver this message to our donors: “I am proud of you for using your personal fund during a pandemic to contribute to lower-income families who are hardest hit right now. I truly appreciate your help!”. She also shared with us some of her philosophical views, namely that it isn’t about how much money one makes, but what we do with that money that matters. We agree.
Urban Upbound continues to serve the families who need a hand up during this difficult period. From food and direct financial assistance to employment and financial counseling, your donation makes it possible for us to keep providing these key services. If you’d like to learn more about our impact and work, please follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube) or subscribe to our newsletter.
