COVID-19 Community Action Fund

KACF is unwavering in our commitment to lifting up vulnerable Korean Americans during difficult times and ensuring their economic security in the longer term. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been communicating closely with our grantee partners, many of whom are at the frontlines, providing essential services to vulnerable populations during this time. Many had to find creative ways to continue delivering on their mission for the community, while taking necessary measures to protect the health of their staff, volunteers and clients. 

2020 Phase I – Emergency Relief

In March 2020, we launched the COVID-19 Community Action Fund to provide immediate and emergency relief to our nonprofit partners.

Thanks to generous donations from the community, we distributed three rounds of grants. The funds help to spearhead urgent relief efforts for individuals and families affected by COVID-19, including:  

• Korean language assistance to complete applications for unemployment and small business relief 
• Increased counseling on domestic violence 
• Meal deliveries 
• A Korean-language COVID-19 health hotline

• Mental health support 
• Emergency cash assistance for those excluded from federal emergency payments 
• Shelter for homeless Korean Americans

We also supported the important work to address growing anti-Asian racism in our community.  

© Korean Community Services (KCS)

 2021 Phase II – Long-Term Recovery

Today, infection rates are at record levels, people of color continue to be disproportionately impacted by the health and economic effects of COVID-19, and families are struggling to recover. Here’s what our grantee partners are reporting:

• A nearly 120% increase in food needs at the Food Pantry program at the YWCA of Queens. An additional 200-300 families are still seeking assistance.
• A 50% increase in reported domestic violence at the Korean American Family Service Center. Vulnerable families are experiencing greater stress and anxiety around financial hardships.
• An unemployment rate of over 60% in personal care services in NYC, such as nail salons and dry cleaners, which are some of the top industries employing Korean American workers, according to the Asian American Federation.

KACF has launched Phase II of our COVID-19 Community Action Fund, focusing on the short- to long-term recovery of individuals and families who need an urgent lift to regain their livelihoods. We need your help to provide immediate relief grants to assist in the stabilization and recovery of Korean American lives and livelihoods.