Father Joe’s Villages announced Friday that it established an emergency fund to raise money for the homeless during the COVID-19 crisis.
Representatives say the fund will be crucial to continue to provide shelter, health care and more for the homeless.
Qualcomm co-founder Franklin Antonio provided a $400,000 matching gift to encourage support from the community, officials said.
Father Joe’s will accept donations for the fund on its website.
There are no confirmed COVID-19 cases at the shelter. One client showed signs of symptoms Wednesday, leading to a temporary interruption in intakes.
However, a test of the client proved negative for the virus Thursday. As a result, the shelter resumed accepting intakes following direction from county officials.
Father Joe’s thrift and donation stores shuttered during the crisis. Officials also suspended pick-ups and drop-offs to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to clients and staff.
– City News Service
