What a year it’s been since I sat down to write for our last annual newsletter! Then, I was just settling into my new position here at Chatelain Real Estate and was looking forward to a wonderful year. What’s that they say about ‘the best laid plans’? While the Cape has been experiencing a record-breaking real estate market, many people and businesses are living with the uncertainty of whether they’ll be able to support themselves through the coming year. One thing I love about living on Cape Cod is the spirit of community, so if you’d like to donate to support our local individuals, businesses, or non-profits -- or if you’re in need of resources yourself! -- check out the following funds:
Housing Assistance Corporation created a workforce housing relief fund to provide some financial relief for individuals and families struggling to stay afloat. Keeping people stably housed is always important, and doubly so during a pandemic! HAC has a long history of helping local residents find and maintain housing, and connecting them with appropriate financial and social services.
The Cape Cod Resilience Fund is the brainchild of Love Live Local, an amazing nonprofit that spotlights and supports local businesses and vendors. The fund provides grant money to small business owners who have been impacted by Covid, whether from lockdown or a reduced ability to do business. Love Live Local has a store on Main Street in Hyannis and hosts a number of markets throughout the year for local makers to showcase their wares!
The Cape & Islands United Way’s Covid-19 Community Response Fund is channeling money to their existing and new non-profit partners. As lockdown went into effect just after the 2020 grant review process, the United Way decided to prioritize initiatives supporting housing and financial stability. The Community Response Fund continues this work by giving money to organizations that help with food, shelter, and emergency assistance.
Hopefully, by the end of this year, things will be a bit more ‘normal’ -- but until then, give if you can, be kind to each other, and wear your mask!