Rebuilding Women Initiative

Smiling mother and young daughter hugging closely.
Rebuilding Women 2
Rebuilding Women 3

AWF is committed to ensuring women and girls in our communities are not left behind. We choose to challenge the negative affect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women by providing funding and support to the nonprofit organizations that are helping women to eliminate barriers and lead healthy, safe, and economically self-sufficient lives.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected women. The unemployment rate for all Georgia women doubled from 3 percent before the pandemic to 6 percent, and women of color have been most impacted. As of December 2020, 1 in 4 child care providers remained closed and remote learning continues to challenge women and girls in our community. Instead of the growing progress we had been seeing for women in metro Atlanta, the pandemic is setting women back months if not years.

At AWF, we are committed to helping women build back their lives. In an effort to address the needs of nonprofit organizations serving women impacted by COVID-19, AWF has established the Rebuilding Women Initiative.

Through the Rebuilding Women Initiative, AWF aims to build upon the progress of the 2020 COVID-19 Grantee Relief Fund and address the intersecting barriers women and girls face in the wake of the pandemic. This program will enable women and girls to have access to mental and physical healthcare, and safe shelter so they will not be in danger of abuse or other harm.

Additionally, women will receive mortgage relief, rent, utilities, and grocery assistance to prevent homelessness, and access to safe, quality childcare so they can keep their jobs.

Behind every number is a woman…

Carol* was living with her daughter and grandchild in a rental home, waiting to close on their new mortgage from an AWF grantee partner. A caregiver at heart, Carol worked in a child care center and her daughter worked in the food service industry, but both were laid off in March when the pandemic hit.

This loss of two incomes was devastating. Carol was unsure how long the layoffs would last or how long they could keep up with their rent and living expenses. By the third month without a paycheck, Carol and her daughter were struggling to even put food on the table.

Worried about still qualifying for the mortgage for their new home, Carol turned to the AWF grantee partner for help. Carol received the assistance she needed when struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic. Through the AWF Covid-19 relief fund, Carol was able to catch up on her rent payments and received forbearance on her rent for 3-months.

Carol burst into tears when she learned she could receive rental assistance. In a year where home is more important than ever, Carol was grateful to be able to stay at home safely with her family. Today, Carol and her daughter are getting back to work and are closing on their new mortgage.

 

*pseudonym used to protect grantee client

Give to help women like Carol.

Yes, I want to make a donation to help women rebuild and have access to mental and physical healthcare, financial assistance, and child care assistance.

2020 COVID-19 Grantee Relief Fund Outcomes:

Women living at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines had access to housing and shelter, financial assistance, healthcare, or employment opportunities.
Received healthcare services including, but not limited to, chronic care management, mental health care, reproductive care, general vaccinations, and COVID-19 testing.
Received financial assistance for housing, utilities, and groceries.
%
Of women served were African American/Black. 31% of women served were Latina.

2022 Grantees