In times of crisis it is our community’s most vulnerable who are impacted first. For the 13.5% of families living in poverty in Tarrant County, this is that crisis. Since March, we have seen the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had on families struggling to meet their basic needs. Many families are no longer able to meet basic needs such as rent, utilities and food. Such financial instability has halted a once thriving economy putting thousands of families on the brink of homelessness and has widened the equity and economic mobility gap in Tarrant County. The widespread loss of jobs has resulted in the depletion of hard-fought savings, and recovery for low-income families will be measured in years rather than months. Mid-March, we have seen a 1,800% increase in emergency assistance requests. Pathfinders emergency assistance fund has distributed over $100,000 preventing homelessness for more than 250 families. Coupled with financial coaching, this wraparound approach helps families regain stability in the midst of hardship by addressing their immediate financial need, keeping them housed and helping them create a plan to weather this crisis. Thank you for walking along side our families in their time of need.