ComalCountyCares.com: “Until This Is Gone, We’re Here”
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“Until This Is Gone, We’re Here.”
Comal County residents who need financial, mental, emotional and spiritual support during the COVID-19 pandemic can turn to ComalCountyCares.com in New Braunfels, which pledges to help individuals and families in crisis.
The Comal Emergency Relief Fund’s (CERF) website went live earlier this month, and its Multi-Agency Response Center (MARC) at the McKenna Events Center, 1801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, opens on Wednesday, April 1.
Participating nonprofits Community Resource and Recreation Center of Canyon Lake (CRRC), New Braunfels Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Family Life Center and Hill Country Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Center have partnered with McKenna Foundation to provide resources for families and individuals struggling in the wake of the global pandemic.
CRRC’s food pantry remains fully operational, but all other requests for assistance with rent, mortgage or utilities from Canyon Lake residents are being funneled through CERF.
“Obviously during this time a lot of our low-income families are the ones that are going to feel the pinch first and probably longest,” CRRC Development Director Maureen Schein said. “McKenna invited county agencies to be a part of the founding of this new initiative. All agencies in Comal County can refer people to that website. On the other end of the spectrum, anyone in Comal County or the country with the link can go to the same website and donate to the fund.”
To make a tax-deductible donation, click HERE or call Brit King at 830-606-9536. To contact MARC to learn more about services and eligibility, call 830-606-9512. Spanish-speaking volunteers will be available. Individuals in crisis can reach the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team at 1-877-466-0660.
Seed-funding of $50,000 for CERF was provided by the McKenna Foundation. Fundraisers hope to raise another $250,000. A local individual philanthropist has pledged $50,000.
According to the New Braunfels Community Foundation, CERF was created to provide a centralized navigation point that ensures everyone has access to the care they need.
Financial support is based on each family’s individual needs and COVID-19-related job loss, reduced income and any federal or state relief assistance that may be available. Job loss or reduction of hours must be documented. According to CERF, most employers are providing employees with letters regarding their employment status.
To apply, download forms from ComalCountyCares.com and email them or call for further information. After application and phone-screening, interviews will be scheduled by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted.
MARC provides the following resources:
- Mental health professionals
- Financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments
- Financial assistance for utility bills
- Direct food assistance
- Help acquiring P-SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Spiritual support
