St. Margaret’s Community Outreach, which operates at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Carrollton, Georgia, has received multiple grants in the total amount of $15,000 to aid people in the community at risk of being evicted from apartments and hotels amidst the shelter-in-place order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of West Georgia, SMCO and several other non-profit organizations in Carroll County were given grants to sustain people during the COVID-19 crisis. SMCO, which usually helps with direct service on financial needs, food, and laundry services, was asked to focus primarily on issues of shelter. With the shelter-in-place order, it is paramount for people to be able to stay in their current living situations. Initially with a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation and with their own budget, SMCO Director Meghan Bennett and St. Margaret’s Senior Warden Marcy Brewer dispersed funds to those living in apartments and hotels. Most of these people are working; however, they have been given limited hours or have recently been laid off.

Bennett applied for a second grant in the amount of $10,000 to continue the work, and the Community Foundation awarded it immediately. They are getting 12 to 15 calls per week from people in need, which is an increase of the number of weekly calls they get normally. They are prioritizing to people who have been directly affected by COVID-19. Since March 31, they have helped 26 families stay in the places they are sheltered.

In addition, SMCO has directed their food efforts to community partners such as Open Hands Ministries, and also have been providing laundry items to the Carroll County Emergency Shelter. Every week, the directors of non-profits in Carroll County have an online meeting to collaborate and support one another.

SMCO continues to take donations as they continue to adapt their work to meet the needs of the Carroll County community during this crisis. For more information, please visit St. Margaret’s donation page.