MASK-ER-AID PPE Distribution Updates
While we dedicated our public voice throughout the month of July to showcasing extraordinary Black female and non-binary artists, our Mask-ER-Aid project moved forward behind the scenes.
Through our partnership with ProvidePPE, Artists’ Resource Mobilization, and PPEforHCP, we have delivered much-needed supplies to hospitals, nursing homes, food banks, free clinics, schools, LGBTQ+ youth centers, and more. In the month of July alone, we successfully delivered over 22,000 face masks and 200 face shields to people in need across the country.
Our distribution has reached: Chicago, Detroit, the Bay Area, Houston, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Each team has worked hard to identify high-risk areas in these communities, communicating with both residents and Congresspeople to pinpoint organizations in desperate need of PPE.We are proud to announce that PPEforHCP has achieved their own 501(c)(3) status! They are now able to accept tax-exempt donations without our fiscal sponsorship. We’re happy to have had the opportunity to foster their mission, and look forward to our continued partnership.
We have a second round of keffiyeh masks available to purchase on Etsy through Artists’ Resource Mobilization! Any fabric mask purchased from ARM not only keeps you and your community safe but directly helps a Chicago artist earn a living wage during the pandemic. ARM is working on creating other much-needed items like bunny suits and medical gowns. Just like their face masks, these materials are made by skilled professionals earning a living wage. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to ARM should you know any medical professionals in need of this equipment.As we see the second wave of COVID-19 begin to take hold, and witness its lasting impact on marginalized communities across the country, we hope that you’ll continue to support our efforts, and those of our partners at ProvidePPE, PPEforHCP, and Artists’ Resource Mobilization.