INDIANAPOLIS — The African-American community is one of the hardest hit when it comes to COVID-19. Researchers said not only are they testing positive at a higher rate than other races, but economic impacts are also taking a toll.
One organization is working to provide basic needs and a sense of hope for communities in need.
The Indianapolis Urban League's mission is to help African-Americans and other minorities achieve social and economic equality.
Packing boxes and providing food — this is just one way the Indianapolis Urban League is helping those in need right now. The organization said so many people lost their job or were laid off due to the pandemic the need right now is at an all-time high.
Tony Mason, president of the Indianapolis Urban League, said they are also helping people pay their rent and other bills, something made more possible thanks to $250,000 in funding from the COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund.
"You can't take the small things for granted," Mason said. "Well, we know that things are starting to open back up in the community that doesn't mean that people get their jobs back, that doesn't mean that their wages are restored."
Jerome Turner is just one of many out of work due to the pandemic. He said he's making it by thanks to help from the Indianapolis Urban League.
"They paid my rent and my utilities, my car for a month," Turner said. "They just came through, they just relieved a whole lot of stress and gave me more time to plan for how I was going to make it through the rest of the pandemic."
It's also providing a sense of security and hope for the future.
"I don't really feel like I have any worries because I have the support of the Indianapolis Urban League," Turner said.
