Christopher Gil, Senior Content Marketing Manager
(415) 282-3334 ext. 152
cgil@medasf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2014
Mission Economic Development Agency Partners with HandUp
Helping low-income Mission District Latinos with the direct donations platform
San Francisco, CA— Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), providing over four decades of asset building for Latinos in the Mission District of San Francisco, announces a partnership with HandUp, a direct donations platform for neighbors in need, to create localized impact in the Mission District community.
MEDA is using HandUp’s platform to garner donations from friends, family and community members, 100% of which will be used for such basic needs as food, clothing or housing, to items like technology and job training (learn more).
MEDA’s clients often need access to capital for myriad reasons and HandUp provides a new way to fundraise flexible resources. Some clients may need the money to pay for immigration attorneys. Others may not be able to submit payment for a DACA fee. There can be medical bills in collections. Then there are microbusiness licensing fees or even interview apparel when seeking a new job.
“I had been looking for another way to assist our clients, so HandUp affords MEDA that opportunity. I envision many clients being helped,” says Jackie Marcelos, MEDA Financial Capability Program Manager.
MEDA clients can create a profile with a fundraising goal alongside their personal story, background and long-term goals, all facilitated through MEDA. HandUp offers the possibility of anonymity, assuaging any prospective shame around needing to ask for assistance. With every donation or words of support from donors, the client receives a text message or email notification.
For donors who prefer to give a general donation rather than directly to an individual, MEDA has a landing page with a general fund that is then distributed to clients based on urgency and need.
“MEDA’s work with low-income residents of the Mission empowers their clients with education and resources to rise above poverty,” claims Rose Broome, Co-founder & CEO of HandUp. “We built HandUp as a new way to make a difference for neighbors in need, and that’s the impact we’re seeing with our community partners like MEDA. We are thrilled to be a part of MEDA’s efforts in the fight against urban poverty.”
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About HandUp
HandUp is crowdfunding for homeless people and neighbors in need, providing a way for anyone to donate directly to individuals. 100% of donations go toward basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. HandUp partners with on-the-ground social service organizations that provide assistance and case management services to low-income and at-risk individuals and families. Learn more at www.handup.us.
About MEDA
Since 1973, MEDA has worked to improve economic and social conditions in the Mission District by stimulating investment, enhancing the business environment and creating jobs for area residents.
