One year in, reflecting on the pandemic in our community

← Back to Blog March 18, 2021 by COVID-19 Response
Collage of people learning masks and helping others

This month marks one year since life in Greater Cleveland was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past 12 months, the challenges have been profound; lives and livelihoods have been lost, and deep-seated disparities across nearly every measure of wellbeing in our community have widened. In the midst of all of this, we have also seen the incredible generosity, creativity and resiliency of Greater Clevelanders in action. We would like to extend our deep gratitude to the frontline workers and everyone who has given their time, dollars and other resources to help Greater Cleveland navigate this crisis. Whether you have found yourself in a position to give help or receive help over the course of the pandemic, it has reminded us that we are all in this together. The Cleveland Foundation remains committed to addressing the immediate needs of our community while we also consider the systemic issues that have been further illuminated by the pandemic and its effects.

The Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund continues vital support to frontline nonprofits

The Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund continues to support local frontline nonprofits providing vital relief and serving basic needs in our community. Since establishing the Fund one year ago, the community has now provided more than $11.5 million to more than 200 frontline organizations. Check out this video highlighting the Fund’s impact: 

The Fund welcomes applications from nonprofits seeking support to address the areas of basic needs, housing, PPE, testing and vaccination access. The partners are especially interested in addressing emerging needs related to mental health and/or substance abuse services. Applicants are asked to demonstrate that the program or project will have a direct impact on reducing the spread of COVID-19 among our community’s most vulnerable populations. Learn more about the Fund’s grantmaking and how nonprofit organizations can apply here.

Support the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

This crisis is ongoing and the needs in our community continue to be immense. We have demonstrated what is possible when we combine our resources and work together. We must continue to leverage our collective power for good – our community is counting on us. Contributions to the second phase of the Fund have already exceeded $4.5 million. Support the community by making a tax-deductible gift to the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund here.

Ohio expands access to the COVID vaccine; mass vaccination program opens in Cleveland

Governor DeWine has announced expanded eligibility guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccine, with all adults ages 40+ eligible to get vaccinated beginning March 19. People ages 16+ will be eligible beginning March 29.

The COVID-19 mass vaccination center at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University opened this week! Appointments for eligible Ohioans are being made available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, through May 5.

There is no cost to get a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you don’t have health insurance. Learn more and schedule your FREE vaccination online through the Ohio Department of Health here or through Cuyahoga County here, or by phone at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.

Many people have questions about the vaccine, and local groups are working to provide answers and information – click here to learn more.

Staying safe with the latest public health information

For the latest COVID-19 information and guidance, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or your county board of health website:

Guest voices: reflections on COVID’s impact

Guest contributors on our blog share their reflections on ways that the pandemic has affected various groups in our community, from college students to people living and working in Cuyahoga County senior centers: