Fund aims to brief financial relief to Black community

Applications opened up Monday.

Counties report no new cases.

Financial relief is on the way for members of oregon's black community... who have suffered because of the pandemic.

Kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy tells us who qualifies and what this could mean for those who do.

Oregon has received nearly $1.4 billion of covid-19 funding from the federal government.

And*now there's a fund created by a group of black lawmakers and business leaders to lend a helping hand to one demographic.

Who --- according to statistics --- have been*disproportionately affected by pandemic.

Andre: "we're a very small percentage here.

And often, even the committees and groups that make these determining factors, they often don't look like us ."

Bridge: it's called the oregon cares fund and $62 million from the state will be given to black community members who need relief because of the pandemic.

And those i spoke with today tell me... the need is great.

Andre royal sr. is a father and entrepreneur here in eugene.

He says the pandemic has taken a toll on his life --- and the black community.

Andre: 'when the community is doing well.

Whatever the demographic it is.

We have an opportunity to share and give back.

The oregon cares fund was approved last month by the state's emergency board.

The next step is for black individuals, families, business and nonprofits to apply.

Today was the first day to apply.

Sen.

Manning "it's going to be lopsided until we balance everything out.

And balancing everything out means that we provide equal opportunity and access to capital across the board evenly."

He said that his hope is for a state that's all inclusive, where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000.

The amoung depends on how hard a person or business has been hit.

Andre: "stay encouraged and keep encouraging."

Grant decisions are made by eleven black leaders on the "council of trust."

As well as two nonprofit organizations, working hand in hand.

Reporting in eugene kennedy