The Actors Fund has distributed more than $10.5 million to members of the arts community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The amount, distributed over eight weeks, is a record for the Actors Fund and comes in at more than five times than the amount typically distributed in a year. The funds provide emergency financial need to members to buy essential medications, food and support housing costs and utilities.
Joseph Benincasa, president and chief executive of the Actors Fund, praised the efforts of the unions and members of the entertainment community who have helped raise funds so far, while speaking to a continued and increasing need going forward.
“It is an unbelievable honor to be able to do so much good for so many people, thanks to the unprecedented level of support we continue to receive,” Benincasa said in a press release.” It’s also important to note that this is by no means a victory lap. In the coming months, we anticipate helping our entertainment industry colleagues navigate issues such as union health insurance, the new COVID-economy, mental health support, addiction and recovery resources, affordable housing, securing government resources, and more. The level of need is overwhelming, and our work has only just begun.”
