Angelia L. Davis, Greenville News Published 8:04 a.m. ET March 30, 2020 | Updated 2:06 p.m. ET March 31, 2020
In a matter of days, Greer Relief went from being a healthy, vibrant nonprofit organization helping people getting past a crisis to being an organization in crisis itself.
That’s how Caroline Robertson, the organization’s executive director, describes the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the Greer-based nonprofit that has helped fight poverty and homelessness since 1936.
People asking Greer Relief for help with utility bills, mortgages, rent and groceries has grown “rampant” — from an average of 20 people a week to 38 in four days. Yet, donations of food and money are “grossly limited.”
More: Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus in South Carolina
“We right, now don’t know day to day how many of us are going to be affected by this as well,” Robertson said.
Last week, the organization, had a staffer in quarantine. Another one was not feeling “great,” and volunteers are few.
“We’re doing well checks on a daily basis just to make sure that our team members are staying safe,” she said. “Right now, I have one team member working for me, and we’re trying to keep our head above water.”
Greer Relief’s story is similar to those of many local nonprofits because of the pandemic. Many have had to postpone major fundraisers and temporarily close their doors to the public for health and social distancing purposes, all during a time when a growing number of people are seeking their services.