COVID-19 Response

Making vital needs accessible.

Many people released from prisons and jails are homeless and penniless, lacking family support and meaningful opportunities. The spread of Covid-19 has complicated this already difficult situation, making it even more challenging. While it has been imperative to release vulnerable people from dangerous conditions as quickly as possible, formerly incarcerated people are entering an environment where jobs and opportunities, already limited under normal circumstances, are rapidly disappearing, many food pantries are closing and health resources are overburdened. 

Most people are also released into working class or struggling communities of color that are increasingly bearing the brunt of the virus, with more than twice the number of deaths as white neighborhoods. These challenges may be especially acute for formerly incarcerated women, who often have children and financial burdens, and LGBTQ+ people, who may be unable to draw on families for support. 

There is an urgent need for organizations with deep experience working with formerly incarcerated people to step into this crisis situation to provide emergency food support. Witness has received Covid-19 funding and we are distributing $100 food gift cards.