Needed now more than ever

The holiday season is here and donors are searching for ways to help those in need of emergency support. The Chronicle’s Season of Sharing Fund has been instrumental in helping more than 160,000 individuals and families in the Bay Area. Since 1986, the fund has distributed more than $150 million to help prevent homelessness and hunger.

Due to the pandemic, there has been a huge uptick in the number of people who require assistance. In the past year, the annual holiday campaign raised more than $9.8 million and a COVID19 campaign raised $4.7 million for a total of $14.5 million for the year. The fund offers help to people experiencing job loss, housing insecurity and severe illness that prevents them from working. Assistance is also available to victims of domestic violence, veterans, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.

“The Season of Sharing is an integral part of the Bay Area community as we all struggle to find solutions to the homelessness crisis,” said Emilio GarciaRuiz, The Chronicle’s editor in chief. “This program cuts through the red tape and policy talk and gets relief to the people who need it most.”

With COVID19 leaving people displaced, 85% of the money generated goes toward housing assistance and critical needs while the remaining 15% is distributed among food banks in the nine Bay Area counties. This year, the program has served about 5,000 individuals, families and households. Within those families, 4,500 children were helped.

“I’m so proud to be part of a community where neighbors help neighbors, and where anyone who needs help is met with compassion and respect,” said Zev Lowe, executive director of The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund. “As the economic impact of the pandemic continues, thanks to an amazing outpouring of support, we have been able to assist thousands of households across the Bay Area.

In times of upheaval, many people find themselves asking what they can do to help. Every dollar of your donation to Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund goes directly toward a neighbor’s rent, to food, and other basic necessities.”

The San Francisco Chronicle and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund fully cover all operation costs with 100% of the donations received going directly to helping people in need.

To learn more or to donate, visit www.seasonofsharing.org.