
Coronavirus Update
THRIVE PENINSULA SERVICE UPDATES & NEEDS
Page updated: 2/4/2022
There is no more critical time to serve those in need than during a crisis. Those we serve are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and they will be some of the hardest hit. Many of us can overcome lost hours at work or extra medical expenses but this population largely cannot. Instead they are at risk of facing hunger or becoming homeless. That’s why we’re here.
THRIVE is remaining fully operational, serving families with emergency bill assistance, financial coaching, and food relief.
EVICTIONS & UTILITY CUT-OFFS
The federal and state moratoriums on evictions and utility cut-offs have expired, except for families receiving WIC, TANF or other state aid with past-due Dominion Energy bills.
2021 COVID-19 RELIEF (Jan - Dec)
THRIVE is continuing to operate at full throttle, serving food, financial assistance, and financial coaching five days per week. Since the start of the pandemic, we have maintained expanded open hours, and added capacity to serve nearly twice as many families through all of our services compared to pre-pandemic times. Plus we have opened up our critical bill relief program to any request that supports financial sustainability such as car repair, or work boots, or childcare expenses. But that's not all.
In December 2021, THRIVE offered Christmas assistance to 427 children through our Let Christmas THRIVE Program. This program began in 2020 when one of our financial coaches realized that families he was working with, who faced hardship due to COVID, did not have any means to provide Christmas presents for their children. As a result, the program was born! Click here to learn more.
We have initiated a food delivery program to reach families who are in quarantine or who struggle with transportation. Since the pandemic began, non-profit partners and churches have picked up and delivered food from our pantry but we know there is still unmet need in our community. That's why we're closing the gap by having a new set of volunteer drivers deliver food to the unreached. In 2021, we delivered groceries to 300 families.
Our facility renovation project is complete! Thanks to grantors, we have increased our cold storage by adding a 3-door commercial fridge which houses produce, milk, and eggs and increased our dry storage by removing built in cabinetry. In fact, we are currently buying an distributing 50 dozen eggs and 50 half gallons of milk. To replace our cabinetry, we ripped out a bathroom and created a new kitchenette which is stocked with beverages and snacks to fuel our 65 weekly volunteers and 4 staff members. Click to view photos of the project.
On July 1 we began administering funds for the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot, thanks to our partnership with the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. With these funds, we can assist families that have limited income and other barriers that prevent them from becoming stable and provide ongoing case management. We are thankful for this opportunity to assist more families in crisis.
Thank you for your critical support. All of our efforts to enhance our services for Peninsula families have been made possible by the generosity of our donors. Scroll to the bottom of the page for links to follow us on social media or to subscribe to our newsletter.
2020 COVID-19 RELIEF
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Visit The Market at THRIVE**DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, ALL SHOPPING APPOINTMENTS ARE FULLY BOOKED FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 1. CHECK BACK ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 AT 11AM TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR NEXT WEEK. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the large amount of press we've received and the overwhelming number of requests for visits. We plan to increase the number of weekly shopping appointments in upcoming weeks** Click here to book a visit to The Market at THRIVE. What is The Market at THRIVE? It's a free food market where you can pick out 100% of the food you bring home. We focus on fresh foods and stock a variety of fresh and frozen items, as well as shelf-stable goods. This Market is open to anyone who is a resident of Newport News, Hampton, York County or Poquoson. There are no income restrictions to book a visit. Anyone is eligible to shop for groceries every 30 days. New appointments will become available each day, so if there are no open slots available to book, check back later.
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Financial Assistance (rent, utilities, childcare, transportation, etc.)TAKE OUR ELIGIBILITY SCREENER to see if you qualify for help CLICK HERE to answer a short questionnaire. If you meet the basic qualifications, you will be linked to our application. Requirements for applicant to receive assistance* have household income that exceeds monthly rental cost by $500 or more per month. DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED. resident of Newport News, Hampton, York County, or Poquoson name of applicant is on bill bill is a critical need such as utilities, rent, childcare, etc., which is linked to household sustainability (transportation, car repairs, work uniform or equipment) applicant can supply a portion of the total amount requested *There is no guarantee that we will be able to assist you. THRIVE receives a high volume of requests and has a limited amount of funding available* At the core of THRIVE’s ministry is financial coaching services. Applicants who are extended an appointment for assistance will be required to bring in paperwork that demonstrates your complete household income and expenses for a financial coaching session.
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Holiday SupportHoliday Baskets - THRIVE will not offer Thanksgiving or Christmas baskets in 2023. Christmas Help - THRIVE's Christmas assistance program does not take applications. Recipients were selected based on their participation in our financial services programs over the course of the year.
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Level Up Financial CoachingLearn how to balance your budget, get out of debt, improve your credit score, or reach your personal financial goals. Plus, you can earn incentives when you reach financial milestones through our new Level Up program. Call us today to be paired with a coach: 757-877-6211 ext. 4. This is a free service and all coaches sessions are 100% judgement-free and confidential.
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ID / Birth Certificate / Social Security Card AssistanceTHRIVE can assist you to obtain copies of these documents at no cost to you. Call us to learn how: 757-877-6211x1
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Who Else Can Help Me?There are two main referral lines in the community that can direct you to other helping agencies. United Way Community Assistance Network: 757-229-2222 Housing Crisis Hotline: 757-587-4202