(Mountain View, Calif) – As part of an ongoing local relief effort and a follow-up to the $1.3 million relief package Mountain View City Councilmembers passed on March 27, the #TogetherMV initiative now has a live donation portal for people to help local renters and small businesses. The fund, which will be administered by the Los Altos Community Foundation (LACF) is a way for community members to help one another while maintaining social distancing, and knowing that the funds will be distributed locally. Donations are already being accepted at MountainView.gov/TogetherMV.

The #TogetherMV Fund has two opportunities to help others who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: rent relief and small business relief. Rent relief donations will be added to the funds the City has already given to the Community Services Agency (CSA) to expand help for local tenants in need. Small business relief donations will be combined with funds allocated by the City and a donation from Google.

Business owners who want to apply for funds can email SmBizCOVID19Help@mountainview.gov to get on an interest list. Interest list members will be notified when the application process is opened, and what they will need to apply. Tenants in need of rent help should continue to go through CSA by sending an email RentHelp@csacares.org .

“We’re hearing that many members of our community need help, while others are asking what more they can do to help their neighbors,” said City Manager Kimbra McCarthy. “For those in need, getting help with rent or business expenses means more money our neighbors can put toward food, childcare, taking care of sick family members, and helping workers in our community. For those looking for ways to help, I am so proud of your community spirit and recognition that we’re all in this together.”

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