Former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang is working to do his part to help Americans get through the coronavirus crisis.
Yang’s nonprofit Humanity Forward announced on Friday that it will be spending at least $1 million to help those in need across the nation.
Yang opened the announcement by discussing the struggles Americans are facing, including providing for their families. He then explains how the organization is taking action.
“I’m very proud to announce that the Humanity Forward Coronavirus Relief Fund will be launching today,” Yang said, adding, “Where we will be putting $1 million dollars in the hands of the working poor in New York City and around the country.”
Watch the announcement below:
https://twitter.com/HumanityForward/status/1240960170705944581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1240960170705944581&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fijr.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D1228927%26action%3Dedit
The organization will be giving away micro-grants of $250 to $500 to families.
“Let’s come together, take care of each other and show that this country will be back on its feet in no time,” Yang said.
Americans need help now. @HumanityForward will be giving away $50,000 in installments of $250 – $500 on Twitter to people who need it. Reply to this tweet and let us know your situation. We will DM you. Let’s take care of each other. #YesWeCare #MoneyForThePeople
— Humanity Forward (@HumanityForward) March 20, 2020
Yang originally announced the launch of the organization shortly after he dropped out of the presidential race, as IJR previously reported.
He said the nonprofit is designed to “champion the main ideas of my campaign… universal basic income for all Americans, an economy that works for us, and the fact that our data should be ours even if we are loaning it to the tech companies.”
Friday’s announcement comes shortly after U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) introduced a $1 trillion-plus package to help mitigate the economic impact the coronavirus is having on the nation, as IJR previously reported.
The legislation includes direct payments of $1,200 for individual Americans, $2,400 for couples, depending on income threshold, and includes $500 for each child.
Lawmakers are expected to meet Friday to work toward an agreement.
Trump also recently signed into law a bill spending more than $105 billion to provide free testing and paid sick leave.
The Humanity Forward initiative will be targeting certain groups initially.
“The initial target populations will primarily consist of Americans in lower-income brackets who depend on wage work to support them and their families,” the Humanity Forward website reads, adding, “Our first program will be launched in the Bronx, NY, and we aim to roll out similar initiatives in the coming weeks.”
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide has reportedly reached at least 247,000, as of Friday morning.