“All of the people who are vulnerable in New York are more vulnerable today,” said Eric Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York.

Eric Goldstein is the CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York, an organization that cares for 75 essential agencies such as senior centers, community centers, and legal services that in essence make up much of the social service infrastructure of New York.

“Last week we approved over $23 million in funding. Two million of it is for immediate greater food and safety net services, literally for the most vulnerable. Beyond the food and safety net services, we’ve provided a $20 million interest free loan fund to our critical social service agencies. So this loan fund will give the agencies the critical cash they need to continue to provide the services in these very challenging times,” said Goldstein.

As an organization that has been in existence for over a century, the UJA Federation has helped Jewish people around the world and New Yorkers of all backgrounds during many tough times. In recent years it provided critical support through Hurricane Sandy and the 2008 financial crisis. They even provided support during the 1918 Spanish Flu, which until COVID-19 was the most severe pandemic in modern history.

“We don't know how long this will last and how severe it will become. What we know is that the lessons of the past are going to very much inform the strategies of today and tomorrow,” said Goldstein.

When you look at the history of what you've been able to do, does that give you some confidence looking forward?

“Yeah. I'm confident we will, with many other organizations, get through this. But we also need to be clear eyed at the challenge ahead, the need for the community to figure out what each of us can do beyond organizations to step up. Its community helping community, and even though we're distant from each other, it doesn't mean that we can't feel a sense of togetherness and communal purpose,” said Goldstein.

And if people want to get involved, what is it that they can do to help your efforts?

“Sure. So if they go on our UJA Federation website, there are a whole list of volunteer opportunities that people can still engage with safely and with all of the limitations on movement. Beyond that, give philanthropically,” said Goldstein..

And that website to volunteer or donate is UJAFedny.org.