The John Wall Foundation has partnered with the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development and Lydia’s House to raise $300,00 for families struggling to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition, 202 Assist, hopes to focus on supporting families in Washington, D.C.’s 8th Ward, one of the hardest hit areas during the pandemic.
“Just knowing at times you might not have a roof over your head or not have nothing to eat – that was a big factor to me, seeing that and seeing what families go through. I think that was a big part of me,” the NBA All-Star guard said.
“I come from that type of environment; I understand what they’re dealing with every day. I know what my mom having a job and barely being able to put food on our table was like. Imagine if she didn’t have a job,” he added.
We need your ASSIST #202ASSIST pic.twitter.com/EziiuWLPP7
— John Wall (@JohnWall) May 23, 2020
Washington, D.C.’s 8th Ward boasts a proud Black community as much of the Chocolate City does. However, Black residents in Ward 8 and across the city have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. While Black residents make up 46% of the city, they make up 76% of COVID-19 related deaths. Ward 8, which is 89% Black, has one of the highest rates of positive COVID-19 cases in the city.
“I wanted to take care and kind of help these people,” Wall said.
“I know they’re less fortunate and going through tough times right now, not being able to pay their rent, so I think this was dope trying to get some help out,” he added.
Wall’s initiative will run from May 22, 2020 until June 22, 2020. Those interested in applying for rent assistance can visit the Lydia’s House website.
