Dear Allies,
Our organization is closely monitoring the ongoing local, regional and national concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As always, we prioritize the health and safety of our staff, grantees, partners, and individuals in the communities we serve. With this in mind, please know that we support and encourage any precautionary measures you take to prevent the spread of illness.
To our grantees and partners: if a component of your grant from us includes a convening or other gathering that would not be prudent given the current concerns, please rest assured that we absolutely support and encourage any decision to postpone that element of your grant to a later date. We will not expect you to meet the original deadline. The same is true of any deadline that you cannot meet because of disruptions to your schedule and capacity in light of this situation. This includes precautions which result in the cancellation, postponement, or alteration of activities related to fulfilling grant guidelines or other partnership agreements. Please reach out to us, and we will adjust timelines and goals as necessary.
We value the incredible work that you all do for Pittsburgh communities every day. With boots on the ground, you tackle complex community problems with immense passion and dedication. We are proud to support even a small portion of those efforts. We intend to continue supporting you throughout this situation and beyond.
Out of an abundance of caution, like many organizations, Neighborhood Allies is minimizing participation in in-person meetings, gatherings and public convenings that might aid transmission of the virus. We fully expect that you will have to do the same if you have not already done so. Neighborhood Allies’ staff will be working remotely/virtually, and minimizing participation in gatherings and public convenings starting Monday, March 16th and until further notice. However, we will be available during our normal working hours of 8:30 am-5:00 pm via phone, email and virtual technology.
Now is the time to be understanding, patient and kind. We are in this together and will get through it together as neighbors.
Your Ally,
Presley Gillespie
President
