COVID-19 has upended many parts of our lives, but systemic racism and long-standing racial and economic disparities remain—and this public health crisis has only magnified their effects. Black families and other families of color are disproportionately losing their lives and their livelihoods to this crisis.
If we want to stand up for children, we must ensure they have access to stable homes, quality health care, ample nutritious food, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and access to resources and opportunities that enable them to reach their potential. That means providing relief to families now and taking steps to end poverty and abolish systemic barriers that hold our Black children and other children of color back at every step. Learn more about what the Children’s Defense Fund is doing to push for policy solutions that will help vulnerable children and families weather the storm today and break down barriers for children and families of color in the long term.
Tell the Senate to take action for children and families.
Call or text your Senators.
Read analysis from CDF on how COVID is impacting our most vulnerable children. Learn more.
Jami Clinkscale, Columbus, OH (New York Times, May 6, 2020)
SNAP Must Be Improved to Fight Child Hunger During the Pandemic and Beyond
Children and Families Need $2,000 Per Month For the Duration of the Economic Downturn
Housing Is a Racial Justice Crisis: Solutions for Children and Families During COVID and Beyond
The Child Tax Credit Must Be Expanded to Fight Child Poverty During and Beyond This Pandemic
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Must Be Strengthened to Fight For Racial Justice and Help Families Afford Their Basic Needs
Increase Chafee Funds to Protect and Support Foster Care Youth
Kristian Lamb, Columbus, GA (The Wall Street Journal, April 16, 2020)
- The Two Deadly Diseases Plaguing Our Nation—and Our Children
- Congress Must Put Low-Income Families First on COVID-19 Relief
- COVID-19 makes hunger worse for families and children
- The Coronavirus’s Impact on Children in the Child Welfare System
- Here’s What the $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Means for Children and Families
Help make sure vulnerable children will not get left behind as our nation confronts the parallel crises of systemic racism and COVID-19. A donation to the Children’s Defense Fund will help make sure the voices of children are heard and the needs of families are met with urgency.
James Hook, Spokane, WA (The Spokesman-Review, May 9, 2020)