APM tenants and clients received much-needed personal protective gear

PHILADELPHIA, PA—(February 19, 2021)—Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) on February 18 distributed the first of 50,000 medical-grade protective adult facemasks to residents at one of its affordable housing developments in North Philadelphia. APM delivered 20 masks to each of the residents of the Jardines de Borinquen I and II developments. Masks will also be distributed to the residents of APM’s other developments as well as to clients of its Behavioral Health and Community and Economic Development programs.

 “The need for face masks remains high until COVID-19 vaccines become universally available, especially in the at-risk communities we serve,” said Nilda Ruiz, President and Chief Executive Officer of APM. “We are so grateful to the Ford Motor Company Fund and to the Hispanic Federation for their remarkable support of all of our community members.”

 This campaign was made possible via a mask donation from The Ford Motor Company Fund with support from The Hispanic Federation. The Ford Fund’s #FinishStrong campaign is donating 120 million masks to at-risk communities nationwide via nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups. The Hispanic Federation, a national advocacy organization, in 2020 provided $15 million of COVID-19 relief to impacted Latino communities across 26 states and Puerto Rico.

 Public health experts consider the face coverings a crucial line of defense against the virus that has killed more than 464,000 Americans and infected 27 million in the past year.

“We will continue doing what it takes to keep communities safe and healthy as we wait for COVID-19 vaccines,” Ruiz added.

 To confront the grave challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, Hispanic Federation created the most far-reaching COVID-19 Latino Relief Fund in the nation, investing nearly $16 million dollars and partnering with 290 nonprofits in 30 states and U.S. territories to provide care and hope to impacted families and communities.

 “Community-based organizations have served as a first line of defense for Latino individuals and families that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “These organizations, like APM, understand the unique issues facing Latinos and are trusted sources of information and care. We are grateful to The Ford Motor Company Fund’s ongoing support and for working with our network to ensure these masks get exactly where they need to be.”

About APM

APM, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, is a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of life for residents of Greater Philadelphia. Its services include education, health and human services, employment assistance, housing, and economic development. To learn more, visit https://apmphila.org/ and follow the hashtag #APMTurns50 and @APMForEveryone on Twitter and Instagram.

 Contact:  Barbara Beck, bbeck@sage-communications.com, 610-246-9167