our COVID Update

Let’s be frank, this year has been a roller coaster for people across our world, state, and valley. COVID-19 has had a serious impact on all of us. It would be turning a blind eye if we didn’t note that Latinx and other communities of color have taken the brunt of the deadly virus. Before the pandemic, many families were living paycheck-to-paycheck. Many Latinos have been and continue to be essential workers. Poverty, inequities, the jobs that they perform, as well as housing conditions have led this to be the perfect recipe for the virus to spread quickly. Many businesses hit hard economically due to the closures to help reduce the spread. Like many agencies, the NCHN had to face the realities of this year, and decided to postpone our annual gala to 2021. This has led to a financial strain, especially, as the gala serves as our only fundraising opportunity of the year. We do understand that our communities are in need now more than ever, which is why we decided to provide scholarships to 32 well-deserved high-achieving students this year.

At the same time, we’ve being doing other smaller scale fundraisers and strategies to provide 30 scholarships or more in 2021. With the gala being postponed, it’s brought us unexpected realities. You can help us by clicking here, and your dollars will help students and their families achieve their goal, to continue with their education. One of the many ways we’ve been supporting our community during this difficult time has been by helping out at food distribution centers for families that have had reduced wages due to the pandemic. Additionally, we’ve been keeping our residents informed of important updates that our local governments have shared as we are a trusted agency for many in our community. Lastly, we have been working to put our own food distribution program for those that need it in the winter months. This year has brought more than we could have ever imagined. We have been faced with two fires that have been ravaging our Napa Valley. Destroying or impacted wineries, homes, jobs, and much more. That is why the NCHN has stepped up to provide vetted and timely information to our community via our social media platforms. We continue our commitment because we know that we will overcome all these obstacles. We are resilient, and a community of givers who help one another out in good times and in times of need. We are #NapaStrong

-  Ricky Hurtado