BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON) — The mayor of Berkeley is reactivating the Berkeley Relief Fund.
The fund was first launched in March at the start of the Bay Area’s shelter-in-place order. It allocated $3 million in general funds “to provide gap assistance to renters, small businesses and arts organizations significantly impacted by the COVID-19 state of emergency,” according to the city.
Mayor Jesse Arreguin is also urging residents to #BuyBerkeley — supporting local businesses when shopping this holiday season.
“Giving back to the community has always been a hallmark of the holiday season, and the adversity we faced in 2020 highlights the urgent need to support our at-risk businesses and residents,” said Arreguin.
The city says Berkeley has about 5,000 small businesses and over 150 arts organizations that need support as coronavirus cases rise again.
A list of Berkeley local businesses can be found here.
