Singer Rihanna and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey are doing their part to help those in need amid the coronavirus outbreak.
They are coming together to assist victims of domestic violence as stay-at-home orders have been issued.
The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), founded by Rihanna, announced its partnership with Dorsey.
“We’re joining forces with Twitter/Square CEO [Jack] today by co-funding $4.2 million grant to the [Mayor’s Fund LA] to address the current crisis for domestic violence victims in Los Angeles as a result of the COVID-19 Safer at Home Order,” the foundation tweeted.
We're joining forces with Twitter/Square CEO @Jack today by co-funding $4.2 million grant to the @MayorsFundLA to address the current crisis for domestic violence victims in Los Angeles as a result of the COVID-19 Safer at Home Order. #startsmall #CLF pic.twitter.com/JKoKb60N3n
— Clara Lionel Fdn (@ClaraLionelFdn) April 9, 2020
The foundation has reportedly given an additional $5 million to coronavirus relief efforts. The funds went to food banks and the development of testing.
Dorsey also announced he is planning to transfer $1 billion to a foundation working on coronavirus relief efforts.
“I’m moving $1B of my Square equity (~28% of my wealth) to [startsmall] to fund global COVID-19 relief. After we disarm this pandemic, the focus will shift to girl’s health and education, and UBI,” Dorsey tweeted.
I’m moving $1B of my Square equity (~28% of my wealth) to #startsmall LLC to fund global COVID-19 relief. After we disarm this pandemic, the focus will shift to girl’s health and education, and UBI. It will operate transparently, all flows tracked here: https://t.co/hVkUczDQmz
— jack (@jack) April 7, 2020
A statement released by the foundation explains the funds will be going toward providing 10 weeks of shelter, meals, and counseling for victims of domestic violence and their children.
The foundation describes the challenges many of these victims are facing.
“The Los Angeles Housing Authority has determined that approximately 90 people per week (in addition to their children, in many cases) have been turned away from domestic violence shelters in Los Angeles since the Safer at Home Order was issued,” the statement reads.
The starting point for the foundation is Los Angeles, but both the foundation and Dorsey acknowledge domestic abuse is happening worldwide.
The foundation reiterates it is prepared to provide support wherever it is needed.
“As a result, the foundation is committed to quickly getting ahead of the outbreak in order to protect as many frontline health workers and marginalized communities as possible,” the statement reads.
