KANSAS CITY, Mo. — COVID-19 continues to impact people financially and many face eviction because of the pandemic.
Robert Saunders lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and the pandemic is "probably the scariest point of my life."
This holiday season is different than any other for the Saunders family.
"All of his business is now gone. Then, I work as a bartender in Westport and now all of my business is now gone," Anna Saunders, Robert's wife, said.
The impact of the virus is turning what is usually a happy time of the year into a complete struggle.
"We had basically already told our kids they probably wouldn't have Christmas just to try to keep the house. That has been our main goal," Robert Saunders said.
But, when all seemed lost, holiday help arrived.
"We are looking to match families with sponsors to help them cover their rent or mortgage for three months from November to January," Chase McAnulty, founder and CEO of Charlie Hustle, said.
Charlie Hustle's nonprofit, The Heart of KC Foundation, changed the Saunders' lives with its new initiative called "1K for KC."
It gives $1,000 per month for three months to families to help them keep their home. The program is helping around 120 families.
"In the holiday season, there are still many families struggling. Simply put, we wanted to help. There is not much in it for us other than the joy of being able to keep these families in their homes," McAnulty said.
Now, complete strangers are making the Saunders' holiday merry and bright.
"You could possibly keep a family in their home for a little bit more. You can give people those restful nights knowing that their kids have home," Anna Saunders said.
The foundation is not taking any applications but is accepting donations.
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