Members of the Silverwood neighborhood in southeast Urbana are rallying support for their neighbors.
Calling themselves the “Silver Hearts,” they have launched a collaborative effort, with community partners including Quest Church, the City of Urbana, CU Trauma and Resilience Initiative, and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, to create care packages with food and household necessities that will be delivered to 200 apartments within the neighborhood the third week of April. Included in the packages is a “hearts kit” for a family activity.
Although a mixed income neighborhood, 69% of families are rent-burdened, Many work in low-wage jobs, relying on busses for transportation. The COVID-19 crisis has hit them hard and the recent gun violence incidents only serves to add fear to their worries. As Giovanna Dibenedetto, the organizer of Silver Hearts said, “These residents need to know they are not alone, not forgotten.”
C-U community members can assist this grassroots through monetary donations made online through Quest Church (select Silver Hearts). Text donations can be made by sending “Silver Hearts” to 833-660-0040. Checks can be sent to Quest Church, 2004 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802 with “Silver Hearts” in the memo.
Help make the “heart kits,” or for more information, contact Giovanna Dibenedetto: ivamarie2015@gmail.com or 217-418-3313.
Top image screenshot from Google Maps.