Dear LIFT Community,
When we launched LIFT’s Emergency Cash Relief Fund in October, we did so in response to a moment of real and rising crisis. Parents across our regions were facing sudden instability as safety-net supports faltered, costs rose, and uncertainty compounded what was already a fragile balance.
When systems fall short, the impact is shared — and so is the responsibility to respond. At LIFT, we chose to meet the moment with care, trust, and action. As a community, we came together to say that no parent should have to choose between paying rent and buying food, between caring for their health and keeping the lights on, between surviving today and planning for tomorrow.
We acted. We came together to mobilize a one-time emergency cash relief effort — with one clear goal: to get money directly into parents’ hands quickly, flexibly, and with dignity. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the collective effort of LIFT staff across all four regions, we are now on track to deliver $500 in direct cash support to 642 LIFT members and entrepreneurs nationwide.
In November, we distributed the first $250 to families facing immediate strain. Parents used the funds to cover groceries, utilities, gas, rent — and to steady themselves during a moment when so much felt out of their control. Parents told us the support arrived at a moment when stability felt fragile, and choice felt limited, and that being trusted with flexible cash helped them steady themselves during uncertainty.
Parents told us what this support meant in that moment.
“These gas bills are very trying in this season right now. Thank you, truly.”- LIFT-Chicago Member
Estoy muy agradecida por la generosidad recibida, ya que es de gran ayuda para poder comprar comida a fin de mes. No sabía cómo iba a lograr adquirir alimentos para mi hogar, ya que en las últimas semanas he tenido poco empleo y gastos necesarios. En estos momentos, únicamente he podido apartar lo suficiente para pagar mi renta.” LIFT-LA Member
“Just no words really — so much going on, and surprise help is such a blessing.” -LIFT-Chicago Member
“Thank you so much for sharing these resources and best practices ahead of the storm. I really appreciate LIFT looking out for the community and helping us stay prepared and safe.”- LIFT- DC Member
“Gracias por está ayuda economica me sirve mucho.”- LIFT-Chicago Member
Across all four regions, LIFT parents told us the same thing: being trusted with cash — without conditions or hoops — made a real difference.
Thanks to a generous restricted gift, LIFT is now distributing a second wave of $250 per member, bringing total emergency cash support to $500 per family — exactly what we set out to do back in October. These transfers will go out in late January to the same 642 members who received the first round.
At LIFT, we believe parents know what their families need most. In moments of crisis, choice is often the first thing taken away. Emergency cash restores a measure of that choice — and with it, dignity, agency, and breathing room.
This effort was never meant to replace public systems or long-term solutions. But in a moment when those systems are falling short, it is one way we choose care. It is one way we show parents they are not facing this alone.
Thank you for standing with LIFT families — for believing in trust, dignity, and the power of community to meet this moment. As one parent shared with us, “You guys are such a blessing!!!! I hope that you receive as many blessings as you have been to me and my family. I appreciate you guys and everything that you do for us.” We are grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up for families when it matters most.
With love, care and gratitude,
Michelle Rhone-Collins
LIFT CEO