For some, the stimulus checks are a needed, though insufficient, lifeline for accessing basics such as food, rent, medication, childcare, etc. For others, it is a pleasant bonus.

CU-SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) and the Racial Justice Project of the Unitarian Universalism Church (RJP) encourage you to stop and consider whether you would be willing to “recapture” some or all of the stimulus check towards directly supporting those in our community who are most affected by the pandemic and economic shutdown.

As you know, the pandemic and shutdown strongly impacts poor people, people of color, and immigrants, often as a result of systemic racism. For this reason, we encourage anyone who doesn’t need the funds, but especially white people, to donate all or at least some part of the stimulus check to the UU Utility Fund (enter the amount on the appropriate line). This fund specifically helps the Cunningham Township Office protect residents from mid-winter utility shutoffs. Of course, if you prefer to donate to another organization that directly supports those impacted by systemic racism, please do so.