November 23rd 2023.
On November 21st, Eric Merriweather, the founder of the African American Association of USA in Southwest Atlanta, urgently appealed for financial support to avoid eviction. The organization, a long-standing pillar of the community for 21 years, has been providing free essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies to over 21,000 families. This year alone, it has supported 7,000 families.
Merriweather, speaking to WSBTV, highlighted the important role they play for families with limited resources, saying “They may have one paycheck coming into the household that goes toward bills per se, and they don’t have the ability to get food or personal hygiene products.”
The organization has been making every effort to provide food for the needy in Atlanta. However, with the dwindling supplies, Merriweather has noticed a shift in their clientele. He shared, “We’re finding that a lot of middle-class people are coming to get food,” highlighting the widening impact of economic challenges.
The financial strain has been further exacerbated by the pandemic. Many sponsors have cut back on their contributions in order to save funds. To add to the difficulties, Merriweather suffered a stroke in 2022, limiting their ability to sustain operations.
Now, the African American Association of USA is in desperate need of $100,000 in order to cover the rent, transportation, and utility bills. Merriweather outlined the importance of the funds, stressing “That would help with the rent. That would help with the transportation to get the food here. That would help with the utilities.”
With the clock ticking, the organization that has been a pillar of support for the community for two decades is in danger of closing unless it receives the financial aid it requires. Merriweather has expressed his hope that the urgent appeal will be heard.
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