Cherokee Nation announces elder assistance initiative to help cover financial impact of COVID-19

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (KFOR) – A local Native American tribe is working to make sure its elders are protected from the financial effects of COVID-19.

As part of the Cherokee Nation Respond, Recover and Rebuild spending plan, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced a $45 million elder assistance initiative, which will help Cherokee elders and those in need with costs related to COVID-19 relief, including food security and utility expenses.

“At Cherokee Nation, putting elders first is simply our way of life. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit our communities in March, we have supplied more than 73,000 Cherokee elders and families with food as part of the largest emergency food distribution program in Cherokee history,” said Chief Hoskin. “Now, with new federal dollars in our COVID-19 Respond, Recover and Rebuild spending plan, we can do even more to help our elders during these uncertain times. This $45 million will not only ensure critical tribal services are able to avoid budget cuts to elder programs, but it will greatly expand what we can do for our elders for the rest of the calendar year.”

https://kfor.com/news/local/cherokee-nation-announces-elder-assistance-initiative-to-help-cover-financial-impact-of-covid-19/