East Oakland’s Esperanza Elementary School is Feeling Profound Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak, Leaving Most Families in Serious Need

Oakland, CA — The staff of Esperanza Elementary School in East Oakland has created a GoFundMe campaign for the families of their school because of the devastating impact of the coronavirus shelter in place order. Principal Cristina Segura says 75% of the families at the school have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, leaving them in desperate need of resources including food. In fact, the purpose of the GoFundMe is to raise money to buy “groceries and other basic necessities” to help the entire school community make it through this challenging time.

The campaign has already raised about $5000, but there is enormous ongoing need at the school. Esperanza is a Title 1 school where 100% of the families qualify for free and reduced price lunches in the best of times. Given that the school has about 350 students, most of whose families are now out of work, the community will need the support to continue going forward.

“We know these unprecedented times are causing unprecedented need,” said Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell. “Esperanza is just the first of many cases we expect to see of people in our community needing help. While we are all focused on ensuring that we keep our own families safe from the pandemic, we also need to ensure that all members of our District family are able to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Like no other point in recent history, this is a time for us to come together to support our community.”

Media is asked to share the below GoFundMe page far and wide, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.