Casa Chirilagua took to YouTube to thank Alexandria for the recent outpouring of support and to outline ways the organization is trying to help some of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Casa Chirilagua is a Christian nonprofit in the Chirilagua/Arlandria neighborhood that provides help for local low-income families. Over the last few weeks, as many of these families have lost jobs, Casa Chirlagua has scrambled to help cover rent and grocery needs for the community.

“We are constantly changing in terms of our response to the community,” Executive Director Adriana Gómez Schellhaas said in a video. “It’s one of the main concerns that parents have expressed, the fact that many have lost their jobs. We asked you all to see if people wanted to give and you responded.”

Schellhaas said over the last week, the organization raised $23,000, which will go directly to Casa Chirilagua families for rent and utility needs. The organization is currently calling families and starting to make payments, according to Schellhaas. The group is also partnering with local food pantries to ensure that families have access to groceries.

“You all have responded in incredible ways,” Schellhaas said. “God has moved mightily in the soft hearts of his people. I want to thank you so much for the outpour of response, particularly the financial and food response that you all have given Casa Chirilagua.”

Schellhaas said donations to the organization can be made directly through PayPal or by purchasing an item on the group’s Amazon wishlist.

“We don’t know how long this will last, so we pray people will continue to support us and support the families,” Schellhaas said.

Photo via Casa Chirilagua/YouTube