TUCSON, Ariz — The co-owner of a Fourth Avenue shop is working alongside other organizations to help those struggling to pay rent.
For the past 12 years, DeeDee Koenan and her family have gone out to local parks on Christmas Eve to handout necessities to those most in need.
This year, because of COVID-19, she and her family aren't able to take part in that tradition. Instead, they decided to try and help those struggling to pay their monthly rent bill.
Koenan told KGUN 9 she's taking part in the Tucson Renters Relief Fund, alongside the Barrio neighborhood Coalition and Casa Maria.
“They have been doing a petition and other things to try and expand the moratorium on rent relief," she said.
Those who donate to the relief fund are given one of two items, which are provided by Pop-Cycle.
“As low as five dollars you can get a postcard that pop-cycle will supply you with," said Koenan, "if you do up to 25 dollars we’ll give you a hand-printed tote bag from the historic fourth avenue coalition that is talking about shopping local and the importance of that.”
As of last week, the fund had less than $1,000 in it, according to Koenan.
“Obviously, you know, you need a large sum of money to help people that are struggling right now but at least it’s something that we feel that we can do and it’s a way to give back which we feel is our responsibility as business owners in Tucson," she said.
Despite that, Koenan said she's optimistic more donations will flow in.