2020 may be over, but the Covid-19 crisis is not. As the virus continues to ravage lives and livelihoods into 2021, Americans are increasingly turning to the kindness of strangers to make ends meet.
Cities nationwide are stepping up to meet the coronavirus charitable challenge, but where people live may determine the extent of help they get, according to LawnStarter, an on-demand yard care company that, incongruently, decided to put out a survey about the state of Covid-19 relief efforts.
Using the most recent data available at AmeriCorps, Governing, Soup Kitchen 411 Inc., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Yelp, LawnStarter compared the generosity of the 150 biggest U.S. cities across 12 key indicators of philanthropic behavior, ranging from volunteering rates to the prevalence of food banks. Each city was ranked according to its weighted score. The cities that received the highest total scores were ranked most generous.
Here, in ascending order, are the top 10 most generous cities of 2020.
10. Baltimore, Md.
Baltimore ranked fourth with the largest share of residents who improve their neighborhood. The city earned an overall score of 44.03.
9. Tacoma, Wash.
The city is providing a one-time payment of up to $1,000 directly to landlords of individuals or family tenants affected by the pandemic who meet eligibility requirements. Tacoma earned an overall score of 45.68.
8. Washington, D.C.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps low-income D.C. residents with emergency housing funds. The nation's capital earned an overall score of 47.43.
7. Seattle, Wash.
Seattle ranked third with most shelter beds per 100,000 residents. The city earned an overall score of 47.95.
6. Boston, Mass.
Boston ranked fourth with most shelter beds per 100,000 residents. The city earned an overall score of 50.34.
5. Vancouver, Wash.
Main Street America and Brother International are supporting brick-and-mortar small businesses in Vancouver impacted by the pandemic with grant awards of $5,000 to $10,000. Vancouver earned an overall score of 50.77.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City ranked fourth in largest share of residents who volunteer, and first in largest share of residents who improve the neighborhood. The city earned an overall score of 52.14.
3. Portland, Ore.
The Portland Housing Bureau, in partnership with United Way of Columbia-Willamette, provides Covid-19 relief payments through the Household Assistance Program. The city earned an overall score of 52.88.
2. St. Paul, Minn.
Ramsey County, in partnership with the city of St. Paul, has launched six new community Career Labs to support Covid-19 job seekers, according to the municipal website. St. Paul tied with Minneapolis for first with the largest share of residents who volunteer. The city earned an overall score of 53.16.
1. Minneapolis, Minn.
Minneapolis tied with St. Paul for first with the largest share of residents who volunteer. The city earned an overall score of 59.31.
