Philanthropist Gordon Hartman to Serve as Coordinator of COVID-19 Community Action Working Groups
March 30, 2020 - San Antonio
A Man with Heart. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff announced Monday that businessman and philanthropist Gordon Hartman will be serving as the manager and coordinator of the newly named COVID-19 Community Action Working Groups. Photo: Gordon Hartman Family Foundation.
By Jade Esteban Estrada - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff named COVID-19 Community Action working groups on Monday night to develop relief and recovery strategies for those most affected by the economic downturn brought on by social distancing measures. Businessman and philanthropist Gordon Hartman has agreed to serve as coordinator and manager of the working groups.
“COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives and is dealing a major economic blow to many San Antonio and Bexar County residents,” said Nirenberg. “While we are not past the need for social distancing and stay-at-home measures to stop the spread, it isn’t too early to start planning for our recovery efforts.”
Wolff believes the COVID-19 Community Action working groups will play a crucial role in rebuilding the local economy.
On Monday, San Antonio recorded 168 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The human toll is now at six. Photo: Jade Esteban Estrada.
"With these working groups, we will locate immediate need and identify resources to assist all citizens in Bexar County,” he said. “People from all walks of life are stepping up to help their neighbors to fight back and overcome these challenges.”
The working groups will be composed of City Council members, County Commissioners and community leaders. Their goal is to address immediate needs resulting from the pandemic, recommended measures for long-term recovery and identify resources to assist community rebuilding efforts.
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Additionally, separate working groups have been assembled to address federal and state advocacy, philanthropy, food security and shelter, business and employment, and social services.
“I’m excited about [this collaboration] because I think it’s historic,” said Nirenberg.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.