It should come as no surprise that the coronavirus pandemic is taking a larger economic toll on our most vulnerable populations. A 2016 study by Pew Research Center found that at $17,100, the median net worth of black households was less than one-fifth that of all U.S. households ($97,300), meaning they have much less in savings, if any, to rely on before being unable to pay for necessities.

The problem is compounded as emergency actions to help people suffering through cratering income often neglect these same communities. Measures such as lowering of short term interest rates are meant to help reduce the pressure of debt upon those owing to credit cards and mortgages. However, they only work for those who have the assets and access to money and credit.