Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner accepted 500,000 reusable face masks from Focus Humanitarian USA (FOCUS USA) and the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States.
Mayor Turner encourages all Houstonians to wear a mask to protect each other from COVID-19. This donation of half a million masks will help get them into the hands of anyone who needs a mask.
“The City of Houston sincerely thanks Focus Humanitarian USA and the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States for making this generous donation. Both organizations have always supported the community during a time of need. We are in a public health crisis now, and face masks can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.
“Whether it is donating and distributing protective face masks, organizing food and supply drives, restoring historic homes and buildings, or supporting access to the arts, the Ismaili Muslim community actualizes our common values by serving others,” said Murad Ajani, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southwestern US.
“This donation is one more manifestation of a collaboration between the Ismaili Imamat and the State of Texas that calls for collaboration to reduce risk and respond to threats to public health, safety and the welfare of vulnerable communities,” said Shenila Momin, Chairperson of FOCUS USA.
The face masks will be distributed among residents and first responders as part of the City’s overall response efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.