FEMA’s decision to reimburse families of coronavirus victims for their funeral expenses (Biden administration to launch massive funeral assistance program for covid victims, 4/6/21) is an important step toward helping grieving families heal. Yet, looming over this effort is the profiteering spectre by the funeral industry.
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected communities of color and low-income communities that were struggling even before the pandemic. On top of the grief, families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 must confront the high costs associated with burying a family member. In Boston, people of color made up more than 56% of COVID-related deaths. Their families face upwards of $7,000 in cemetery costs alone.
As FEMA prepares to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance starting in April, the agency must ensure they’re doing all they can to reach eligible families who could benefit from this program. Affected families will need help with accessing the funds and navigating the system, and they’ll likely turn to funeral homes for guidance.
Funeral homes should not price gouge families. We appreciate and recognize the hard work of funeral home directors, and as a survivor-led organization that meets families in their greatest time of need for 27 years, we recommend funeral directors and families offer a comprehensive package that includes funeral price, cemetery costs & does not exceed FEMA’s $9,000 package. A comprehensive package will reduce additional financial pressures and stress, and will allow families to carry out the funeral peacefully without having to go to different sources to make funeral arrangements.
FEMA recognizes its critical role in easing some of the financial stress and burden caused by COVID-19. It’s on those in the funeral industry to do their part to help families devastated by the pandemic, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, and provide them the guidance and support they need.
##
About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, founded in 1994, is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain communities where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s programs and services are grounded in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) social-ecological framework that interventions are needed at multiple levels to interrupt cycles of violence. The heart of their work is with families impacted by murder on both sides. Their impact extends to community and society through services, advocacy, and training.