The COVID-19 pandemic is sinking the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, founded by the late environmental activist and folk musician Pete Seeger.
Clearwater leaders say the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the nonprofit organization’s fragile financial situation beyond its means, and with no classroom programs, events or sailing season, Clearwater may be faced with closure. The news came in a letter to the community, saying that to try and fend off closure, it had reduced operations and let go of more than half of its staff, including several office staff and much of the sloop’s crew. The remaining team will focus on maintaining the sloop, membership and pursuing options for financial relief and stabilization for a more sustainable organization. Clearwater asked for generous donations to help weather this storm.