What Can You Do to Help During This COVID-19 Crisis?

The need to assist people affected by the pandemic grows greater every day. Like you, I am most concerned with those who are sick, disabled, quarantined without pay, elderly, food-insecure, housing-insecure or homeless, and those who are undocumented. Not to mention those outside our borders: most specifically refugees and those without access to clean water (to that end, I am a strong supporter of WaterSchool). 

I’ve compiled a list of some of the most impactful ways in which we can all reach out (and for those facing economic uncertainly, many involve time and service vs. funds): 

1.) One of the most important things you can do during this crisis is donate to your local food bank! FeedingAmerica.org is an excellent way to do this: Find Your Local Food Bank. Do you know that $1000 will provide 10,000 meals to families in need? For many, that’s one dinner out with friends! Other essential organizations: No Kid Hungry and Meals on Wheels 
2.) Donate blood—There is a severe Blood Shortage, Donors Urgently Needed: Find a Blood Drive Near You 
3.) If you already work with an at-risk person/population (e.g. mentorship or other volunteer programs—civic or faith-based; and if you don’t, please consider doing so), call and make sure they’re okay. Offer to order supplies for them. Many seniors and other at-risk populations are uncomfortable with technology or do not have access; you can do the research for them and place their orders on Amazon, etc. 
4.) Socialization Call - Reach out to one neighbor by telephone, talking over the fence, having a conversation if you are out on a walk (while maintaining the CDC-recommended 6-foot distance), ask how they are doing and offer to assist.  
5.) Offer to pick up groceries or medicines for neighbors that can’t go to stores. This includes those who normally pick up food from weekly distribution sources. Leave items at the front door and minimize exposure to each other. Always practice maintaining 6-foot distance from others and thoroughly wash hands after touching any surfaces. Neighborhood message boards like NextDoor as well as Facebook groups are also helpful in this regard. You may also wish to post flyers in your neighborhood as many seniors don’t have online access. 
6.) For neighbors who are at risk and sheltering in place, offer to walk their dog and make sure they have the pet food they need.  
7.) If you are aware of a self-isolating neighbor who usually picks up food at a weekly food bank distribution, offer to pick up their weekly distribution. Check with the food bank for their procedures for picking up food for others (most offer drive-through pick up and drop offs during this time). 
8.) Purchase gift certificates/cards at local businesses to be used after their doors reopen. This will help ensure that their doors can reopen! 
9.) Donate to Center for Disaster Philanthropy: The organization has established a COVID-19 Response Fund “to support preparedness, containment, response and recovery activities” for people affected by the coronavirus -- and for the responders. The CDP’s aim is to focus on supporting local nonprofit organizations working in areas identified as having high numbers of affected people. 
10.) For the love of God, STAY HOME! Social distancing is our best offense and defense against COVID-19. And, while you’re at it, be kind to yourself. Rest, read, reflect, create, renew, restore. Consider what silver linings this may hold for all of us. 

All my best to you all!
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