We’ve been told to stay home and practice social distancing. To some, it is as simple as that. For others, Coronavirus has hit much harder and has caused tough decisions either financially or how to handle medical emergencies. Let’s take a look at how we can help our communities, those on the frontline, and our country as a whole during this difficult time.
How to help out locally
Try the concept of “Spend what you would anyway”. If you typically go to a cafe and purchase coffee, try to maintain that routine to help keep small businesses afloat. If you pay to have your lawn cut or house cleaned, still keep those funds aside if you can in order to maintain their way of life.
The ones who have been hit the hardest are those in the service industry such as bartenders, cooks among others. Considering donating to specific foundations such as RWCF who specifically help our restaurant workers. There is a charity also set up for bartenders where you can help out. Many states also have set up specific websites that allow for direct donations to keep businesses afloat. Make sure to do a quick search to see how you can directly impact your community.
Help out your local artist community by donating to CERF+. This will help those who have been affected in all facets of Coronavirus. This can range from the actual illness or any other emergency as many artists have lost their jobs.
How to help in Healthcare
The ones who are risking their lives might need our help the most. Protective equipment such as masks and gloves are still in high demand and you can certainly help right now by donating them to hospitals and urgent cares in your neighborhood.
The WHO and UN among others have set up a response fund that will allow donations to go towards tests as well as supplies for health care workers. The CDC has also created a similar foundation that also includes an increase in lab capacity to help with various aspects to handle COVID-19.
You can support your fellow citizens by giving blood. Many hospitals and blood banks are running low and the American Red Cross stated there would be a decrease in donations. You can also choose to donate plasma if you already have had Coronavirus call your local hospitals to see if they are accepting. If your blood has antibodies, it can be used to aid other current patients in need.
Helping those in dire need
The ones with the least access to safety are the ones who are the most vulnerable. IRC is helping out in the response by providing equipment for refugees in camps spread throughout countries that are under civil distress. Oxfam is also following suit delivering sanitation services.
With many public schools closed down for the foreseeable future, many kids no longer have access to free food. The USDA is currently working on a solution but you can assist them in various ways. Feeding America, a non-profit focused on Americans with a lack of food is also helping out with local food banks. The elderly and disabled are also in need of food deliveries. You can partner with Meals on Wheels to be a delivery driver to help bring food to those who need it the most.
