Months have passed since the pandemic landed on our shores and we are only starting to understand the profound impact on our communities. From the over 20 million now unemployed, to families that are food insecure, to those merely struggling to homeschool, it isn’t just those infected who are affected. Fortunately, non-profits have stepped up and have become vital sources of relief across the country and globe. While we’re all stuck at home, it is times like these that can leave people feeling helpless. Here are some organizations on the front lines of the recovery effort, and what you can do to support them.
In partnership with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, National Cristina Foundation has launched this countrywide call for laptops, desktops, Chromebooks, and tablets from corporate and governmental entities. Due to the global COVID-19 crisis, the demand for low- and no-cost computers for those in need far exceeds the current available supply.
Helping Hands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those most vulnerable to COVID-19: senior citizens, the immunocompromised, and people with pre-existing medical conditions which put them at additional risk. Our community volunteers deliver groceries, medicine, and other necessary supplies to empower everyone to stay healthy and be as responsible as they can be. Help deliver supplies to people who can't leave their house.
HHI is now delivering urgently needed equipment and medication to partners here and around the world during this global crisis. Across the U.S., HHI is distributing hygiene kits for those in quarantine or unable to leave their homes. While personal protection supplies are limited globally, HHI has collected and distributed items, including masks, gowns, and sanitizers. HHI remains an active member of healthcare coalitions, providing gap support so that service organizations can continue to operate.
Your donation to this fund will help stop the virus's spread and give communities on the front lines of the crisis the resources they need to act quickly and protect the most vulnerable. Donations are already helping doctors, nurses, and other front line responders to communities in need, deliver essential items to struggling families and older individuals, and feed children that rely on school meals as their only source of nutrition
The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund was created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing extraordinary hardship in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19, including a decrease in wages or loss of employment.
Team Rubicon is built to serve, and in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve launched the #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors initiative to meet the needs of our communities through safe individual acts of service. During this time of the COVID-19 crisis, many people are unable to access, and afford, their most basic needs, including food. Team Rubicon and Patient Advocate Foundation have partnered to provide emergency food assistance to those who have cancer, Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, and have been affected by COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Response Fund was created to support artists working in craft disciplines. This fund is essential to our rapid and effective response to those artists who are suffering severe health impacts from the coronavirus, ensuring that CERF+ has the funds necessary to respond to this unprecedented crisis.
Working closely with international, national and local aid and health organizations, International Medical Corps is providing medical expertise, equipment, training, and triage and treatment services. We have designed a multi-pronged approach to ensure that at-risk countries and regions are able to prepare for and respond to outbreaks of coronavirus.
GENYOUth is providing grants of up to $3,000 per school to supply much-needed resources for meal distribution and delivery efforts to get food to students during COVID-19 because this equipment will help ensure our children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need.
From Seattle to New Rochelle, from Baton Rouge to San Francisco, food banks across the country are doing what they do best – feeding people in need within their communities. The Feeding America network is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States including in disasters and national emergencies. We launched the COVID-19 Response Fund, a national food- and fund-raising effort to support people facing hunger and the food banks who help them.
Still undecided? Here are other sources help you find ways to help those in need.