It’s important for everyone to do their part as communities across our nation address COVID-19. Hawkins Mikita has assembled a list of resources and information so that you can make an informed decision on how you can help. This will impact the most vulnerable and those fighting on the frontlines the hardest, so we’ve compiled the information below with a focus on their care and well-being.
HOW CAN I HELP ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL?
Feeding America: This organization helps feed communities and individuals facing hunger across the United States through a nationwide network of food banks.
Donate here.
No Kid Hungry: With coronavirus forcing mass school closures across the country, millions of children are losing the daily meals they depend on. No Kid Hungry uses donations to send emergency grants to food banks and local community groups. It diverts resources to feed kids in the hardest-hit communities. The organization also has plans in place to ensure families know how to find food while schools are closed and making sure kids get three meals a day.
Donate here.
How about the elderly and the most critically in need?
Meals on Wheels: This organization delivers meals to the country’s elderly population. Many of its local programs are struggling with the additional costs of delivering meals during the outbreak. You can find ways to help a local program here or donate to the national organization here.
What about the food & service industry?
GoFundMe: This fundraising site has started a general relief fund to directly support those affected by the pandemic and organizations working to keep people safe, find a cure, or support their communities. GoFundMe will distribute donations made to this campaign and other verified campaigns and to aid such organizations.
Donate here.
You can also support small businesses that employ low-wage workers by ordering take-out and buying gift cards to use at a later time if needed.
GlobalGiving: Donations to this US-based organization’s coronavirus relief fund will help local organizations in affected areas meet immediate needs for health care, food, and water and transition to longer-term education and recovery efforts.
Donate here.
National Domestic Workers Alliance: The National Domestic Workers Alliance is launching the Coronavirus Care Fund, an emergency relief fund for domestic workers facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Their goal is to raise $4 Million to support 10,000 domestic workers across the country.
Every dollar donated to the Coronavirus Care Fund will provide relief to nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers who need help right now, to stay home and healthy — protecting themselves, their families and their communities while slowing the spread of the Coronavirus. Click here to donate to the Coronavirus Care Fund.
Want to help our 1st Responders in a more direct way?
The CDC Foundation: This nonprofit organization for the CDC is raising funds to help respond to the public health threat when federal and state funding is not available. The foundation said it will use the funds to support state and local health departments in the US as well as support the global response including logistics, personal protective equipment, and critical response supplies.
Donate here.
HOW CAN I HELP ON THE LOCAL LEVEL?
The current pandemic places an additional stress on our first responders and health care system. You can help by collaborating with neighbors to check in on the most vulnerable in your community. You can also help by creating a neighborhood task force that strategically helps each other out.
COVID-19 LA Mutual Aid Community Network, (bit.ly/whatismutualaid) is comprised of different grassroots organizations, movements and organizers, who are committed to organizing mutual material support in the community. They are immediately providing grocery and supply deliveries, and are preparing to expand this to other community support services like running errands, dog walking, childcare, caregiving, first line medical training and response, and mental health support for those impacted by the pandemic.
To Donate Supplies, Volunteer, or Reach Out For Help, please visit: http://bit.ly/LACovid19
Support your favorite local restaurants and their workers. Small businesses and their workers are being hit hard. Click here to support your local LA businesses and help keep your favorite places alive. Eater LA has a running list of LA restaurants expanding delivery due to Coronavirus measures.
Is there a way I can help the elderly in my community in a local way?
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a national organization with local leadership, particularly for the elderly and sick. Best way to help is through donations. Clients are homebound—confined to their homes because they are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
The Dream Resource Center
Free meals available for all LAUSD students starting Monday, March 16th. Location: 2301 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles 90026
Los Angeles Food Bank | LAFoodBank.org/coronavirus
The Coronavirus will disproportionately impact lower-income communities, and changes to school and work schedules will put an extra burden on people and families throughout Los Angeles County. 97% of revenues go directly to programs providing food for children, families, seniors and more.
Unemployment Insurance Calculator Click on the link to calculate your potential unemployment insurance benefits.
