The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyday life, forcing many of us to shelter at home yet still wanting to help those affected by this crisis. Here are ways anyone can help without having to leave home.
Donate to nonprofits helping people weather the pandemic.
Food banks, homeless shelters, hospitals and other necessary organizations need funds to continue providing these resources, especially to meet the increased demand for help caused by this pandemic.
St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles has been serving the homeless, low-income seniors and those in need in the Los Angeles area since 1908. Because of the effects of COVID-19, we are receiving more calls for help than our current resources can provide. Please consider giving a monetary donation or a donation of sanitation supplies to our homeless shelter.
Stay home as much as possible.
There is nothing more helpful and responsible than simply staying at home as much as possible. It is the best way to help medical staff, grocery store workers and others who work on the frontlines of fighting this global health crisis and its economic effects. This, along with frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will ensure we are doing the most to support our community.
Buy gift cards or order takeout from local restaurants.
Local restaurants and businesses have been hit hard by COVID-19, and many of them have been forced to reduce hours or lay off employees to make up for lack of sales. Buying gift cards for future use or purchasing takeout from these restaurants can sustain the livelihood of small business owners and possibly keep people from unemployment.
If you don’t want to leave your home to pick up food, try a delivery service such as Postmates, and make sure your elderly friends or family members know how to access that option too.
Call, video chat or email with friends and family.
During this era of social distancing and self-isolation, it is more important than ever to make sure no one feels alone. Make an effort to reach out to family members or friends to ask if they need anything or simply want to talk. It is a scary and unprecedented time for everyone, so it is important that we take care of each other.
If you have elderly family members or friends that don’t know how to use certain technology, like Facetime or Google Hangout, take some time to teach them.
Use social media to share community resources.
Many organizations, restaurants, cities, and reliable news outlets have social media accounts that publicize resources that can help members of our community. Take a moment to search these sites to find posts you can share on your own social media accounts. Sharing a post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter is free, quick and a great way to help members of your community find the resources they need to weather this pandemic.
St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles has compiled a list of community resources. Find it on our blog.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disastrous moment in our history, but it has also led to moving acts of charity, compassion and heroism from everyday members of our community. Together, we will get through this.
