Talkspace Identifies 4 Ways You Can Support Your Community amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Even during uncertain and scary times, we can still reach out to our community and support those in need. Amid the coronavirus confusion, helping our neighbors and society is essential during these trying moments. As the stay at home, orders are imposed; many people are stuck in their homes, grappling with the new reality. If you’re like many, you’re probably wondering how you can support your community while trapped at home. The good news is that you can still help and create a positive impact in your community even at a distance. If you’re unsure how to do it, check out these easy tips to meet your neighbor’s essential needs.
- Check on Your Neighbors
Supporting your community can be as simple as checking on your next-door neighbor. You can text or call them, especially the seniors, to ensure they’re fairing on well. You can also inquire to know if they might need anything you’re able to provide, be it milk, a roll of tissue, or even a cup of sugar. If you’re in a position to offer what they are looking for, volunteer to take it to their homes. However, you should leave the items outside to avoid coming into direct contact with the elderly since they are more vulnerable. Similarly, if your vulnerable neighbors need therapy, leading utilities like Talkspace can help them achieve their health goals effortlessly.
- Donate Public Transit
If you’re currently not using public transit money, you can cancel the order and allocate the funds to an essential worker. Ideally, in many cities in the U.S, stay at home, and social distancing measures has led to a significant decrease in public transit. However, most essential workers depend on public transit to get to their workplaces, which increases their risk of contracting the disease. Additionally, the public transit ticket fees are insanely high during this time, which makes accessing public transit even harder. Alternatively, you can use the public transit funds to donate to the mutual aid organization, restaurant gift certificates, and arts companies.
- Provide Fabric Masks
Wearing face masks is one of the CDC recommendations to lower the spread of coronavirus across the globe. Furthermore, some states require residents to use mask covers when in public places. This means that the availability of fabric masks can benefit the community in a significant way. Whether you’re a professional tailor or looking to learn how to sew, providing face masks can be an excellent way to enhance your neighbors’ safety. You can start by sewing masks for yourself and your family before you start delivering to others. You can then donate the face masks to friends, neighbors, community organizations, and local hospitals.
- Join a Mutual Aid Network
Mutual aid networks are usually community-based organizations aiming at benefiting the locals through various programs. Although they sound similar, mutual aid programs are not charitable organizations or NGOs. Charitable programs mean giving support to those who don’t have, while mutual aid is programs set to benefit all parties. It assumes that everyone has something to offer to the other person. The support could come as material resources, encouragement, or emotional support through famous platforms like Talkspace.
Subsequently, most mutual aid networks aim to check on vulnerable neighbors, redistributing groceries to neighbors, contributing money for people who have lost jobs, and offering collective community services such as child care. The best way to join a mutual aid network is to search through the national and global directories and identify the one close to you. Alternatively, you can create your own mutual aid network by getting in touch with your neighbors through phone, WhatsApp, email, and identifying their collective needs, plus the available resources.
