Ways You Can Help During |the COVID-19 Outbreak
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting thousands of people in profound ways. If you’re looking for opportunities to help, we’ve compiled a list of organizations accepting monetary and other assistance as they ensure food, aid, and medical supplies are delivered to those in need.
PATH: Following our work with the Gardner Library Bridge Housing Facility in Hollywood, we are now partnering with PATH—a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless individuals find permanent housing through case management, medical and mental healthcare, employment training, and other services. They recently created a Care Kits Amazon Wish List to help those experiencing homelessness, featuring items including hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, cleansing wipes, socks, cold-weather clothing, blankets, non-perishable snacks, and bottled water. Shop from the Amazon list, or, the next time you’re shopping for yourself, buy a few extras and ship them to the PATH office at 340 N. Madison Ave., Attn: Development, Los Angeles, CA 90005.
American Red Cross: The organization is urging all eligible, healthy donors to donate blood or platelets to avoid potential shortages.
CDC Foundation: This nonprofit is associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The foundation uses funds to directly support local health departments, as well as fund personal protective equipment globally.
Direct Relief: The humanitarian-aid organization works to provide oxygen for US patients and protective gear for health-care workers.
Feeding America: Food banks around the country are running out of supplies. This organization has a nationwide network of food banks that help feed communities and individuals facing hunger across the US. Your $1 donation is equivalent to at least 10 meals.
International Medical Corps: This global humanitarian organization is working with the World Health Organization to provide training and treatment services in dozens of countries confronting the crisis.
Meals on Wheels America: Seniors are more likely to get seriously sick from COVID-19. This organization delivers meals to the country's elderly population.
No Kid Hungry: With the pandemic forcing mass school closures, 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 groups. This organization also diverts resources to feed kids in the hardest-hit communities, as well as makes sure families know how to find food while schools are closed.
GlobalGiving: Donations to this US-based organization's coronavirus relief fund help local organizations in affected areas meet immediate needs for health care, food, and water, as well as recovery efforts.
What else?
- Stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues with phone calls or video chats. Especially seniors who may live alone.
- Donate items to homeless shelters. The homeless population is especially vulnerable during this time because they can't self-quarantine. Shelters may need basic essentials like hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectant wipes.
- Buy gift cards from local restaurants, coffee shops, and other local businesses that are taking a hit. Purchase online and save for another day.
- Wash your hands.
- Practice social distancing.
