It may seem as though COVID-19 has hit the pause button on our lives and the world. We are all stuck at home. If it's illegal to even see people, how are we supposed to help people? Here are some ways to help others from the comfort of your own couch:
Supporting unemployed
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While some of us have the privilege of being able to continue our jobs from the safety of our own homes, there are many who have been laid off or experiences significant wage cuts. Here are a few companies that are working to support workers who are struggling financially right now:
Salvation Army - is currently taking donations to help provide emergency support (like rent, utility, and food) to people who are facing unemployment or low wages due to COVID-19.
One Fair Wage - is asking for donations to create an emergency fund for service workers facing unemployment. They provide cash assistance to those in need.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance - has created the Coronavirus Care Fund to assist caretakers, nannies, and house cleaners who are financially affected by COVID-19. They provide those in need with emergency cash assistance to ensure they are able to stay home and healthy.
Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation - is organizing a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund that provides money for those facing challenges due to the pandemic. This fund also provides zero-interest loans for restaurants to help them recover after the pandemic.
Supporting families and children
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Because many people across the world are experiencing job loss or wage cuts, there has been an increase in families struggling to provide basic necessities. Here are some companies aiming to help children and families stay fed, sheltered, and safe:
Baby2Baby - is collecting monetary donations to provide basic necessities to low-income families. Items include school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and blankets. The organization is based in Los Angeles.
Save the Children + No Kid Hungry - have teamed up to provide meals for kids who depended on school for healthy food. They are also advocating for Congress to pass emergency food funding for low-income families.
Blessings in a Backpack - is also working to provide extra food to children from low-income families that normally depend on school meals.
Good+ Foundation - is asking for monetary donations to the Good+ Crisis Fund in order to support low income parents and caregivers that rely on Good+ for items like cribs, diapers, and strollers.
Supporting health systems
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In this pandemic, we rely heavily on hospitals and doctors to treat our illnesses and keep the population safe. Here are a few companies that are working to support the facilities and individuals who keep us safe:
Doctors Without Borders - is accepting donations to provide protective equipment for health care workers and support people in homelessness, refugee camps, or in countries affected by major conflicts.
Direct Relief - is accepting donations to help relish protective gear for health care workers.
United Nations + Swiss Philanthropy Foundation - has created the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund that aids in the delivery of protective gear to health care workers. The fund also supports lab testing and research into treatments and vaccines.
International Rescue Committee - is asking for additional funding to support refugees and people in crisis zones by maintaining health systems around the world.
Lastly, stay at home! If not for your own health and safety, do it for those who are still out in the work force. Doctors, nurses, police, firemen, mailmen, pharmacists, grocery clerks, etc. If you can't afford to support a cause (as most of them are asking for monetary donations), do your part to protect the people that are making it possible for us to stay home.
