There are many needs in our community during this time, but it is hard to know how best to help. First Presbyterian Church has put together a list of organizations that are helping those in our community who are in the most need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is the growing list of organizations and people to connect with to help local relief efforts.
One need in our community is right here in our neighborhoods. We have people in our community who have been affected by COVID-19. These families need support during this time. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who have been ill, please don’t be afraid to safely contact them. Some of the biggest needs for these families include running errands such as grocery shopping, but it also includes finances. Many families are out of work because they or a loved one has been infected. If they can’t work, they can’t pay bills, which is an added stress in an already stressful time.
Acompanar is a grassroots group of local people who have been providing support to families seeking asylum in our community. During the pandemic, many of these families have lost their jobs and livelihood. Acompanar is busy trying to continue their relationship with them, especially in this time of great need. Yachats Community Presbyterian Church is receiving donations from the public. Your donations are tax-deductible and should be sent to the Acompañar at PO Box 755, Waldport 97394, and made out to YCPC with “Acompañar donation” in the memo line.
Debra Jones is the chair of the board for Centro de Ayuda. Many of the families who have been directly affected by COVID-19 are ineligible for federal aid. Centro de Ayuda is coordinating deliveries of essential supplies—food, diapers, prescriptions, etc.—to enable them to stay in quarantine and not go out into the community to work or shop. Centro is desperately in need of funds to buy groceries. The address for donations is: Centro de Ayuda, PO Box 2201, Newport, OR 97365.
Our local schools are trying to figure out how to accommodate all of the kids and families in our community in the months to come. In this unprecedented situation, there are no road maps or directions. Contact your local school to figure out how you might be able to donate or start a conversation about how to be in a relationship with the schools and their families.
Another simple, but very effective, way to build community during this time is to support local small businesses. As small businesses start to reopen, it will be important for us to shop at the ones that are able to reopen. Much of our economy and community is built on the backs of small businesses, and they need our patronage more than ever.
My Safe Place has also seen a rise in needs. My Safe Place (formerly known as My Sister’s Place) supports victims of domestic violence here in Lincoln County. With the need to stay at home has come a growing need for this important organization of caring people helping the most vulnerable in our community.
Another place to give is to the local Food Pantry. Because of COVID-19 the Food Pantry and the local Food Share are not able to receive as many donations for fear of contamination. This means they are having to buy most of their product, which is much more costly than how they usually run. They have also seen a rise in the need for their services during the pandemic.
What are some other places or organizations that are working to provide relationships, donations, and support to our community while we try to find our way through this shocking time? If you have other organizations or groups that you would like to suggest, please contact First Presbyterian Church, or e-mail to kelseyingalls5@gmail.com or office@newportfpc.org.
