BREAKING NEWS: Governor Jay Inslee has just extended his stay-at-home order to May 4 in order to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Are you stuck at home and looking for a meaningful way to contribute to others affected by the pandemic? Today we are featuring a unique grassroots effort to build community through opportunities to help others or to be helped.
We recently highlighted the need to come together as a community to support each other during the coronavirus crisis because we know that the federal, state, and local aid being provided, while a start, will not be nearly enough to sustain everyone in our community. Many, including those who are unsheltered, those who work in the gig economy, and those who are undocumented will likely fall through the cracks. Moreover, much of the promised aid will not come soon enough to help those in dire straits right now.
Citizen groups all across the country are emerging to fill the gaps, and one such example is the Seattle COVID19 Mutual Aid group. This is an all-volunteer grassroots organization that has arisen to meet the immediate needs of some of the most vulnerable populations in our city. Currently, volunteers are delivering grocery and other household supplies, as well as offering pharmacy pick-up and drop-off for those who cannot leave their home. The organization also offers emergency cash payments of up to $50. As more people join in this self-help effort, the organization plans to expand the range of volunteer support services it can offer. Unlike non-profits, the group has no overhead, so every dollar donated goes directly to those in need.
The following links provide key information on Seattle COVID19 Mutual Aid and how to donate, volunteer, or ask for support. [Note: For similar mutual aid groups operating outside Seattle in the greater Puget Sound area, see links below.]
SEATTLE MUTUAL AID
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/covid19mutualaid/
Volunteer form (In multiple languages; scroll down to see the form in English): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWvT_GQbcTTM2O1VVGJ6wsQeYW27PO1RvhSKSj45QR4lvNQQ/viewform
Request Aid Form (In multiple languages; scroll down to see the form in English):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgbAX21UARi98rKKX6b6mpvpVHW4b63F2n2beJlHielcdU2Q/viewform
Learn more about the organization and DONATE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid19-survival-fund-for-the-people
OTHER PUGET SOUND MUTUAL AID GROUPS
South King County & Eastside COVID Mutual Aid Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/555635161739149
Snohomish County COVID19 Mutual Aid Group: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1I1d8ylS_jgmXZ_qnPR3_HtDucNEXybsE9_pAKU56g-k/viewform?ts=5e77f2b6&edit_requested=true
Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective: https://www.facebook.com/TacomaMutualAidCollective/
Olympia Mutual Aid for Covid-19: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSegS8HmpiafpmTs5sqwZoDtUljxcEVuO2i9aUyBpJhqaUw7Mg/viewform
Kitsap Community Mutual Aid: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3-NO3xzaMwnjcSwMQYDebRDENX4-m5Akb354_oA04QS5XKw/viewform
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GOOD NEWS!
Blood donations are especially needed now. In response to pressure from many quarters, the FDA has eased the restrictions on blood donations from gay men and other groups. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/04/02/breaking-fda-eases-ban-on-gay-blood-donations-amid-coronavirus-crisis/
