As Californians, we’re doing our part to bend the curve when it comes to COVID-19. I’m proud that our region was the first in the country to adopt an aggressive, and necessary, stay at home order.
As we all work to adjust to the new reality of staying home, I wanted to share some important information from health experts about what we can do to keep our communities safe.
And as we keep each other safe by staying apart – we can also come together to support the many families facing economic hardships. That’s why I hope you will join with me in supporting Silicon Valley Strong which is organizing economic relief efforts or any one of the many established non-profit groups working to support the community in this time of need.
– Ann
Ways You Can Help
Community Organizations in Need of our Help During this Crisis:
Essential Services Support for the Community:
Silicon Valley Strong
Silicon Valley Strong is coordinating donation and volunteer efforts in the community. Donations and volunteers needed: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/mayor-and-city-council/mayor-s-office/silicon-valley-strong
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley provides food to the ever-growing community of hungry and food insecure, including students dependent on food distributed at school. Donations needed: https://www.shfb.org. To volunteer for a shift please go to: https://www.shfb.org/give-help/volunteer
American Red Cross
American Red Cross needs blood donations. There is a severe blood donation shortage across the country. The coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation of at least 2,700 blood drives nationally, which means 86,000 fewer donations. If you are eligible and healthy, you can find your nearest blood donation center through the American Red Cross website, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Baby Basics of the Peninsula
Baby Basics of the Peninsula is a 100% volunteer organization based in East Palo that distributes diapers to needy families. To find out more about volunteering please call (650) 321-2193 or email [email protected]. You can also donate here.
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Catholic Church Charities of Santa Clara County assists children, families and seniors who are one emergency away from poverty with food, housing, healthcare and other vital services. Donations needed: https://www.catholiccharitiesscc.org/donate
Destination: Home
Destination: Home has launched a fund to help those suffering COVID-19-related loss of income to pay their rent. This organization is a personal favorite of mine and I have worked actively with them. Donations needed: https://destinationhomesv.org
HealthTrust’s
HealthTrust’s mission is health equity in Silicon Valley regardless of income, race, immigration status, language, age, or zip code. Donations needed: https://healthtrust.org/donate
Peninsula Volunteers
Peninsula Volunteers needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels. To volunteer: www.penvol.org
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation created a Community Response Fund to support organizations with deep roots in hard-hit communities in our 10-county area. Funds may be directed by county. Donations needed: https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/coronavirus-fund
Mental and Emotional Health Support:
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line offers free 24×7 support for those in crisis providing trained crisis counselors throughout the US. Donations and volunteers needed: https://www.crisistextline.org
Support for Veterans:
HomeFirst
HomeFirst is a leading provider of services, shelter, and housing opportunities to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Santa Clara County, including a special program for veterans. Donations needed: https://www.homefirstscc.org/veterans
Support for First Responders and Physicians:
Valley Medical Center Foundation
Valley Medical Center Foundation seeks donations and supplies to respond to emergency needs from physicians, first responders and local public health officials. Donations and new products needed: http://vmcfoundation.org/covid19
Prevention
What to do if you’re sick
If you’re not feeling well, the best thing you can do for your co-workers, and your community, is to stay home. See the graphic below on the steps to follow next.
Community
There are plenty of ways we can still help one another during this time. See the graphic below for things you can do now to support our community and click here to learn how you can help the many organizations throughout Silicon Valley supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.
Here are some other helpful graphics you can share on social media with your friends, family and coworkers.
