During these days of the COVID-19 pandemic, our normal rhythm of life is changing drastically day by day! I will be sharing information through this blog on the creative ways God’s people are caring for their neighbors during this time of self-quarantine and social distancing.
On Saturday after checking in on some older neighbors, I began to wonder about those neighbors new to the community and those who have been here a long time and are more isolated these days. I put a note out to our neighborhood group and began coordinating a volunteer assistance network in my neighborhood of about 100 homes.
This morning there are 12 people who volunteered to assist any neighbor who needing groceries or prescriptions, but should not be out because of age or other health conditions. I am making these resources available to you if you would like to do something similar in your neighborhood.
How to organize a volunteer response network in your neighborhood:
- Make your neighbors aware that you are coordinating an effort to help
- Invite those interested in helping to volunteer
- Invite those who need assistance to let you know they need help
- Develop a way to connect those needing help with the people who can assist.
Sample Forms
I taped a flyer to all the mailboxes in my neighborhood. I then created two online Google Forms, one for Volunteers to respond, and one for anyone needing help to indicate so. Then I will match the need with one of the volunteers. I also created a document with guidance that I shared with all the volunteers (also attached). I’ve created sample documents, which you are welcome to edit to fit your situation.
Access the complete Toolkit here
If you’d like to do something like this and need help getting set up, I’m happy to walk you through it. Just let me know if the comments.
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