Neighbors Helping Neighbors During Covid-19 by Carla Damron

                                              

“This is the Covid-19 Neighbor Network of the Midlands. My name is Carla, and I’m a volunteer with the Network. How can I help you?”  This is how I answer the phone when a call comes in on our “hotline.” I’ve done two shifts. The calls have been few, but we’re just getting started. At my fingertips—or rather, on my computer—is a large group of files I can consult as calls come in. These are resources we’ve assembled over the past few weeks: everything from where food banks are, what stores offer delivery services, the latest coronavirus info, mental health links, financial assistance options, etc.

The Neighbor Network line is just one piece of Mutual Aid: Columbia SC, an organization which was started by a small group of volunteers in mid-March in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Faculty members from the Norman J[DHG1] . Arnold School of Public Health (University of South Carolina) joined with other healthcare workers and advocates and identified a large need to help people access resources, especially people in more marginalized communities. Some of the volunteers are bilingual and can assist our Hispanic and Latino neighbors get needed supplies and assistance.

Mutual Aid offers other services, too. Need help getting your prescriptions delivered? Our volunteers can do that. Interested in growing your own food? We can offer planning assistance. Running short of groceries but need to stay home? Volunteers can fetch them for you. Sometimes, in desperate situations, we even help pay for the food.

I’d love to say that my involvement in this group is purely altruistic. That I’m a giving sort of person always looking for ways to help out. That would be utter BS. I’m a part of this project because, when the virus struck, and projections were freakin’ TERRIFYING, I was desperate to channel my energy into something other than panicking. (I’m actually quite adept at panicking.) When a fellow advocate asked if I wanted to volunteer my time, I couldn’t say yes quick enough.

I don’t have much to offer. I can’t sew, so I wasn’t able to join the network of people making face masks or medical gowns for healthcare workers (another big project here in Columbia), and I didn’t think my ancient macramé skills would be of much use. Because of my age, I’m not a prime candidate for running errands for others. But I sure can answer the phone, and since I’m social worker, accessing resources is in my DNA.

This isn't a photo of me answering the phone, but it's close!  It's a wonderful painting by my friend Bill Davis.

Advocacy is another effort of our organization. We’re pushing hard for our governor to issue a “shelter at home” order like most other states have done. Despite the rising numbers of Coronavirus victims in SC, our governor is standing firm. He’s ordered “non-essential businesses” to close and has forbidden groups of more than three to assemble (whatever that means), but he won’t issue the most important order. We keep pushing for it.  We’re also advocating for appropriate protective gear for hospital workers and for much broader testing for the virus. We haven’t had much success in those areas, either. 

Sometimes it’s like banging our heads against multiple walls. As an advocate in SC, I’m used to the pounding headaches.

There is much to be proud of with this group, which, unsurprisingly, is comprised mostly of women. We aren’t even a month old, and we have a hotline number, a website (http://mutualaidcolasc.org/), several Facebook groups, an ever-growing library of resources, and multiple volunteers ready to assist residents of our community. What’s chilling is imagining how much we may be needed. I’m continually impressed by the spirit and drive I see in the volunteers. I know that as this virus spreads, as resources dwindle, we’ll do our very best to help however we can.

Have you found ways to volunteer related to the Covid-19 Crisis? What’s your community’s greatest need?

PS Good news! The Governor issued a Stay at Home order that goes into effect this afternoon at 5!! Thank you Governor McMaster!