COVID-19: There are many needs right now and many ways each of us can help each other.

Ed, Edo and I have been sheltering in place and thinking about all the ways our community has come together through this crisis. There are so many great needs right now - and many ways each of us can help each other.

First, the city and local non-profit organizations have put together numerous resources to assist at this time.

• San Francisco Response: This website includes useful information and updates on COVID-19, how our city is responding and what services are available. You can also sign up for text alerts here.

• Meals for Students: SFUSD is providing free meals to schoolchildren during school closures.

• Assistance for Renters: The city and state have both issued new guidelines to protect renters. If you need help, San Francisco Tenants Union has more information.

• SF Marin Food Bank: The San Francisco Marin Food Bank is continuing to provide food assistance during this period. Locations are available here.

• Meals on Wheels: Residents aged 60 and up who need food assistance can apply for home delivery of prepared meals.

We can also continue to help each other and the amazing non-profits above who are doing essential work during this time.

• Volunteer: If you are healthy and not in a high risk group, you can sign up to volunteer for SF Marin Food Bank or Meals on Wheels. Both organizations are also accepting donations.

• Support Local Businesses: We may not be able to enjoy a nice meal out right now but we can support Richmond merchants by ordering online, getting take out or buying a gift card. Check out this portal from One Richmond to see how you can shop locally during shelter in place.

• Donate to Protect Tenants: Volunteer or donate to the Housing Rights Committee who fight to protect tenants especially during this public health crisis. More about HRC and donate here.

• Donate to the Richmond District Neighborhood Center: Help fund the Richmond Neighborhood Center’s food pantries, home-delivered groceries, and many more neighborhood-focused resources. Donate here.

• Donate to Organizations Helping the Homeless: These two organizations are making sure our homeless neighbors have shelter and other resources they need during our shelter-in-place. Donate to the Homeless Youth Alliance here and the Coalition on Homelessness here to help ensure they can provide enough resources.

• Be a Resource: The city has put together outreach toolkits to help spread awareness. Find multi-language resources here to provide to your friends and family.

Our campaign is also doing wellness calls to local seniors. If you’d like to join us, please contact us atcampaign@conniechansf.com.

We may not be able to get together, but we can all join together to help our community get through this time.