We have compiled some of the most helpful things you could do for the community of Colorado Springs during COVID-19. We encourage you to find ways to proactively serve and give to those in distress over these next few weeks and months. There will be families without food, without childcare, without transportation, and other practical needs going unmet. Please consider ways to be generous and supportive to the city of Colorado Springs.
* Please Note – those who are providing critical service, delivering supplies, food, or other goods to those in need are essential staff/volunteers. We encourage you to be wise and safe, wear a mask and abide by the guidelines of the CDC.
Helpful COVID-19 Response Ideas:
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Make a donation – consider a donation to the El Paso County Emergency Relief Fund, which is creating funds given to local nonprofits that are meeting tangible needs in response to COVID-19. Or, if you know of a nonprofit meeting real needs in the city, support them financially.
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Volunteer – if you’re healthy and well, there are many entities in the city that need your support. Volunteerism is down due to COVID and many local nonprofits rely upon the efforts of volunteers (Please reference the list of nonprofits below)
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Deliver Groceries to Neighbors – COSILoveYou has been working with El Paso County Health and the 2-1-1 hotline to provide groceries to isolated neighbors. If you and your Church would like to get involved with this program, please email COSILoveYou staff, Corrie Smith – CLICK HERE
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Write a note of encouragement to a El Paso County Health Worker – UCHealth is asking the community to write notes to their staff. Simply send an email or encouraging note – CLICK HERE
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Write a letter to an individual isolated in a a long-term care facility: El Paso County Health is requesting cards for individuals that are experiencing loneliness while isolated. For more details, please email El Paso County staff, Brenda Heimbach – CLICK HERE
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Be a good neighbor – this may seem very simple, but consider how you can reach out to your immediate community. Supporting your neighbors could be the best way to spend your time and energy. For a guide to being a good neighbor during COVID-19 – CLICK HERE
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Support a local business – support our economy and the amazing local businesses that exist in COS, especially as they see a decline in physical customers in their shops/stores.
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Buy a gift card
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Order take-out or delivery
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Tip well
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Share/post about a local business on social media
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Write a letter to your neighbor – Amidst all the challenges of the current moment, here’s an idea: what if everyone in our city’s churches wrote a similar short note, printed it out, and delivered it to the doorstep of six neighbors – three homes to the right, and three to the left?
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CLICK HERE for a sample letter
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Childcare – do you have a neighbor or friend who does not have the option to work remotely and is having to take off work due to childcare? Are you in a place to provide childcare for a neighbor or friend who might need it?
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Reach out to the vulnerable – we know that elderly and those with compromised immune systems are the most likely to be impacted by COVID-19. Should you know anyone that fits these categories, consider calling or texting them. Show support and solidarity with them.
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Resist a hoarding mentality – as you’re shopping and preparing, please resist hoarding supplies. There are many individuals in our city who cannot get what they need because of folks purchasing more than they need.
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Stay healthy & safe – to support others in the community you need to ensure that you remain healthy. Practice appropriate hygiene and appropriate distancing.
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Pray – this is something we can all do throughout our day. Pray for those impacted by COVID, pray for those on the front line dealing with the impact and pray for those that are decision makers, trying to keep our community safe.
Some of the nonprofits/entities that need your support:
1. Care & Share – supporting Care & Share is one of the most effective ways to support students and families during school closures, they are creating emergency kits for families around Colorado Springs
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Volunteer
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Online Donations (This is the greatest need at Care & Share right now because all food donations are having to be sanitized and quarantined, online donations will help them mobilize quickly.
2. Crossfire Ministries – Due to a few pantries that have made the hard decision to close, Crossfire Ministries has been asked to take on some additional food pick-ups. Can you assist?
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Volunteers Needed Weekly – due to COVID-19, Crossfire needs the help of healthy volunteers, now more than ever. If interested please call Volunteer Coordinator, Amy, at 719-359-6015
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Online Donations
3. Catholic Charities – serving the vulnerable neighbors in the Colorado Springs area
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Volunteer – Help with lunch sack distribution counting and demographic tracking in the outdoor courtyard at the Marian House Soup Kitchen! Shifts will be Monday through Saturday 10:50AM-12:00PM.
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Please contact the Volunteer Office Help Desk at 719-866-6559 or email: volunteeroffice@ccharities.org to volunteer and reserve your spot!
4. Pikes Peak United Way – uniting partners across the Pikes Peak region to support vulnerable neighbors
5. Salvation Army – meals and shelter for our families and vulnerable neighbors
6. Silver Key – Various opportunities available including kitchen prep, calls of reassurance to clients, food pantry and delivering meals
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Date/Time: M-F Various times throughout the day are available.
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CLICK HERE to participate!
7. Fresh Start Center – feeding the food-insecure of the Eastern Plains and Pikes Peak regions
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Volunteers Needed (Fresh Start is expanding hours to meet more needs and would love some volunteers)
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Online Donations
8. Mercy’s Gate – crisis support to families and vulnerable neighbors
9. Springs Rescue Mission – holistic care and shelter to our neighbors experiencing homelessness
10. Tri-Lakes Cares – Only health & human service organization in northern El Paso County
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Online Donations (this is the greatest need right now for Tri-Lakes Cares. This gives them the ability to buy in bulk and respond quickly to client need.)
How to help FAQ’s:
Q: How do I support local schools?
A: Local schools have systems in place to provide emergency meals to families during the school closures. At this time, they do not need donations. While you’re certainly welcome to reach out to your school district and ask how you can help, they have systems in place for large scale needs like this. Making an online donation to Care & Share is the most helpful way to support families that are struggling with food insecurity during school closures.
To view the map of meals being provided by school districts CLICK HERE
Q: If I’m looking for support during COVID-19 and need resources, who should I talk to?
A: The best resource for those looking for support is 2-1-1. Powered by Pikes Peak United Way, this will give individuals referrals to food, housing, utilities, home repair, emergency shelter, clothing, transportation, military assistance, taxes, mental health, senior issues, substance abuse, medical care and more!
For more info CLICK HERE
Q: If I need to stay home, can I still help support the community somehow?
A: YES! Being home and practicing social distancing is helpful in itself, but you can also advocate for your community from home. Consider making an online donation to a local nonprofit or supporting a small business. Pray for those vulnerable to COVID-19. Have eyes for your https://www.affordable-papers.net/ neighbors and those close to you. There are simple ways you can show solidarity and support without leaving your home.
Please email info@cosiloveyou.devsquad.tech with any questions or concerns.