Community Love in the Time of COVID

Deadline: Start now and keep going – 

COVID-19 has challenged us all. While the quack-in-chief is recommending ingesting cleaning products and taking potentially dangerous prescription medicine that hasn’t been approved for a condition he claims he doesn’t have, some of us are taking the opportunity to do our research and do some good. 

We are lucky our East Bay community is uniting to support each other in this challenging time, so Indivisible East Bay offers this list – not meant to be complete! – of some great groups providing much-needed help. There’s something here for everyone, depending on what you have to give: time, money, and talent are all welcome at many of the resources below. Whether you or someone you know needs aid or has some extra time or money to give, or even if you’re just one unhinged press conference away from losing it and need a channel for your frustration, check out these organizations and their great work!

Food Aid:

• Alameda County Community Food Bank: Located in Oakland, Alameda County Community Food Bank has several opportunities for volunteers in this time of need. Though they’re not currently accepting in-person volunteers, you can still sign up to start or participate in a virtual food drive, donate, or advocate.  Learn more at their COVID response page. If you’re ready to get started right now, here’s an immediate action item: ask your Senators to boost SNAP benefits.
• Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano: This organization, with locations in both Concord and Fairfield, is currently taking donations and seeking volunteers to help sort and distribute food. You can check out their COVID page for more information. 
• San Leandro Community Food Pantry: This San Leandro organization is accepting donations and volunteers.
• Berkeley Food Pantry: Located in North Berkeley, this organization is taking donations and volunteers for all of their volunteer positions.
• East Oakland Collective: This organization works on homeless services, economic empowerment, and civic engagement in the East Oakland community. During COVID, they’re working to distribute food and supplies. You can donate to support their work.

Don’t see your neighborhood listed? Here are comprehensive lists of food banks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. 

Mutual Aid and Community Aid:

• Mutual aid networks are springing up all over: in Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward and more. Live elsewhere? Check out this hub to find one near you. 
• East Bay Community Fund: This organization invests year-round in high-impact community organizations here in the East Bay. EBCF’s COVID fund is helping to fill resource gaps by providing aid to those who may not receive any or all of what they need from the state or federal government, including people experiencing homelessness, undocumented immigrants, and other groups with unique needs in this difficult time.  If you’re interested, you can donate here.
• Contra Costa Health Services provides information about resources, donating supplies, and how to donate to the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, launched by the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation.
• Support vulnerable workers with these community funds to support artists, restaurant workers, and other service workers.
• Support elders by donating to or volunteering with Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to seniors, or by donating to this fund for Asian elders

Can’t find the organization you’re looking for? Check out this map of mutual and community aid organizations in the Bay Area!