It happened so fast. Millions of people are suddenly without jobs or income. Children who normally rely on the public schools for some of their daily meals do not have enough. Food pantries are seeing long lines and are stretched thin.
While our businesses in Buckhead may be suffering as well, going hungry or without shelter is a whole different level of distress that most of us cannot even understand. Helping others in need and loving your neighbor will possibly change their life, and maybe lift your spirits.
With that in mind, here are 5 ways we can help those in need, right now!
1. Hands On Atlanta
Want to actually get your hands dirty, get out of the house, and help in person? Hands On Atlanta exists to connect volunteers with organizations that need warm bodies to help. From serving food at a shelter, to stocking food pantries, to delivering meals to home-bound seniors, you can find dozens of opportunities to help on their website. Sign Up Here To Help
2. Atlanta Community Food Bank
Even in a normal year the Atlanta Community Food Bank provides meals to 755,000 needy people by serving as a clearinghouse and distributor for supplies that they send to shelters, food pantries, senior centers, and more. There are few organizations with as much capacity and infrastructure to help in this time. Donate Here and Volunteer Here
3. United Way of Greater Atlanta
What is now known as United Way of Greater Atlanta got its start in 1905 as Associated Charities when 27-year-old attorney Joseph Logan organized people to raise money, food and coal for those in need during an Atlanta snowstorm. Since then, they have been providing help to those in need by providing emergency assistance, health services, and additional critical needs such as childcare and food. Give to the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund and provide immediate support to those most vulnerable to the economic and health-related issues caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Donate Here
4. The Meal Bridge
Feed a tired nurse and give some business to a local restaurant. 16-year old Grey Cohen of Atlanta started The Meal Bridge in response to the virus epidemic just 5 weeks ago. It has already branched out to serve hospital workers across the country. The goal is to help people working in the restaurant and healthcare fields by purchasing meals and then providing them to healthcare workers. It’s simple to help, go to their website, select the local hospital that you want to help, and then select the local restaurant. The website handles logistics and it is a true win-win!
5. The City of Refuge
I have seen firsthand the amazing work that the City of Refuge has been doing in Southwest Atlanta since 1997. They serve the 30314 zip code from a sprawling warehouse complex fortified with fences and guards in the poorest and most crime/drug ravaged neighborhood in our city. From providing safe housing to single mothers, to providing job training and mentoring to the needy, their goal is to lift people out of poverty so that they can function on their own and provide for their families. As the founder, Bruce Deal, wrote in a recent email to supporters: “The coronavirus is real and brutal but soon, I hope, it will pass. However, the virus of poverty will not pass nor will the virus of homelessness. The virus of addiction will remain and kids growing up without their dad will still be a disease that is doing untold damage. I will not give in and I will not give up and I hope you will join the fight with me by clicking on the link below and making your donation.” Donate Here and Get Involved Here
