The lure to help in the wake of a major disaster—a hurricane, tornado, flooding—is certainly nothing new. In fact, with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, it’s becoming all too familiar. But COVID-19 (coronavirus) is a very different kind of disaster.
In the span of just a few days, life for many of us, particularly those of us here in the Mid-Atlantic region, became quite surreal. All but the most essential businesses and services were ordered closed, and much of the country was asked to remain at home.
Even the most destructive of disasters tend to be relatively localized. But because COVID-19 is spreading so rapidly, we’re all being forced to confront this outbreak together. And before it’s over, every one of us will have experienced its impact in some way.
However, there is at least one aspect of this current crisis that makes it similar to every natural disaster that’s preceded it: The most vulnerable among us will be the most deeply affected by it and will take the longest to recover.
“Therefore, it will be important to support local nonprofit organizations working in areas identified as having high numbers of affected individuals and those who are working with the most vulnerable populations in those areas to help build their capacity for response and recovery,” Melanie Davis-Jones, a spokesperson for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, recently wrote. “These include older adults, immigrant and New American populations, refugees, medically fragile individuals, people with disabilities, and other communities vulnerable to the physical health, mental health, and economic impacts of a pandemic.”
For the last 55 years, NORWESCAP has been helping to support low-income families and individuals across Northwest New Jersey. Today, as our region and country face the threat from COVID-19, that commitment is stronger than ever.
If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer, donate materials, or otherwise support NORWESCAP’s work during this crisis, call MaryBeth Ringo at 848-459-5882 or email her at ringom@norwescap.org. Monetary donations may be made here.
We will get through this, but we’re counting on your continued support to do so. After all, we’re all in this together.