Walla Walla Mutual Aid Network
Many families are now facing new challenges as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus). These new challenges will especially hit hard for the elderly, low-income wage earners, single-parent homes, the undocumented and those with compromised immune systems.
How will single parent and low-income families cover the costs of childcare as schools are closed? How will low-income hourly workers, especially those in our local service industry who rely on a robust tourism industry, cover their basic needs as they're laid off work? How are those in quarantine or symptomatic expected to pick up medicines from local pharmacies if they are told to stay home?
Walla Walla Mutual Aid Network has been organized to support families in crisis. It is an effort operated by volunteers, in collaboration with local organizations & agencies, to serve those most impacted.
So, how will we do it?
By working together, we are raising the funds needed to meet the needs of our community's most vulnerable. We are asking community members to make their best donation toward supporting our most vulnerable neighbors. We are also working to obtain support from private foundations and philanthropists to augment this work.
We are also building a volunteer army of hundreds of people who are willing to do the leg work needed to serve those most vulnerable. From running our intake process, to delivering resources to folk's homes, to creating a robust outreach effort to dispel fears & rumors so that everyone can be safe during this pending rise in virus infections -- our effort will be 100% powered by volunteers. Those who want to volunteer can sign up here .
What will we do?
Intake & Referral: We will operate an intake process that identifies community members basic needs related to COVID-19 and work to meet them. This includes referring community members to existing organizations, so that we are not duplicating services.
Pharmacy Delivery: We will pick-up and deliver medicine to those who are sick, elderly or with compromised immune systems. For the safety of our volunteers and community members, these will be no-contact deliveries that will be scheduled in advance.
Emergency Food: We will purchase (up to $50) and deliver emergency food supplies to vulnerable community members. When possible, we will work with local food banks to provide food assistance to make best use of resources. These deliveries will also be no-contact deliveries for safety.
Financial Assistance: We are approaching foundations and private philanthropists to secure funding to provide a small stipend to families in need of funds to cover basic human needs as a result of layoffs or sickness.
How will your contribution be used?
Every single penny donated through GoFundMe will be used to provide emergency food assistance to our most vulnerable community members. No organizer or volunteer will be paid. When food and purchases must be made, we will make every effort to support local businesses. Together with your support, we will help our most vulnerable neighbors fare this crisis. Thank you for your support and your solidarity!
Want to make a large contribution and need a tax receipt?
If you are interested in making a contribution of $1,000 or more, and would like a receipt of your gift for tax purposes, please email our treasurer Allison Carney at [email redacted] prior to making your gift, for more details.