Desert Stonewall Democrats are encouraging its members and supporters to reach out and offer to help at least one neighbor experiencing home isolation due to COVID-19.

The call to action comes 24 hours after Palm Springs Mayor Geoff said, “There is nothing more important than the health and well-being of our residents, workforce, and visitors.  … I want to thank our City Staff, especially our public safety professionals, health care workers, businesses and residents who have acted with such kindness and concern for each other. We are in this together and we will get through it together.”

The need to assist people affected by the pandemic will get greater every day, leaders say. We are deeply concerned with those who are sick, disabled, quarantined without pay, elderly, and those who are undocumented.

A strong sense of community will carry us through this difficult time. Our members have the potential of reaching thousands of neighbors in need. Our neighbors need us now.

We understand the community response need will grow in the days and weeks ahead. We are particularly concerned with keeping our neighbors food secure. One Member, One Neighbor is an action to engage our social network for immediate good.

What Action Can You Take?

If you are in the low-risk category and are able to assist to support others in your neighborhood, you can create a micro-community center by following basic protective measures and doing the following:

  1.  Socialization Call — Reach out to one neighbor by telephone, talking over the fence, having conversation if you are out on a walk, ask how they are doing and offer to assist.
  2. With an understanding that it may be difficult for some to ask for help, offer to pick up groceries or medicines for neighbors that can’t go to stores. This includes those who normally pick up food from weekly distribution sources. Leave items at the front door and minimize exposure to each other. Always practice maintaining 6-foot distance from others.
  3. Offer to walk their dog and make sure they have the pet food they need.
  4. Call on the telephone every day to check-in. Give them your telephone number and let them know to call you if they need anything.
  5. For those who are at risk and sheltering in place, they too can reach out to neighbors by telephone and help prevent a feeling of isolation.
  6. If you are aware of a self-isolating neighbor who usually picks up food at a weekly food bank distribution, offer to pick up their weekly distribution. Check with the food bank for their procedures for picking up food for others.

As we embark on helping neighbors be reminded of exercising social distancing, use hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, wash hands frequently, and follow all public health guidelines.

One Member, One Neighbor is an initiative of the Palm Springs LGBTQ Community Leadership Council whose mission is to support and enhance the business, political, cultural, and community life of the Palm Springs LGBT community by providing a stable, effective, and on-going collaborative mechanism through which LGBT community organizations can effectively exchange information, coordinate community activities, collaborate on community projects and provide coordinated community leadership.

Follow the Palm Springs LGBTQ Community Leadership Council on Facebook by clicking here.

Image Sources

  • Helping neighbor: Shutterstock