Happy Giving Tuesday!
Today, and every day, we are encouraging everyone to help support our community during this pandemic and beyond. Although we are being told to stay at home and practice social distancing (don’t get us wrong, you should absolutely stay at home!), there’s something wrong with the phrase “social distancing.” Let’s talk about physical distancing, and socially connecting.
What does that mean?
We are all physically separated due to this pandemic, but we don’t want to lose sight of how connected we all are in this crisis. Social isolation can cause a loss of optimism, loneliness, and even depression. We want to ensure people still remain socially connected and continue collaborating within the community. As Young Democrats, we will support one another during this very difficult time. Our proposal is while we continue physical distancing, we commit to socially connecting.
How can you do that? What can you do to help?
Right Now
We want you to first, take care of yourself and your loved ones. The first and most significant thing you can do right now is remind yourself, you are NOT alone. Your mental health is incredibly important to us. During extended periods of isolation from normal life, we can only expect that you will face difficult mental health challenges. But we are here for you, we are in this together, and you are not alone.
If you are in need of mental health resources, look no further
Today, tomorrow, and the next day
If you have taken care of your mental health and feel financially capable, here are some local organizations that are on the front-lines assisting Howard County families and residents during this pandemic. In addition, if you or someone you know is in need of assistance, we encourage you to reach out to these groups.
If you’re looking for ways to help others in our community, look no further! Send donations to:
- Venmo @SraChav
- CashApp $SraChav
- PayPal morenita1623@yahoo.com
If you are in need of assistance with basic needs, please don’t hesitate to contact Columbia Community Care! Call or text 443- 583-4479 or email ColumbiaCommunityCare@gmail.com
This organization provides housing, food, and a number of other forms of assistance to families and individuals in need across Howard County. They also operate the Howard County Food Bank, which has been vital to providing food to our neighbors during this difficult time. You can donate here.
If you are in need of assistance, the CAC can be contacted at 410-313-6440.
Not everyone is safe at home right now if they live in a household with a violent partner or family member. HopeWorks has been supporting residents of Howard County who experience sexual, dating, and domestic violence during this pandemic and well beforehand. Please consider donating here to support the vital services they provide to our community.
If you are in need or someone you know is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact their hotline at 410-997-2272.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
Grassroots works tirelessly to support local families and individuals facing housing instability and homelessness. Their organization has been providing resources and services through this pandemic and well before-hand to ensure the most vulnerable in our community are taken care of. Please consider donating to Grassroots here.
Please don’t hesitate to contact their 24 Hour Crisis Hotline at 410-531-6677 for assistance.
In addition, if you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at hocoyoungdems@gmail.com.
This Month
Check in on your neighbors, coworkers, friends and family that maybe you haven’t reached out to in a bit. Give them a call or video chat if you’re able to. We are making it a goal to call at least one person a day for a conversation. Socially connecting with people during this time is incredibly important to not only our overall morale and optimism, but also our mental health and well-being.
In addition, if you know anyone over the 65 that may want to speak with someone on a regular basis, please share the following information regarding the Senior Call Check program through the Maryland Department of Aging.
Howard County Young Democrats 