COVID-19 Community Response

Bloodworks NW is reaching out to the city of Bellevue in concerns over COVID-19 which has incited much uncertainty and concern about what is next for our community’s health.

The cancellation of numerous blood drives due to concerns about the coronavirus has created a significant public health risk in our area, since nearly 60% of our blood supply is collected at mobile blood drives. While we see the grocery store shelves empty of non-perishables – no water, no toilet paper, no hand sanitizer – we know blood is short-dated; it’s just like the milk on your shelf. And it takes 1,000 people donating every day to ensure Bloodworks has a safe and stable blood supply for all who need it now. We need all healthy people to come in to help reverse a blood shortage, another – avoidable – public health emergency.

Bloodworks is at a tipping point where children and adults experiencing trauma, those going through cancer treatment, and premature babies, among others, will not have blood available. Together, we can rise up to meet this challenge, but we must act now. With your help, we can ensure Bloodworks receives the necessary donations to fully restock its blood supply – pint by pint. Here is what your chamber can do to take action:

• Search for a blood drive or donor center near you – Blood drive locations

Residents can contribute directly to the City of Bellevue Human Services Fund.

The Human Services Fund supports Bellevue's network of care for our entire community. A complete list of agencies that are supported by the Human Services Fund is found here.

While you cannot designate your donation to a particular agency or program, you are assured that 100 percent of it will go to providing services; there are no administrative fees taken out. Click here for more information on the Human Services Fund.

To contribute, please make a check out to the City of Bellevue Human Services Fund and mail to:

Human Services Fund
Parks & Community Services
PO Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009-9012

A coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners has joined together to create a COVID-19 Response Fund that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the region’s coronavirus outbreak. The Fund is designed to complement the work of public health officials and expand local capacity to address the outbreak as effectively as possible.

As of today’s launch, contributions from the Fund’s lead partners total more than $2.5 million. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to donate via www.seattlefoundation.org/covid19.

Hosted by Seattle Foundation, the COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. One-time operating grants will fund organizations that have deep roots in community and strong experience working with residents without health insurance and/or access to sick days, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare and gig economy workers, and communities of color, among others.

The first phase of rapid-response grants will increase resiliency in disproportionately affected communities by addressing the economic impact of reduced and lost work due to the broader COVID-19 outbreak; the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by COVID-19 related closures; the increased demand for medical information and support; and fear and confusion about the outbreak among our most vulnerable residents. The Fund expects to move an initial round of grants within the next few weeks.

Seattle Foundation will administer grants from the Fund in partnership with United Way of King County and in close collaboration with King County’s Pandemic Community Advisory Group. Together they will proactively identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential recipients from community advisors, and recommend final awards. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases. Additional Fund partners include Philanthropy Northwest, Satterberg Foundation, and Social Venture Partners.

King County government is working with regional private and public sector organizations to direct donations to agencies in need – and the people they are charged to serve during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As the response effort moves into a critical phase, people, businesses and non-profits are searching for an effective means to make sure services, supplies and funding reach health care providers, first responders (e.g. firefighters, law enforcement, medical and healthcare providers), and social service entities working on the front lines.

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/emergency-management/special-topics/donations-connector.aspx

• Order take-out or delivery from your favorite local restaurants
• Support your favorite non-profit
• Buy gift cards
• Purchase tickets for cultural events later in the year
• Shop at your favorite brick and mortar store online

  
  

Attain Housing (formerly KITH) helps homeless and at-risk families with children in King County to become stable and self-sufficient. First, Attain Housing stabilizes families in 33 Attain Housing apartments and in units owned by others. Then, Attain Housing assists the families with services, including case management, which helps them make lasting life changes, leading to permanent housing.

In 2019, we aided over 241 households with financial assistance to avoid eviction and move-in assistance. 100% of those who receive Stable Home funds remain in their homes 3-6 months after receiving support. On average, it cost less than $700 per household to keep these families and individuals from becoming homeless. This program spares families from the trauma of homelessness in a cost-effective way and is a great return on your social investment.

To learn how to support Attain Housing, click on their website.

Coronavirus Response Update - March 16, 10:30 a.m.

The unprecedented and ever-changing coronavirus situation has already been devastating for low-income families in our community. We are working with the Bellevue School District to support these families and address any emerging needs.

How can you help? Please make a contribution on our website or by calling 425-451-1175 to immediately support our efforts.

• Our board has approved an emergency order to purchase $115,000 in Safeway food vouchers. The vouchers will be distributed to families starting on Monday, March 16. This is intended to fill the gap for families who cannot access the Bellevue School District's food distribution sites.
• We were notified us of an emergency need for Monday morning breakfast. We have committed to providing food for 750 students.
• Beginning in April, we estimate a 25-50% increase in emergency rent assistance from parents who are having their work hours cut or eliminated. This rough estimate represents an increased cost of $26,500-$53,000. Families could be negatively impacted for several months.

MAPS-MCRC and MAPS AlSadaqa are providing additional Human and Financial Services for people impacted by CoronaVirus. We have allocated additional funds to reach out and help as many as we can. If you or anyone you know who needs one of the services below or interested in volunteering, please contact us at MCRC COVID-19 Response.

• Food Assistance
• Prescription and Medication Assistance
• Grocery delivery and other help for seniors
• MAPS-MCRC Funeral Services
• MAPS-MCRC Medical clinic