Discussion Call Notes

Thank you, everyone, who logged on to join us for our open discussion call on April 28. Participants were updated on what Housing Forward, Beyond Hunger, Way Back Inn, New Moms, Sister House, Progress Center for Independent Living and more on are doing during COVID-19 and how people can support them.

ASKS:

Housing Forward is currently housing over 100 individuals in three hotels and is in need of monetary donations to the Emergency Relief Fund, which can be made here. Housing Forward is also in need of masks, gloves and other personal protection items for staff and social workers.

Beyond Hunger continues to feed those in need in their service area. Anyone is able to drive up and get food. With grocery store donations suspended, monetary donations are needed to purchase food and can be made here. One dollar can provide three meals

Way Back Inn continues to provide and accept people to outpatient services via telemedicine. For Giving Tuesday Now, May 5, Way Back Inn asks for support through donations that can be made here.

New Moms is operating at full capacity and are providing emergency services, including diapers and formula, to families in need through direct deliveries. Referrals of families in need are requested as well as donations.

Sister House is at full capacity. The organization is in need of toilet paper and financial support, which can be made here, having had to cancel the annual fundraiser. There is a fundraiser working to secure funds to purchase chairs for outdoor seating to help with cabin fever and anxiety.

Progress Center for Independent Living has implemented weekly check-in services for people to call in with questions, concerns or to talk on Mondays at 3 pm. Personal protection items are needed for staff as well on housing referrals and donations, which can be made here.

Oak Park Mutual Aid is offering immediate assistance to those in need of food in Oak Park and the surrounding areas during the COVID crisis; Please refer anyone in need to us.  We are in need of donations and volunteers. Please visit our Facebook page, our website, www.OakParkMutualAid.com, or email us at oakparkmutualaid@gmail.com.