How to Help

NYC is on PAUSE, and while many of us are following Matilda's Law and staying home, many are looking for ways to help.  

Remember: New York State on PAUSE, means all non-essential workers are directed to work from home, and everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot distance in public. While volunteering in person may not be advised to some, and everyone should be practicing social distancing, you can call local organizations or visit their websites to see what their needs are.

New Yorkers are known to step up in times of uncertainty like after 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy. So even though we are social distancing, we can still be there for each other.  

How can you help your fellow New Yorkers affected by COVID-19?

● www.nyc.gov/helpnownyc

● Individuals/Organizations/Companies offering to DONATE PPE: Visit www.nyc.gov/ppedonations

● Companies who have stock on hand and are offering to DONATE or SELL medical supplies and equipment (e.g. gowns, masks, ventilators, face shields): http://www.nyc.gov/covidsuppliers. Those offers will be vetted and respondents will be contacted if there is interest.

● Local manufacturers and industry sector companies looking to begin producing supplies: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing   

● Food and other non-medical donations should go through www.nyc.gov/donate Note: We are not accepting food donations directly to the City but this site provides a platform to connect with organizations in need of food.

● We now also have a phone number that folks can use for donations: 1-833-NYC-0040

 

Ways to Volunteer

Organizations and volunteers should always refer to nyc.gov/coronavirus to maintain personal and public health and review the most up to date information on COVID-19. View the list of best practices for safe volunteering.

Healthcare Volunteers

The City of New York is seeking New York State-certified healthcare workers to support healthcare facility needs during this challenging time. Those interested must complete a two-step process to have their license(s) verified and to be properly matched the available staffing requests.

Step 1: Register with ServNY

Step 2: Complete registration with the Medical Reserve Corps

Healthcare provider surge staffing with NYC HELP NOW - signup form 

Non-Healthcare Volunteers

The City of New York's Volunteer Coordination Task Force is leading a safe volunteer response to address the needs of those most affected by COVID-19.

New York Cares is currently working with city agencies and Community Partners to assess our response to those most impacted by COVID-19. If you would like more information on projects addressing COVID-19 in the coming days and weeks, please sign up.To learn about volunteer opportunities, sign up to support COVID-19 Relief Efforts with New York Cares

New York Cares also provides services to vulnerable populations in coordination with NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), NYC Volunteer Coordination Task Force, and NYC Service.  New York Cares works with NYCEM to coordinate and manage all spontaneous volunteers (e.g. non-Red Cross) in times of citywide emergencies.

If you are interested in learning about available opportunities to volunteer, complete the New York Cares COVID-19 Relief Efforts form to share your information and hear more about opportunities to serve as they arise.

Safety Guidance for Volunteers

Before You Volunteer

The health and safety of volunteers must remain a priority. All volunteers and organizations accepting volunteers must follow current health guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit NYC.gov/coronavirus. If any of the following conditions apply to you, stay home and DO NOT SIGN UP to volunteer:

  • You are sick

  • You are over 50 years old or have chronic health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system.

When You Volunteer

  • Wash your hands often, including at the start and end of your volunteer opportunity. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Do not shake hands.

  • Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.

  • Do not gather in large groups.

  • Keep at least six feet between you and others.

Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

City Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to older people who can’t leave their homes, says it’s anticipating increased demand during the outbreak.  As the designated emergency responder for the city’s seniors, Citymeals on Wheels is working on the frontlines of the Covid-19 outbreak to ensure older New Yorkers have nourishing meals during this public health crisis. 

The public can also donate to support Citymeals’ emergency response at citymeals.org/donate. 100% of all public contributions will go to the preparation and delivery of meals.

Represent NYC Interviews with Beth Shapiro Executive Director City Meals on Wheels

NYC Donations

The City of New York is seeking donations of medical supplies/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support the City's healthcare workers. To donate PPE, visit nyc.gov/ppedonations

Millions of nonprofit professionals all over the world are working to continue to deliver services and implement programs, uninterrupted. And that’s going to be really, really difficult. 

And so if you have the resources, consider making a donation to your favorite organization. Whether they’re on the front lines of the fight to quell the coronavirus, or their mission is entirely unrelated to the current crisis, your dollars will make a big difference. 

The charity rating sites Charity Navigator and CharityWatch have lists of vetted charities working around the world to address the outbreak

Supplies

• Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office is looking to buy gear for hospitals and is happy to accept donated equipment.

Jonah Bruno, a spokesperson of the state Department of Health, said the state is taking donations of “all sizes” — from corporate sources as well as individuals. Cuomo’s office provided the following contact information to connect donors to those who need equipment: Call 646-522-8477 or email COVID19supplies@esd.ny.gov.

More information for those offering donations is also available through the governor’s COVID-19 donation website.

Afya Foundation is mobilizing to deliver vital supplies to hospitals and federally qualified health centers during this crisis. 

Mary Grace Pagaduan, Afya Foundation's Volunteer Manager shares about accepting PPE donations. Full interview airs on Represent NYC.

Give Blood

According to a recent press release from the American Red Cross, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread, we can expect to see a decrease in those eligible (and willing) to donate blood. Here is what they have to say about the current situation:

“Right now, the American Red Cross encourages healthy, eligible individuals to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment at redcrossblood.org to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and avoid any potential shortages. Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give or receive blood. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions.” 

Support your local food bank

Americans are emptying stores shelves of non-perishables as they brace for the possibility of having to self-isolate. The stockpiling has been so intense that some food banks have seen significant decreases in donations from retail grocery stores.

Feeding America, a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs nationwide. Feeding America has set up a COVID-19 response fund, and is working to build an inventory of emergency food boxes to distribute to food banks as the need arises.