COVID-19 coordination coalition identifies new needs, adds new partners
A coalition of Cape Region organizations formed to connect those with resources and those with urgent needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic has identified new priorities and added more partners.
The Cape Community Coordination for COVID-19 coalition was formed in March, bringing together healthcare providers; local governments; public libraries; businesses; chambers of commerce; and social services, religious, educational and nonprofit organizations. The partner organizations have a combined reach of more than 111,000 individuals.
Representatives of more than 55 partner organizations conduct virtual meetings twice a week to identify pandemic-related needs and coordinate responses with appropriate resources.
The coalition’s interactive website, www.ccc4covid.org, highlights high-priority needs and resources available for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Those with needs, or with resources to address needs, can contact the coalition through its website, by telephone at 302-858-6167 or by email to info@ccc4covid.org. Social media users can follow the coalition and receive updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at CCC4COVID.
New focus areas include emergency food distribution, particularly in lower-income communities in eastern Sussex County, and ensuring the availability of computer resources for students in area school districts.
To help connect individuals and families in need of food with organizations providing nutritional assistance, the coalition created and added to its website an interactive map that provides detailed information about more than a dozen food distribution locations and other nutrition resources in the region. To reach those without internet access, the information also has been shared in flyers provided to organizations participating in the coalition, with versions in English, Spanish and French.
CCC4COVID also has helped make connections to ensure that Delawareans have access to computers to support remote work and learning. Pathways to Success in Georgetown has been working with Cape Henlopen, Indian River and Sussex Tech school districts to provide devices where needed. The coalition also has engaged the Wilmington-based NERDiT Foundation, which donates computers to community centers and nonprofits, as well as to students and any larger groups of people who are working from home without a device.
Production of masks, gowns and face shields for Beebe Healthcare and the Lewes Fire Department remains an ongoing priority. More than 100 quilters and sewers already have produced thousands of personal protective items for healthcare providers and first responders. The coalition currently is seeking sources of fabric and elastic for production of additional masks.
“The response to the CCC4COVID movement during its first month has been overwhelming,” said Jen Mason, the coalition’s coordinator. “By bringing these groups together, we have a better chance of keeping our community healthy and whole - in body, mind, and spirit - during these difficult times, and in the days to come.”
Organizations that have recently joined the coalition as partners include the Blood Bank of Delmarva, First State Community Action Agency, Greater Lewes Foundation, La Vida Hospitality, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth Beach, Overfalls Foundation, Schell Brothers and Seniors Helping Seniors.
The coalition welcomes new partner organizations and invites them to participate in virtual coordination meetings held Tuesdays and Fridays, Mason said.
For a complete list of participating organizations and for additional information, visit www.ccc4covid.org.
