By Amber Breiner

Carbon County Community Foundation President

Many nonprofit organizations provide vital community services that must continue during the crisis.

In the past few days, I reached out to some past grantees to see how the organizations meeting people’s basic needs are adapting.

In difficult times like these, it is the role of a community foundation to identify needs and bring people and resources together. Some community services that meet basic needs are provided through government funding, but many are provided by organizations that are independent nonprofit organizations that receive little or no government support.

All the organizations here would gladly accept monetary donations, however, they also may be in need of volunteer service, during the crisis and beyond. You may reach out to these organizations directly or contact the Carbon County Community Foundation and we’ll do our best to help: cccfoundpa.org or 855-545-1311.

Homelessness

What does an order to “shelter in place” mean for those without shelter? Anecdotal accounts from school districts reported recent increases in homelessness prior to the crisis; recent attempts have been made to verify the current count. Two of the five districts have reported so far currently 21 students considered homeless. Their situation during this crisis is unknown.

Homeless shelters in the area are taxed. Reports as of March 24 are that the men’s shelter Peaceful Knights is not accepting new residents nor is Family Promise. Family Promise relies upon churches to volunteer nightly to feed and shelter homeless families. With so many church volunteers being among the highest-risk population, they have needed to cease regular program operations. The Country Inn and Suites has offered a discount rate to house the two families in the program in separate rooms, however, this solution will grow expensive quickly. Community volunteers have stepped up to make and deliver dinners to each family nightly.

Hunger

Regardless of the state mandates for businesses closing, quarantine or sheltering, the charitable food network will always be exempt. Shepherd House, Carbon County’s local food bank support hub, reports that pantries throughout the region are adapting their delivery strategies to keep their volunteers safe and help some of our community’s most vulnerable people stay fed.

Under guidance from the state, regional food banks, and locally from Commissioner Rocky Ahner, pantries have made significant changes by pre-bagging food and distributing outdoors in drive-through fashion. Recipients, who would normally have to register and sign a declaration of income level and statement of need, are allowed to give verbal verification. It may be a challenge to keep food pantries open, however, as many volunteers may fall into the high-risk categories for age or underlying conditions.

Second Harvest Food Bank has issued guidelines to pantries that include encouraging them to recruit new volunteers who may be younger and have limited risk of exposing others at home.

All Carbon County school districts are participating in Department of Education’s #Meals 4 Kids in PA campaign to continue breakfast and lunchtime meals for takeout throughout the crisis.

Anne Horrigan, Senior Center Services Director of Carbon County Area Agency on Aging shared that during this crisis, the agency is responsible for delivering meals to more than 150 senior citizens in our area. They are in need of volunteers willing to drive and deliver the meals, particularly in the Penn Forest area. Those interested in volunteering should call 610-824-7830.

Security

The closing of schools and businesses, and general orders to “stay home,” pose challenges when homes are unstable. Care Net of Carbon County serves individuals and families in crisis by offering them mentoring and support, including the opportunity to earn vital supplies in exchange for successful completion of program “homework” that teaches life and parenting skills and healthy coping strategies.

At their locations in Lehighton and Nesquehoning, they serve approximately 65 people a month. The organization reports that they are abiding by CDC guidelines and limiting contact. Because of the screening process, many clients are unable to meet in person, and all group classes have been canceled or postponed.

Approximately 30% of area residents lack access to the internet and Care Net’s clients generally do not have access as well. However, Care Net is still able to keep ties with and support their clients by keeping their curriculum and program going through phone communication and outside drop-off and pick-up.

Executive Director Suzy DeMara says that the homework is especially helpful for clients during this stressful and uncertain time, as it encourages self-reflection and resilience.

Care Net does not receive government funding and depends entirely on private funding support from the community.