Sponsor Covid-19 Emergency Health-Hygiene Supplies

*****WE BROKE THROUGH OUR INITIAL GOAL IN LESS THAN TWO DAYS -- HELP US REACH EVEN MORE PEOPLE WITH OUR NEW STRETCH GOAL!*****


COVID-19 is having a devastating effect on the homeless population in Philadelphia. But your $10 can help save a life.

I knew homelessness was an issue in Philadelphia. But over the past few weeks, I've taken my camera to the streets. What I've seen has left me shaken - and determined to gather together a group that can make an impact.

Because of Covid-19, loss of income and soon-to-resume evictions are pushing more people into living on the streets. Right now, the number is 1,000+ and rising. Meanwhile, the social safety net has frayed to the breaking point:

Covid-19 Protection • Few of the people living on the street have usable masks or face coverings – and have no way to wash their hands (or masks, if they have them).

Toilets • There are almost no restrooms available. It is “against protocol” for restaurants to allow take-out customers to use their facilities. I witnessed a man defecating on the sidewalk two blocks from City Hall.

Nutrition • Although those gathered near City Hall can receive a “bag lunch” and a bottle of water twice every weekday from religious organizations, the food provided may not be medically advised. There are few/no reliable sources of food on weekends or holidays.
 
Hydration • There are no public water fountains or sources of bottled water available. (Two bottles a day is not sufficient for an adult.)

Cooling • On June 10, the first declared Heat Emergency in Philadelphia this year, there were no cooling stations. (Starting July 20, with a new heat wave, there are a few designated libraries and cooling buses scattered around the city.) Fountains are shut off.  



So, what can YOU do? The director of the city's Office of Homeless Services has two recommendations, and I'm hoping you'll help tackle both of them:

(1) Advocating to get toilets put in place, fountains and drinking water sources turned on, etc, through Councilpersons at Large; and

(2) Providing Emergency Health and Hygiene Supplies to address the most urgent needs of those living on the the street, as identified by outreach workers and homeless people themselves, such as:

• Hand sanitizer
• Cotton mask and/or Cotton bandana
• Personal wipes
• Collapsible re-usable water bottle
• Insulated "lunch bag" to help preserve food
• Pair of socks
• SPF-15 Carmex lip balm (already donated by Carma Labs!)

Buying the supplies wholesale and/or getting donations, we can provide supplies for approximately $10 per person.

That's where you come in.

Each of these "kits" could help save a life...can you help save one person?

Can you help save 10 lives?

If we can meet our stretch goal,  we can provide these Emergency Supplies through City and Hub of Hope outreach workers to about 40% those living without shelter now...400 homeless souls.

Your donation will be managed by the non-profit Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network. If you prefer to send a check, make it out to "PIHN," note "Hygiene Supplies" on the memo line, and mail it to PIHN, 7047 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

Either way, it will make an outsized impact. Won't you join me in giving today?

Rivkah

PS, Please share the link to this project with others. (To help get the word out, you can share the link to your Facebook Timeline!) Thank you!


A view from the Tent Community on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which the City will likely be closing down shortly - forcing 150+ residents back onto the streets.