Because many of the usual BWNA projects have been put on hold due to the coronavirus, the board has been exploring other ways to be helpful to neighbors during these challenging days. Given the economic hardships and job losses caused by pandemic-induced shutdowns, the board sought a way to help struggling families in the local community. BWNA reached out to Beaumont Middle School Principal Harriette Vimegnon, asking if there were a way to identify families of students who could use some extra help. She responded immediately and enthusiastically, explaining that the school was working with a Portland nonprofit to help with food resources, but wondered if BWNA might be able to supply gift cards to help with other household necessities, such as hygiene products, supplies for infants (e.g., formula and diapers), and other items. Counselors and teachers at the school and other community partners would collaborate in selecting recipients and disseminating the cards. The BWNA board enthusiastically welcomed Ms. Vimegnon’s proposal, and the ball started rolling.
The project got a boost from BWNA’s umbrella organization, Central Northeast Neighbors (CNN)—a coalition of nine local neighborhood associations (NAs). Funds had been left over from the last fiscal year because of activities that had to be canceled due to the pandemic, and the CNN staff decided to divide those monies among coalition NAs, encouraging them to use the funds for coronavirus relief efforts, but with no particular restrictions. Additionally, BWNA tapped into funding the board had set aside for participation in this year’s Beaumont Middle School’s Sparrow Project, which raises money to assist seriously handicapped kids. The project has been postponed at least until the 2021-2022 academic year when, hopefully, in-building classes can resume on a regular basis.
In the end, the board approved the purchase of $1,500 worth of $50 gift cards from the Hollywood Fred Meyer store. After the 30 cards were delivered to the school in early December, Principal Vimegnon wrote, “We are very appreciative of your support… Our first three cards were given out this morning! The needs are definitely there. With the holidays coming up, your support will be greatly appreciated. We are grateful to work in a community that supports its neighbors. It is because of organizations like yours that we as Oregonians are able to thrive.” (Side note from me: this is what Portland’s all-volunteer neighborhood associations do. This is what neighborhoods are for.)
CNN Executive Director Alison Stoll reported that other NAs in the coalition have used the coronavirus relief allotments in a variety of ways, including matching SNAP (food stamp) funding at the Hollywood Farmers Market (thus supporting families as well as local farmers and entrepreneurs), distributing masks and hand sanitizers for neighbors in need, and providing basics for the homeless.
CNN itself used some of the unspent funds to work with member NAs to develop and print a COVID resource guide in English and in Spanish, with links to many other languages. Check it out on the following CNN website page: http://cnncoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Covid-Resource-Guide-1.pdf.