Page 6 - April 2020 Wheel -Final

NEED HELP AMID THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN?

By Rashawnda Atkinson

The coronavirus pandemic resulted in for me to think that someone who
self quarantines and social distancing. was like my grandmother would have
Many have retreated to their homes, no one to help them.”
but some are limited to what they
have on hand due to mobility, finan- Right now, Maria is assessing the
cial or health challenges that increase need for help and then will go from
the risk of contracting COVID-19. there. So far, one resident has con-
tacted her to help with the efforts.
“I turned to my husband and said, Several residents signed up to receive
‘We have to do something. I don’t help as well. She hopes that others
know how but we have to help, espe- will join along and create a neighbor-
cially the elderly here [at WAL].” Neighbors offer to help with some critical to-neighbor taskforce that will assist
tasks during COVID-19. with grocery runs, medicine pickups,
So in between the conference calls food prep and meal delivery during
and her responsibilities as a director help with while keeping the CDC the lockdown period.
for a Fairfax non-profit organization, guidelines in mind. What will happen
Maria’s been working on helping the if their home health aide or Please note that this effort is inde-
most vulnerable in our community [housekeeper] can’t come? Who’s pendent of the Association. For Ma-
during this crisis after the CDC going to drive them to get their medi- ria, it’s an effort of the community to
guidelines came out. cations? Who will give them water? help our fellow neighbors who are in
How will they eat?” need. To request help, refer someone
Maria’s motivation was simple. “I who may benefit from such services
live in a community where there are She continued, “I lost my grandmoth- or join Maria’s team, you may email
mainly elders. With people staying er in December. She was 95 and we HyM.120719@gmail.com or call her
home, there are things that they need talked every day. It’s just terrifying at 703-587-9877.

Page 6 Wheel April 2020