Caring for One Another During COVID-19

Community has always been at the heart of our work. Amidst so much uncertainty and crisis, finding ways to care for our communities and to stay connected is critically important. Especially during these times, it’s necessary to remember that there will always be folks in our communities who are looking out for each other—like the CommonBond residents from East Shore Place. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic started to hit Minnesota, residents at East Shore Place Senior Housing in Mahtoemedi, MN began to organize a food and essentials delivery service as a way to make sure that other folks in the building had the supplies they needed and items that would bring comfort to them. 

The inspiration for the donation drive came about when Sheila Stuart, one of our residents at East Shore Place, noticed a post by a Mahtoemedi resident on the neighborhood app Nextdoor soliciting ideas for how to show up for vulnerable community members. Right away, Stuart started reaching out to fellow neighbors and began to collect their requests.

“It’s the little things” that folks are missing, said Stuart, ‘“like a piece of chocolate, or a cookie.” (Learn more about the resident-organized delivery service at East Shore Place: https://www.twincities.com/2020/03/18/locked-down-coronavirus-forces-mn-nursing-homes-to-ban-family-visits/)

Community members purchased items requested by residents and brought them to the site; then Stuart, with the help of a couple of other CommonBond residents, would distribute them safely to their neighbors at East Shore Place. 

Nearly every community member has been adversely affected by the pandemic, and yet in spite of their own struggles, residents at East Shore Place are finding ways to care for one another and to make sure that no one is left behind. Their efforts make it clear that when we show up for our neighbors, we’re helping ensure that our communities at large can thrive.

 

Photo by John Autey, Pioneer Press

Our Impact

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