Updated Resources
Scroll down to 3/16/2020 to see our initial response and initial list of resources.
5/6/2020 Updates
Equitable Economic Advancement Collaborative
EndHunger Durham Interactive Food Resource Map
4/21/21 Updates
IEI Open Space Weekly Conversations with Faith Leaders: Zoom URL: https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/600811132
- TUESDAYS 10-11 AM: “HOW are you doing”
Every Tuesday, our open space call will be to see how we’re feeling. We want to check in on what boundaries, health (physical and mental), and life looks like for you and help each other.
- THURSDAYS 10-11 AM: “WHAT are you doing”
Every Thursday, our open space call is about troubleshooting and sharing what’s working. What adaptations are you taking for community ministries? What questions do you have? What’s working and what isn’t working?
Durham Center for Senior Life Free Meals and Incontinence Supplies:
- TO ENROLL for senior meals, contact Alicia Gant, agant@dcslnc.com, 919-688-8247103. Durham Center for Senior Life also has hygiene and incontinence supplies for older adults. Contact Maggie Perez at 919-688-8247x.104.
Welcome Baby Free Infant Diapers and Hygiene Supplies
- Curbside on Fridays, and hygiene supplies for families with children ages 0-5. Please contact (919) 560-7150or welcomebabydurham@gmail.com for enrollment and location.
Virus Rips Through Navajo Nation
4/16/2020 Updates
Volunteer Opportunities with Hands on Triangle
New Gov. Cooper Order for Retailers
Black Americans Could Suffer More from COVID-19
Town Hall for Faith Based Organizations with Congressman Price
Durham FEAST provides complete meals, fresh produce, and shelf-stable ingredients to children and adults experiencing food insecurity during COVID-19. https://www.durhamfeast.org/.
- The Sites in Spanish: https://www.durhamfeast.org/sitios
- The Sites in English: https://www.durhamfeast.org/sites
****If anyone needs cloth masks donated please reach out to Danielle Lockley, Danielle.wiggins9@gmail.com, 919.280.7595. She is a local seamstress that wants to donate cloth masks.****
4/9/2020 Updates
How Larger Churches Can Help Smaller Churches During COVID-19
Relief Fund for Small Churches
During pandemic, small and aging churches face obstacles to adapt
Meals for Kids in NC During COVID-19 School Closures
You Don’t Have to Believe in God to Witness a Crucifixion this Week
4/8/2020 Updates
- Social distancing is our best tool to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect everyone in the community. The more you stay in your own home now, the sooner we can all safely go out again. When you do have to go out, remember to stay at least six feet from others, and if possible, wear a cloth mask to prevent spreading COVID to others.
- For help finding resources like food, housing, and health care, call 211. For free meal sites for children, text FOODNC to 877-877.
- For accurate COVID-19 information, visit dcopublichealth.org or n
cdhhs.gov or call the the Durham County hotline at 919-635-8150. - If you think you have been exposed and have symptoms of COVID-19, CALL your medical provider. Do not show up to the doctor’s office without calling first.
- As a reminder to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, keep your hands away from your face and avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- The Durham County Department of Public health is providing limited services during our modified hours of 9:00am-1:00pm. For a list of available services, visit https://tinyurl.com/DCoD
PHcovidhours.
- Social distancing is our best tool to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect everyone in the community. The more you stay in your own home now, the sooner we can all safely go out again. When you do have to go out, remember to stay at least six feet from others, and if possible, wear a cloth mask to prevent spreading COVID to others, even if you don’t have symptoms.
- For help finding resources like food, housing, and health care, call 211. For free meal sites for children, text FOODNC to 877-877.
- For accurate COVID-19 information, visit dcopublichealth.org or n
cdhhs.gov or call the the Durham County hotline at 919-635-8150 or the North Carolina state hotline at 211. - For medical advice, like understanding what to do if you have symptoms, or managing your other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure during this time, call the state COVID-19 triage line at 1-877-490-6642.
- If you think you have been exposed and have symptoms of COVID-19, CALL your medical provider. Do not show up to the doctor’s office without calling first. This helps limit the chances that you or someone else will be exposed to COVID-19.
- As a reminder to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, keep your hands away from your face and avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- The Durham County Department of Public health is providing limited services during our modified hours of 9:00am-1:00pm. We will close to the public at 1:00. To see our hours and a list of available services, visit https://tinyurl.com/DCoD
PHcovidhours.
4/7/2020 Updates
Black Christian Solidarity with Asian Americans During COVID-19
Governer’s Order Prohibiting Disconnection of Utilities During Pandemic
Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
4/6/2020 Updates
How to Live in the Face of Fear: Lessons From a Cancer Survivor
Statement by Durham CAN to Release Incarcerated Brothers and Sisters
Arab Christians Have Lost Easter Before. Here’s What They Learned
Coronavirus Resources from Asian Americans Advancing Justice
4/3/2020 Updates
All Digital School Learning Platforms
CCDA Virtual Meeting on the CARES Act for Nonprofits
Share with CCDA how you are being a #virtualneighbor
Plan de Acción para Iglesias Latinas
National Latino Evangelical Coalition Action Plan for Latino Churches (in Spanish)
4/2/2020 Updates
The Body of Christ Continues to Gather in Prison
Sign Up to Deliver Food and Supplies in Durham
Durham County Public Health Update with Rod Jenkins (March 28)
Pandemics and Worship Throughout History
4/1/2020 Updates
Statement on Anti-Asian Racism in the Time of COVID-19
Housing Security in the South during COVID-19
How to Get a Domestic Violence Protective Order
Our Rituals Will Change This Year
Notes from Lockdown in Bruderhof Community
ReCity “Just” Podcast About Coronavirus
COVID-19 Resource Guide from Office of Congressman David Price
Church Resources from the ECC (including many resources on streaming services)
3/31/2020 Updates
Do you have questions about the governer’s stay at home order? Here are answers
The Work We Can Do During Quarantine
UMC Discipleship COVID-19 Children’s Resources
3/30/2020 Updates
Black and Latino startup churches work to stay afloat during pandemic
Thinking about Good Friday during a pandemic
In Italy, I’ve Rediscovered the Power of Three Types of Prayer
Healthcare Coverage for people losing jobs during pandemic:
Spanish (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://tinyurl.com/ukk8sb9__;!!OToaGQ!5SFDP-Jkqo4zxWTkA8GkL6MpwQOHzhxCtHNZ7h9eHiJ8cznJKPgXF6RyXbBcXWtn-j_c$ ) that are links to Google forms where consumers can give us their contact info to request a direct follow-up.
3/27/2020 Updates
COVID 19 Prayer Resource by Dominique Gilliard
COVID-19 Unemployment Issues Affecting Nonprofits
How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19
3/26/2020 Updates
DCIA Policy Response Forum Video
Communities in Partnership and Culinary Femme Collective
Priorities for Government Action on Housing and Homelessness
NC People’s Platform for COVID and Beyond
Poor People’s Campaign Poverty Amidst Pandemic Platform
3/25/2020 Updates
City of Durham to Announce Stay at Home Order
Governer Cooper to Address Faith Communities:
On behalf of Governor Roy Cooper, I invite our Faith, Nonprofit, Volunteer and Divine-9 partners to a Virtual COVID-19 Engagement Session tomorrow, Wednesday March 25, 2020 from 3:30p-4:30p. You can access the meeting in one of three (3) ways:
- LiveStream at YouTube
- LiveStream at WebEx
- Teleconference
- Dial: 415.655.0003
- Code: 618 738 348 #
- mobile one touch: 415.655.0003;618.738.348#
Know Your Rights to Paid Leave, Unemployment and Safe Work
3/24/2020 Updates
Love and Nourish Partnership with Restaurants and Feeding Community
El Centro Hispano COVID-19 Response for the Hispanic/Latino Community
Reconciliation in Difficult Times Service on Passion Sunday
Calvin Institute for Christian Worship COVID-19 Worship Resources
3/23/2020 Updates
Coronavirus is Forcing Black Churches to Make Tough Decisions
St. Louis Black Churches Consider Ways to Keep Congregants Safe in Midst of Coronavirus
https://www.standagainsthatred.org/stories
Being a Good Neighbor During a Pandemic
Multifaith Clergy and Spiritual Communal Responses to COVID-19
Calling Coronavirus Chinese Virus Instigates Blame and Hatred Against Asians
Asian People Are Being Targeted By Racist Attacks. Here’s How You Can Be An Ally
RDU Prays Daily Virtual Prayer Room
DCIA Policy Response Forum
Time: Mar 24, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://duke.zoom.us/j/388935911
Takeaways from COVID-19 Black Faith Leaders Call
3/20/2020 Updates
DCIA Forum for Faith Leaders (Video Recording)
Volunteer to be a driver with Durham Public Schools
3/19/2020 Updates
Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs Covid Community Resources: https://sites.duke.edu/covidcommunityresources/
End Hunger Durham Directory of Food Pantries
Anti-Racism Homeschooling Options
For Such a Time as This: Living Out the Gospel during the COVID-19 Pandemic
North Carolina Council of Churches COVID-19 Resources
Words of Strength and Faith from NC Council of Churches
3/18/2020 Updates
United Way Rapid Response Fund
Updated Durham Public Schools Plan
Resources from Faith and Leadership:
Resources for Christian leaders during the coronavirus pandemic
George Mason and Mark Wingfield: How to lead calmly in a global outbreak
Resources from Sojourners Magazine:
Community Without Communing: Resources for Virtual Church
Digital pastors weigh in on shepherding congregations through quarantine.
The Time to Act Like a Community Is Now
COVID-19 is testing our understanding and commitment to our interdependence as the body of Christ.
The Church’s Role in a Pandemic
A pandemic of this magnitude is an opportunity to ask ourselves: What is the true function of community?
Our Church Doors Are Shut and Our Members Quarantined. Yet Grace Abounds
On March 7, Christ Church, Georgetown’s rector, Tim Cole, was diagnosed with COVID-19. Rev. Crystal Hardin speaks to her church’s response.
Protect Your Mental Health While Practicing Social Distancing
Most people battling depression already feel isolated.
The First Rule of Pastoring During an Outbreak: Tell the Truth
Do pastors have any unique responsibilities in the midst of an outbreak?
List of restaurants open for takeout via Bites of Bull City
3/17/2020 Updates
Block-By-Block Mutual Aid Networks – Facebook, Google Doc
Comprehensive Guide for Preparing Your Congregation for COVID-19 (Spanish)
Comprehensive Guide for Preparing Your Congregation for COVID-19 (English)
Practicing Mental Health While Social Distancing
How to Talk to Children About the Crisis
Duke Memorial UMC’s Creative Ways to Stay Connected
Carolina Public Press Resource Guide
3/16/2020
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
-2 Cor 1:3-4
Dear Friends of DurhamCares,
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to share some resources (scroll down to skip to resources) with you and update you about programming at DurhamCares. In difficult times like these, loving our neighbors takes on particular urgency and precision. We hope this email will bring you comfort and clarity about how to care for yourself, your loved ones, and everyone throughout our city, and indeed, the world.
First, we want to let you know that we are suspending all in-person meetings and events until further notice. This means that the March Pilgrimage is cancelled and Church Mobilization meetings will happen virtually. However, our staff is available for support and guidance to their respective networks. We are committed to our mission during this pandemic: to foster collaboration, develop leaders, and educate the people of our city to care for their neighbors in holistic ways.
Therefore, we want to offer some resources on a question that many of you may be asking: How do I love my neighbors in a time like this? For where we are right now, here is a start:
Practice Social Distancing: Public health professionals universally advise that the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid social contact. This means that we need to radically alter our daily lives to prevent as much person-to-person contact as possible, even if we are criticized for overreacting. To be clear: in this case, social distancing is loving your neighbor. Unfortunately, social distancing is a privilege that some cannot afford, so we need to reject any shaming of people who cannot work from home or whose sustenance is at stake. But that is why those who are able to practice social distancing need to be more disciplined for the sake of those who are most at risk.
Care for the Most Vulnerable: The people who are most at risk of severe symptoms and death from COVID-19 are the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Think about those who might fit these categories and check in on them virtually. If checking in virtually is not a possibility, and you believe they do not have anyone else who will check on them, visit them in accordance with CDC guidelines – but only if you have NO SYMPTOMS and HAVE NOT BEEN AROUND PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS. If you have, find someone who is healthy to check on them. And remember that even asymptomatic people can spread the disease, so abide by the guidelines even if you do not have symptoms.
Many in our community are also vulnerable to the economic impacts. These are people who cannot work from home, people who need childcare with schools closed, people who depended on schools to feed their children, people without internet, and people without access to grocery delivery. People living in shelters are now more at risk because of close contact and a reduced number of volunteers. At the bottom of this email are some ways you can support some of the organizations and initiatives addressing these challenges.
Advocate for the Most Vulnerable: Organizations and individual action alone will not be enough to take care of everyone affected by the virus. The reality is that we need major support on the local, state, and federal level, especially with the scale and speed of COVID-19. Now is the time to advocate to all elected officials that the most vulnerable must be at the center of all relief efforts, and that relief efforts need to be dramatic and enduring.
Reject Racism: The racism toward Asian-Americans in response to COVID-19 is completely unacceptable. The spread of this global pandemic has caused rampant stigmatization, from children in schools, to adults and leaders. For more information about how this is playing out, listen to DurhamCares board member Gina Chung share about her family’s experience on The State of Things, and read this article by our friend, Angie Hong. This is also a time when all the racial inequities of privilege and access are heightened, so please speak out against all racial discrimination that might happen in hospitals, clinics, workplaces, neighborhoods, and organizations.
Reject Hoarding and Stockpiling: Remember that when you buy more food and household supplies than you need, you are depriving others of necessities. This not only applies to grocery stores, but also to online retailers. Loving our neighbors looks like sharing extra as you take care of your basic necessities.
Pray: The spread of COVID-19 has reminded us that our life is beyond our control and that we cannot rely on ourselves or any particular institution to protect us. As we take action, we pray that God would stop the spread of the disease and protect those infected. We pray for the most vulnerable impacted financially. And we pray for all our leaders to make decisions out of care for the people they lead, and not out of selfish intent.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: Finally, a novel disease that is dramatically changing life as usual and threatening our lives will naturally make us fearful. We need not be ashamed if we are afraid. But let’s not allow our fear to lead us to greed, selfishness, and violence toward others. We can trust God to meet us in times of affliction and move us from fear to comfort. Taking precautions and caring for the vulnerable with vigilance is not fear – in fact, it is the loving thing to do. As John tells us, perfect love casts out fear.
Please see our list of resources below for concrete ways that you can care for your neighbors during this time. We will keep this up to date here at www.durhamcares.org/covid-19. If you know of additional resources, please email us at info@durhamcares.org. And feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Grace and Peace,
Reynolds Chapman
Executive Director
www.durhamcares.org
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge
– Psalm 46
Resources
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you know of a resource we should add, please email us at info@durhamcares.org.
NC Coronavirus Hotline: 1-866-462-3821
Public Health Resources and Official COVID-19 Updates:
Webinar with Community Health Coalition of NC – Monday, March 16, 6pm
Durham County Health Department
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Eldercare:
Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Updates – provides a healthy meal for homebound seniors
School for Conversion is pairing healthy young adults with seniors for regular check-ins.
Childcare:
Parents of Northern Durham Facebook group is coming up with ways to support parents who cannot work with childcare. If you are not part of this group, you can create a similar group in your neighborhood.
Durham Partnership for Children
Shelters:
Urban Ministries COVID-19 Amazon Wish List
Families Moving Forward Updates
Durham Rescue Mission COVID-19 Update
Education:
Durham Public Schools Response
Educational Companies Offering Free Subscriptions for home learning
*Note: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided the week of 3/23 and 3/30 per the plan discussed by DPS.
The following schools are participating:
Eno Valley
Southwest Elementary
Sandy Ridge
Hillandale
Southern High
Githens Middle
Bethesda
Club Elementary
Glenn Elementary
R.N. Harris
Shepard Middle
Lakewood Middle
Eastway Elementary
Maureen Joy Charter School
The hours of operation are 8:00 – 9:00 am for breakfast and 11:00 – 1:00 pm for lunch service. All children ages 1 – 18 years can be served regardless of school attendance or status.
Schools participating are only serving from parking lots so that they are not open to the public.
DPS will be using its staff and not volunteers to serve.
Food Support:
PORCH Durham COVID-19 Response
Food Bank of NC COVID-19 Preparedness
DPS Foundation coordinating to provide meals
Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Updates – provides a healthy meal for homebound seniors
*Note that the shelters listed above have many food needs as well.
Supporting Local Businesses and Individuals
List of Businesses and Individuals Impacted and How You Can Help (and you can add yourself or your business to this list):
Church Resources
Tuesday, 3/17/2020: DCIA Online Forum for Faith Leaders: DCIA Facebook Page
“The Christian Response to the Coronavirus: Stay Home” by Esau McCaulley
“10 Guidelines for Pastoral Care During the Coronavirus Outbreak” by Eileen R. Campbell-Reed
“Should Your Church Stop Meeting to Slow COVID-19? How 3 Seattle Churches Decided” by Daniel P. Chin
“OUR CHURCH DOORS ARE SHUT AND OUR MEMBERS QUARANTINED. YET GRACE ABOUNDS” by Crystal Hardin
“The Time to Act Like a Community is Now” by Adam R. Taylor
Ways to Love Amongst COVID-19 (note this is NYC based, but has good ideas for our context)