As new statistics from the city’s Department of Health show how neighborhoods in the Rockaways, Jamaica and Rochdale were ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, a number of Queens-based nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders launched the South East Queens Fights COVID Coalition Monday to connect local residents to pertinent information and resources related to the deadly outbreak.
The New York City Black Women’s Political Club, AMAS Movement, BlaQue Resource Network, SEQ Wellness Ambassador Initiative and Showing Hearts Foundation have collaborated to provide a resource for community members looking for various support services.
“As New Yorkers deal with a new, more isolated reality because of COVID-19, we’ve decided to launch SEQ Fights COVID to fill the void because of a lack of support administered in communities of color but most specifically in South East Queens,” SEQ Fights COVID Co-Founder Nantasha Williams said. “We hope to alleviate the stress families are feeling because of this new COVID-19 reality.”
Through the online portal, residents can connect to a number of resources, including food pantries, COVID-19 testing sites, rent relief, immigration services and more. This effort also provides a space to connect volunteers and donors to the programs and individuals who are in immediate need.
“In these challenging times, our community is facing an unprecedented loss of life, food insecurity, economic instability and anxiety as a result of the global pandemic,” SEQ Wellness Ambassador Co-Founder Melva Miller said. “Southeast Queens has experienced a significant number of community members testing positive for coronavirus and is why we need to make sure that we are utilizing all resources at our disposal to fight this health and economic crisis. We recognize the importance of working with our national and local leaders on solutions but also know that sometimes it takes a local solution to handle a local problem.”
You can visit the online portal here.
