During these uncertain times remember to be gentle with yourself.
Some stress relief advice courtesy of the CDC we wanted to share:
- Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Below you will find additional resources in relation to COVID-19:
The PDX COVID-19 Mutual Aid Network is a collective of organizations, working in coalition to support folks in our communities most impacted by COVID-19. Please fill out these forms to request or offer support!
Portland-area COVID-19 “Offer Support” Volunteer Form
Portland area COVID-19 Request Support Form
Portland Area COVID-19 Childcare Request Form
Portland Area COVID-19 Childcare Offer Form
Portland Coronavirus Mutual Aid Fund
- The Portland Water Bureau will not disconnect water service for non-payment of sewer, stormwater and water bills. Learn about their financial assistance program.
- Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and NW Natural will suspend late fees and shutoffs.
- Comcast and Charter are offering free internet access to eligible households, among other measures, to help people stay connected.
- The People of Color caucus in the Oregon House listed resources for small businesses, including from Workshare, Business Oregon, and the Oregon Employment Department.
- Oregon Center for Public Policy suggested changesto Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance for people with employment losses due to COVID-19.
- Local foundations, led by Oregon Community Foundation, have created a COVID-19 Pooled Fundto provide urgent funding to community organizations providing direct services to people impacted by COVID-19.
- MRG Foundation has also developed a community response fundto support orgs on the frontline- consider donating to them.
- Volunteer at places that serve the vulnerable, such as Meals on Wheelsfor the elderly, or Rahab Sisters and Human Solutions for the homeless. Visit the Portland-area volunteer support website for more options.
- Schedule an appointment to donate blood at Red Cross. They need blood after cancelling work- and school-based blood drives.
- Combat racism wherever you see it, such as racist attacks against Asian students. Support businesses in Chinatown and the Jade District, which have suffered a disproportionate hit.
- Portland Restaurants that offer takeout and delivery during COVID. Including Cafe 11 in the Woodlawn Neighborhood, owned by Ankur, who serves on the board for the NECN: call 503-954-1375 to place an order. Order via Postmates or UberEats or download Joe Coffee App, text ‘coffee’ to 474747. If you don’t want to come in, let them know and they will run out to deliver your food and take payment.
Other helpful links:
- 211Info: Call 2-1-1 from a cell, 503-222-5555 from a land line
- Multnomah County Health Department
- Oregon Health Authority, general info
- Oregon Health Authority, info translated into 8 languages
- Oregon Health Authority, Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
- Portland Monthly’s day by day update
- Willamette Week list of closed local venues
- Oregon Food Bank, Access to food during COVID-19
- CDC COVID-19 page
- CDC travel notice
- World Health Organization