Formally organized and long-running nonprofits across the state are rising to the challenge of serving communities needs. And the necessity of the moment has created a blossoming of grass-roots efforts that didn’t exist before March 2020. Most have informal beginnings, all volunteer staff, local service areas, no physical offices, and crowd-source resources. We include Facebook groups that are moderated for volunteer assistance and accessing help for personal and community needs (discussion groups are not listed here.) Most of these Facebook groups are Private Groups and are moderated to remove inappropriate content. Know of sites and groups? Let us know!
Seattle ~ King County ~ Greater Puget Sound
#BigThanks
#bigthanks is about practical tips, opportunities, and uplifting stories of expressions of gratitude that can be done safely and productively during this crisis. The site features a handful of volunteer and donation opportunities to act locally and express gratitude.
All in Seattle
All In Seattle is a group of like-minded community members who are quickly deploying resources directly to proven non-profits who can deliver it to those most in need. As of our launch on March 23, they have raised over $30 million to contribute directly to non-profits listed on their site. This is crowd-funding among well known philanthropists in Seattle and Greater Puget Sound. Causes include: Food Security, Communities & Workers, Small Businesses, Housing Assistance, and Families & Children. On Twitter at @allinseattle.
The Shopper Next Door
Shopper Next Door matches people who are higher-risk during the COVID-19 pandemic or who just need an extra hand with local volunteers to provide help with errands like grocery delivery, prescription pick up, and more! If you need help, call (425) 522-2674. On Facebook at: @shoppernextdoor.
COVID 19 TACOMA Community Help Facebook Group
COVID 19 TACOMA Community Help Facebook Group: “A central hub to connect people in Tacoma WA. Please use the page for exchanging services, child care/teaching info, professional opportunities and acts of kindness during an uncertain time.”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah COVID-19 Facebook Group
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah COVID-19 Facebook Group: “The purpose of this group is to help find ways we can assist our local community during this uncertain time.”
Birthing in the Time of Covid-19 (Puget Sound Area)
Birthing in the Time of Covid-19 (Puget Sound Area) Facebook Group: A group for pregnant people, partners of pregnant people, and birth professional who support them. A place to seek support, information about hospital policies, evidence-based information about COVID-19 and birth, and more.
Spokane County
Helping Spokane County Get Through COVID-19 Facebook Group
Helping Spokane County Get Through COVID-19 Facebook Group: “A community group to seek or offer assistance during the coming days and weeks of public response to COVID-19.”
Spokane Valley Neighbors Helping During COVID-19 Facebook Group
Spokane Valley Neighbors Helping During COVID-19 Facebook Group: “Bringing people together during this time of physical distancing so we can stay socially connected. A group where you can offer or ask for assistance to/from our Spokane Valley Community.”
Tri-Cities
All in Tri-Cities
All in Tri-Cities is a coalition of concerned and motivated community members and organizations who, like you, want to help our neighbors through the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen that, in many cases, people don’t know where to go when they want to help or where their donations can be directed to make the most impact.
Pandemic Needs and Volunteers, Flatten the Curve TC Facebook Group
Pandemic Needs and Volunteers, Flatten the Curve TC Facebook Group. “Whether you are a volunteer or a member in need, we are glad you are here. This is for needs that have been specifically created as a result of the COVID19 Pandemic.”
Washington State
Helping Hands Washington
Helping Hands in Washington is a grassroots organization made up of regular citizens, businesses, and nonprofits, with a mission to provide help and support to Washingtonians during the COVID-19 crisis. With almost 20,000 people in their FaceBook group, volunteers are assisting in food delivery, donating items, connecting people to care, and more. Helpings Hands Toll Free Line (855) 919-3220 On Twitter @HelpingHands_WA and Facebook @helpinghandsinwashington.
Whatcom County
Whatcom Helpers
Whatcom County Community Helpers is a nonpartisan, non- denominational grassroots group of volunteers created to protect Whatcom communities from the Covid-19 pandemic by connecting Neighbors in Need with Healthy Helpers who complete essential tasks like food and prescription delivery. They can be reached through their active Facebook Group, online request forms, and a hotline to access non-computer and multilingual support at 360.778.2762. Their website also links to extensive resources organized by the Whatcom Unified Command.