“In light of the different things going on with the coronavirus and people trying to have social distancing, we wanted to provide something that would help those who maybe are in more danger getting out,” Casey Cockerham, executive director of the Nehemiah Foundation said.
He added, “We are just trying to connect them with others who are not in as much danger or can get out and about, that can provide for them.”
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To sign up for this program, residents at high risk for the coronavirus or who are 60 and over should visit www.nehemiahfoundation.goentrepid.com.
Residents wanting to help can sign up through the website too.
There are no sign up requirements at this time, Cockerham said. “We are simply trying to find a match.”
Once people are matched, “you and your COVID-19 Match will take complete ownership of the process.” the Nehemiah Foundation’s website explains.
The Nehemiah Foundation recommends calling the other person to check-in, offering to pick-up groceries or prescriptions or delivering a meal.
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The program started on Tuesday and a “handful” of people have signed up to help, Cockerham said.
“Our overall hope is that those who feel like they’re stuck or don’t have anyone to help them out can find the help they need and those in our community that are willing to help, but don’t know where to go to do that can be matched up.”
The Nehemiah Foundation also has an online platform at www.forspringfield.com. This website offers discussion boards with activities for parents to do with their children, community resources, volunteer opportunities and helpful videos, Cockerham explained.
Churches that are in need of help filming their sermons should contact The Nehemiah Foundation.
“There’s a lot of people that want to help, so we’re just trying to connect those that want to help with those who need it,” Cockerham said. “Like everybody in the community, we are just trying to help how we can”
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