Resources
6 Ways Your Church Can Help During the Pandemic
Here are six practical ways your church can be the hands of feet of Jesus during this crisis. Note that you will need to comply with the stay-at-home order (which exempts certain charitable activity) and CDC requirements while assisting other individuals and organizations.
#1 Support a Food Bank
Many food banks in Indiana are running low on food and supplies, so reach out to a local food bank to assist with volunteers or donations or provide a similar service through your church.
#4 Provide Space
From public schools distributing lunches to child care to blood drives, many public officials/organizations are looking for space such as facilities and parking lots,
#2 Organize a Blood Drive
Many blood drives have been cancelled due to the coronavirus, and the Red Cross and other organizations are stressing the urgent need for blood donations.
#5 Pick Up Supplies for the Vulnerable
Many individuals in vulnerable populations need assistance with the purchase and delivery of basic necessities. Churches have used signs and cards to advertise this help.
#3 Assist Local Schools
Some public schools need volunteers to assist with distributing food to their students, and many students need assistance with online tutoring.
#6 Assist the Unemployed
The financial impact of this crisis will be severe, so churches should be prepared to assist those in need through connections to work, financial assistance and encouragement.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
NATIONAL AND INDIANA-SPECIFIC RESOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html - The Center for Disease Control regularly updates theirs site with stats and recommendations.
https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/iea/partnerships/index.html - The Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives (Partnership Center) at HHS has a number of helpful resources.
https://coronavirus.in.gov/ - This is Indiana’s designated COVID-19 response page. Especially note the Twitter feed on this page with updates from Governor Holcomb and various state agencies.
https://www.facebook.com/GovHolcomb/ - Governor Holcomb’s Facebook page with updates and news.
https://in211.communityos.org/ - a state-wide list of state programs, agencies and partners that can assist during the pandemic. If your ministry is not included on this list, we encourage you to sign up!
https://www.auntbertha.com/ - a state and national database of social care organizations. Again, if your ministry is not included, we encourage you to sign up!
https://secure.in.gov/apps/fssa/providersearch/home - INConnect is another great list of service providers in your area.
http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/ - use this tool to locate your legislators. Send them a note and ask how you can pray and help.
CHURCH-SPECIFIC RESOURCES
https://coronavirusandthechurch.com/ - resources from respected leaders about church leadership, online streaming and community services.
https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/coronavirus-resources-for-you-and-your-church - resources from Lifeway to assist during this crisis.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2020/march/lots-of-ways-churches-are-stepping-up-for-their-communities.html - great article compiling ideas from churches (with pictures and examples) that are serving community needs.
FOOD BANKS
https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/5768.htm - a state-wide list of food banks
https://feedingindianashungry.org/
https://www.midwestfoodbank.org/locations/indianapolis-in
https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/in-indianapolis
BLOOD DONATIONS
https://www.in.gov/isdh/20556.htm - list of locations for giving blood. Make sure you call prior to giving blood to ensure compliance with CDC restrictions.
https://www.redcross.org/local/indiana.html - This website allows you to search for a scheduled blood drive or contact the Red Cross about scheduling your own.
CHILDCARE
https://www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/5712.htm - child care resources and referrals.
https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/news/child-care-recommendation-essential-personnel.pdf - Governor Holcomb has encouraged school districts to provide childcare for emergency personnel and healthcare workers.