Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your prayers and support.  It has been a month since my last update and a partner asked me to share what this mission has been engaged in, so here it is:

Popeye Chicken and Home Health Care

In early May while facilitating the Mariners’ Community Food Pantry (in Chinatown) I arranged for a Census employee to be on-site.  The young worker did a phenomenal job and coordinated a donation of Popeye’s Chicken Sandwiches for the 10 Food Pantry workers and volunteers.  She also informed me that a Brooklyn Popeye’s establishment was donating sandwiches to frontline and service entities through May 31st and placed me on the list for 50 sandwiches for Monday, May 25th. So on Memorial Day I drove over to Brooklyn and picked up the sandwiches.

I had already contacted nearly 15 neighbors to tell them that I would be delivering sandwiches and had made a list of all those who were elders and observing the “stay at home” mandate.  On the top of the list was the neighbor in apartment 14F, who is restricted to a wheelchair.  I actually rang that person’s bell last, holding the final two sandwiches for her and her home attendant.  The resident opened the door and as I offered the sandwich, she invited me inside the apartment where she shared her plight, revealing that her home attendant had not visited for nearly a week.  She required assistance with bathing, washing her hair and laundry services in the centralized laundry room (which she needed to avoid).  She asked if I could help her find another home attendant, requiring that they live locally, comply with all COVID19 safety protocols and not use public transportation.  

I understood the fear she had of contracting the novel coronavirus and her urgent need for assistance.  So I returned home and immediately began making calls, visiting local community facilities, leaving my number and an overview of my need with all who would listen.  Within 18 hours I was contacted by a Nurse, working with the local Settlement Houses, who was able to address my neighbor’s needs and to provide important assistance for others.  Prepared with all the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), he was prepared to make home visits, assess household needs, guide individuals through the eligibility process and identify comparable agencies for Home Care Services.  In the case of my neighbor, who had not been working with an Agency previously, we were able to expedite services and retain assistance for her within two days.  

The Common Pantry and the Mariners’ Community Food Pantry 

Each month (since October 2018) I take a vacation day to facilitate the distribution of food to senior residents by the Common Pantry (out of the Bronx)  The average number of participants served was 330 per month, however in March, April and May the numbers were 299, 93 and 173 respectively.  The need still existed but the fear of coming out along with out-dated advertising (posting flyers around the Church) and schedule changes by the distributor caused us to fall short on meeting the need.  Since 99% of the participants are not traditionally associated with Mariners’ Temple, we had to find new ways of getting the word out about the Common Pantry distributions that included sending notices to be distributed by local Tenant Associations/Patrols.  By the June 5th Common Pantry distribution and food was provided to over 240 families.

Each month Common Pantry participants contribute (leave at the Church) nearly 200 unwanted canned vegetables.  Traditionally I made the canned goods available to congregants on the following Sunday and/or delivered them to neighbors in need.  By June 6th we had over 400 canned items in our possession so I decided to conduct a food give-a-way for anyone in need on June 13th.  I contacted over 30 community partners and asked them to refer at least one family in need.  I purchased eggs, bread, toilet tissue, orange juice and snacks to supplement the canned goods and we assisted 27 families that day.

Tire Change

For the second time in recent months I have entered the gated parking lot to discover a neighbor with car trouble.  This time it was an elderly man from down the block who was trying to change a flat tire on his SUV.  He had been there a while and said that he had never changed a tire before and he wasn’t sure if he had the right tools.  I offered to go get him some assistance from a mechanic who lived in my building (same guy I had reached out to on numerous occasions before).  So I went back to the parking lot to make the introductions and realized that my assistance was needed.  The mechanic had to secure additional tools and jack the car in two places because it was on uneven pavement.  I provided a flashlight, aligned the replacement tire, tightened the bolts and lowered the owner’s jack (dirty work).  In the end, the gentleman in need offered a payment to the mechanic but he refused stating that’s what neighbors are for.   And I walked away with slightly soiled hands knowing I provided a little help.

Painting the Church Fellowship Hall

Some members and I donated paint and negotiated with a painter to paint the Mariners’ Fellowship Hall for $300.  It was a monumental task so we secured additional church partners to more properly compensate the guy, who got the job done within 6 days.  He got so motivated/excited that he painted the hallway, entrance floor and area near the elevator/lift also.  Next we plan to upgrade and paint the kitchen.

General 

We continue to provide gloves, masks, disinfecting materials, food and water to the community.  An acquaintance shared that she was having discomfort with her knees and back — so A Little Help provided her with a ergonomic office chair (slightly used).   We have assisted neighbors with connecting to 311 for food delivery and other needs they had from moving, shopping, hanging curtains, mopping and waxing, having a hot meal and a quiet place to rest.   One of my greatest partners is my mother, who is continuing to cook meals for others throughout our community.  A Little Help has provided close to 600 helpful contacts (not including the Common Pantry program).

As we prepare to return to work, Church and “normalcy” I truly am amazed at how God ordered my steps and I thank you for journeying with me.  There is currently no urgent need or challenge.  You have helped to shine a light and encouraged my soul.

In gratitude,

Cynthia

June 2020