You can make a tremendous difference in the lives of our clients during this trying time! There are many ways to provide a hand up to BRC's clients as they continue on their path from homelessness to home, even amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Donate to BRC to Ensure Clients and Staff Have Necessary Supplies to Stay Safe During the Pandemic
Your support enables BRC to remain flexible, nimble, and resilient in the face of this constantly changing environment, particularly as we seek to provide all the necessary masks, gloves, safety equipment, and other PPE required to keep all our clients and staff as safe as we continue to give a hands up clients to those reclaiming their lives. Donate today.
Donate Supplies to Help Clients with Social Distancing
Like all of us, clients are asked to do their part to avoid close contact and to properly social distance. Donations of solo activities that provide entertainment through games, solitaire, puzzles, word search books, and more boost morale and clients to stay engaged. You can support BRC clients in their efforts by purchasing much-needed individual entertainment items. Visit BRC Social Distancing Entertainment on Amazon Smile to find out more information.
Share Notes of Support to BRC Staff and our Clients
Your support means everything to BRC's many Hidden Heroes working behind the scenes, and to our clients, as we all continue to work on the front lines of the Covid-19 Pandemic. BRC continues to work within the community; conducting outreach to the unsheltered in our transit system, offering programming to those within our shelters, safe havens, and housing; supporting those experiencing disruptions in their ability to participate in the workforce; and providing critical health and mental health services to the thousands within our care. Submit images or words of encouragement >>
Volunteer Opportunities: Pre-Packing Meals, Virtual Groups, and More
BRC’s volunteer program has adapted to the realities of the ongoing pandemic, and you can learn more on our Volunteer page. Some current volunteer opportunities are outlined below.
PRE-PACK NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR CLIENTS IN BROOKLYN AND MANHATTAN
Even though many of our clients are temporarily residing in dispersed locations in order to protect their health and safety throughout the COVID-19 crisis, BRC must still provide nutritious meals to those within our care. BRC Staff and volunteers have been busy pre-packing and delivering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Volunteers are needed to assist in the packaging process. Volunteers are needed to assist with the packaging process in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and in Chelsea, Manhattan. For more information, contact Rick Akin, Director of Volunteer Services at Rakin@BRC.org.
PROFICIENT IN THE WRITTEN CHINESE LANGUAGE? YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR SENIORS BY WRITING LETTERS.
Residents of BRC’s Senior Center have been asked to stay indoors and remain safe, and the distance from family and friends has been as challenging for our seniors as it has for the rest of us. To add to these challenges, many of our seniors are of Chinese origin and are most comfortable speaking and reading Chinese. If you are proficient in Chinese, a warm letter or a hand drawn card of support could significantly ease the loneliness that many of these clients are experiencing. To coordinate this opportunity, contact Rick Akin, Director of Volunteer services at Rakin@BRC.org.
SEEKING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MASK DISCOMFORT FROM CRAFTY KNITTERS, CROCHETERS, SEWERS, AND MORE!
We have all been tasked with protecting ourselves and one another by wearing a mask, but it can prove to be uncomfortable for several due to mask design. Many of our frontline workers have experienced “ear pain” as a result of mask straps day in and day out, for months. We are looking for creative ways to help alleviate the pain and irritation. If your hobby is knitting, crocheting, or sewing, or you're simply an arts & crafts sort of person, your talents are needed in creating innovative mask solutions to benefit BRC staff and clients. If you a have a great idea, you could provide much needed relief! Contact Rick Akin, Director of Volunteer services at Rakin@BRC.org for more information.
CONDUCT A VIRTUAL WELLNESS CLASS
Through virtual wellness classes, we seek to create spades for quiet moments of inner reflection for our clients at various programs during these stressful times. If you have access to Zoom and would like to share your wellness passion, this is the perfect opportunity for you to help. Shifts are flexible and we will work with you to put together a schedule.Sessions would last approximately 20-30 minutes. Contact Rick Akin, Director of Volunteer services at Rakin@BRC.org for more information.
HOST VIRTUAL FUN ACTIVITIES FOR CLIENTS
Our residents always enjoy fun activities with the community, and now is no exception, even if we have to do so virtually! If poetry slams, trivia, BINGO or music gets you going, you can volunteer to host weekly virtual activity groups for our clients. We’re also open to additional ideas Zoom-friendly virtual groups ideas, so feel free to get creative. Contact Rick Akin, Director of Volunteer services at Rakin@BRC.org to discuss options.