UPTOWN — The Uptown Church is rallying its members to help neighbors through the coronavirus outbreak, including offering check-in calls and messages to those in self-quarantine.
Uptown Church Pastor Jeremy Falk said over 30 of his church’s members have volunteered to help their neighbors through the outbreak. Assistance could include picking up groceries and medications for some Uptown residents, but the group is awaiting word from city leaders and health officials on how to best offer help.
For now, they’re putting together emergency supply kits to pass out to neighbors, and raising funds to buy the materials. The church is also offering to make calls to those who might need to be checked on, Falk said.
“The risk of transmitting [the virus] would be high with that,” Falk said of home visits. “We don’t want to create harm while trying to do good, but we do want to be proactive.”
Uptown Church, 939 W. Wilson Ave., is working with Alds. James Cappleman (46th) and Harry Osterman (48th) on how the church can best be of service throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
It set up a new new webpage where residents can offer to volunteer, ask for assistance or give a donation. A new fund has been opened by the church, and all money raised will be spent on helping neighbors get through social distancing and self quarantine.
Over the weekend, Uptown Church received four requests for check-in phone calls from neighbors worried about the virus, Falk said. Volunteers have responded to those requests by simply calling the person and offering conversation and encouragement, he said.
“This is what a church should be doing in this moment,” Falk said. “We should look for places to help out, while practice safe distancing.”
To request assistance, register to volunteer or to donate to Uptown Church’s effort, visit their new website on the coronavirus outreach here.
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