How to to Support Neighbors, Communities and Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 in San Francisco

Together we’ve made strides in flattening the curve — but the people, communities and small businesses that make San Francisco special need our support now more than ever.

With storefronts closed, workers displaced and households isolated, San Franciscans are counting on our support to bounce back from this crisis. Many of us are looking for opportunities to pitch in while we practice social distancing and shelter-in-place. We’ve compiled a list of simple ways to give back to neighbors and merchants impacted by COVID-19.

Help Neighbors

Sheltering at home is an inconvenience for many of us, but for others — including our seniors and neighbors with medical vulnerabilities — it can be a much greater burden. Former Sup. Vallie Brown’s Community Resilience Volunteer Base is gathering volunteers for organizations in and around District 5, but with impact citywide. And the citywide nonprofit TogetherSF is bridging the gap between neighbors needing support with essential needs and San Franciscans able and willing to pitch in. To get involved, just sign up at TogetherSF and get matched with opportunities.

Give Food & Essentials

Our most vulnerable neighbors are also some of the hardest hit by the current health crisis. To help alleviate the burden on struggling individuals and families, there are a number of organizations providing to-go meals, pantry items and basic necessities that can be even harder to come as we shelter in place.

• SF Marin Food Bank. Serving San Francisco and Marin, the SF Marin Food Bank is accepting crisis donations, with every monetary gift matched through May 31.
• St. Anthony’s. Providing daily meals, clothing, essentials and supportive services in the Tenderloin.
• Project Open Hand. Delivering nutritious meals to critically ill seniors and neighbors. Learn how to give here.
• Simply The Basics is seeking donations of sanitary supplies, such as hand sanitizer, gloves and wipes, to distribute to those living outside. Give supplies here or donate here.
• Meals on Wheels SF. Delivering meals to homebound seniors during the COVID-19 crisis. Sign up to volunteer or give.

Support Small Businesses

From mom-and-pop retailers to favorite eateries, small businesses are battling through sustained closures as San Francisco shelters in place. While we wait for the day when we can shop and eat at our local favorites again, there are a few ways to support businesses operating at minimal capacity or on a carryout or delivery basis.

• Shop local with the San Francisco Chronicle’s directory of food and beverage sellers offering home delivery
• EdibleSF has a directory of restaurants offering takeout and delivery during shelter-in-place, searchable by name or location.
• Save Our Faves is a list of San Francisco businesses offering gift certificates.
• Many local businesses are accepting donations through GoFundMe to support workers and cover basic expenses while temporarily closed. Browse GoFundMe’s list and chip in if you are able.

Support Workers

With unemployment skyrocketing, workers in need of relief include everyone from hourly retail employees to freelancers and creatives — and some without immediate access to state or federal support. A number of unions, nonprofits and community groups are accepting donations for direct aid to workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Artists & Creatives. KQED Arts has compiled a list of several organizations providing emergency funds for creatives with lost income.
• Domestic Workers. The National Domestic Workers Alliance is taking donations for emergency relief to in-home workers, nannies and cleaners who are unable to work.
• Freelancers. Working Today, the nonprofit arm of The Freelancers Union, is taking donations for emergency relief for freelancers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Hourly Workers. One Fair Wage is accepting donations for direct aid to tipped workers, gig workers and service workers facing hardship.
• Undocumented Workers. UndocuFindSF is accepting donations for emergency aid to San Francisco undocumented workers and their families.
• Nightlife Workers. The SF Queer Nightlife Fund is providing direct aid to LGBTQ-focused nightlife workers affected by closures.

Anything we’re missing? Let us know at blog@uniteddems.org — we’ll continue updating this list as long as is needed.