2020 has been quite a year and the challenges of the pandemic have only heightened the disparities in an area defined by a high cost of living. We know that some people truly need support at this time, and others are looking for ways to share their blessings, and the purpose of this week’s blog is to provide opportunities for both.
Here at Homes of Silicon Valley, our hearts are with every individual and family this holiday season. Our greatest wish is for everyone to find joy today and hope for tomorrow. Sending care & comfort to all!
TO GIVE & GET HELP
SILICON VALLEY STRONG
This resource was launched by the San Jose mayor in March and has grown and evolved based on the needs of the community and resources available. Sample ways to get help include rent & mortgage relief programs, senior grocery hours, free meals, job assistance and family resources. Sample ways to give help include volunteering, aiding with food distribution, making phone calls to isolated residences and writing job recommendations.
Get Help: https://siliconvalleystrong.org/#gethelp
Give Help: https://siliconvalleystrong.org/#givehelp
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SACRED HEART COMMUNITY SERVICES
This longstanding non-profit organization carries on its 56 year tradition of uniting our local community through essential services donations & distributions. While they cannot accept used clothing at this time, Sacred Heart is continuing to host a donation station and holiday program for those in need.
To Get Help: https://sacredheartcs.org/programs
To Give Help: https://sacredheartcs.org/donate/
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NEXTDOOR SOLUTIONS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
As Santa Clara County’s only stand-alone domestic violence agency and the largest provider of such services, Next Door Solutions To Domestic Violence answers 15,000 crisis calls and supports 3,000 survivors per year. Note that giving options include the adoption of a family for the holidays!
To Get Help: Call (408) 279-2962 / Safe Live Online Chat: https://safechatsv.org / Visit: https://www.nextdoorsolutions.org/dv/
To Give Help: https://www.nextdoorsolutions.org/give/
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MOMENTUM FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Momentum for Health exists to help individuals achieve mental and emotional health, discover and reach their potential, and fully participate in life. They serve adults, adolescents and families an array of high-quality programs and services that promote a healthier, independent future.
To Get Help: https://momentumforhealth.org/resources
To Give Help: https://momentumforhealth.org/wishlist2019
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SAN JOSE ANIMAL CARE CENTER
Many families impacted by COVID-19 have furry and four-legged members too! The San Jose Animal Care Center has worked hard to provide pet food and supplies to families in need, to take in animals whose owners could no longer house them to and adopt our available animals into loving homes!
To Get Help: The City of San Jose Animal Care Center is hosting a FREE Pet Food Drive-thru Give-away on Saturday, November 21s from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This event `Petsgiving ❤️’ is to help members of our community feed their pets during this difficult pandemic holiday period. (Location: 2750 Monterey Rd., SJ 95111)
To Give Help: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/animal-care-services/donations
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While the organizations above offers to ways to both give and receive support, Homes of Silicon Valley would also like to highlight a specific support resource to help residents navigate unemployment insurance, state disability insurance, paid family leave, and other resources. COVID-19 Assistance Navigation (CAN) is an expansion of the Fair Workplace Collaborative program to help people understand and apply for the resources and support that are so desperately needed right now. Support is available in 3 languages by calling 408-809-2124. Learn more HERE.
Last but not least, there is a need that arises every 2 seconds in the United States and that is the need for blood. The Stanford Blood Center connects local donors to local patients through blood donation and is a leader in the fields of transfusion and transplantation medicine. They offer 3 easy ways to give blood including a SBC Pre-Check that allows you to skip the line. Learn more about giving this gift HERE.
Warmest wishes,
Mark