The methods will change, but the message never changes. As COVID-19 infects the globe and has made it’s way to the United States and now Alaska we are preparing for the worst case scenario. But, in the preparing, a community has united together.
Since stepping foot in Kodiak, Alaska I’ve been inspired by this community. It’s a tight-knit network of people from all over the US who play together during the good times, and lean on one another in the tough.
Our city has formed an Emergency Operations Team, that team reached out to the local fire department, who then leaned on chaplains and also the faith-based community. What an incredible time to come together.
Early last week the phone rang from Kodiak Emergency Response Team, local Fire department and Salvation Army to the faith-based community asking “Are you experienced with setting up a help hotline and system? We want to prepare to help those at-risk, immune compromised, and shut-in.” Major Dave Davis, The Salvation Army.
The pastors, ministers, and churches of Kodiak, otherwise known and Christ Together Kodiak, immediately answered the call “YES, we can help, it’s what we are here for.” Collectively between the city, non-profit medical and mental health leaders, and the church, a Kodiak Community Support volunteer team and help line was created.
Now more than 100+ volunteers have joined in and rapidly growing. Two front-line channels are available, a local number for residents to call, 907.486.7656 and a website KodiakCommunity.com. Both communication channels provide access to Pick-Up and Delivery for Groceries and Prescriptions, Someone to talk to or pray with, and a Crisis Support channel with direct access to trained counselors and mental health process.
It has been a dream of mine for more years than I can count to build a 711 system of sorts for the community, specifically for non-emergencies. We can help each other is simple ways that potentially hold a profound impact. Isolation is devastating, as a society we understand that. Community and people available that care is an unlimited resource to bring hope and help to those who need it most.
For more information visit KodiakCommunity.com. See the list of partners on the home page, bottom. Represented are city, medical, faith-based, counseling mental health community, and local grocery businesses. Safeway has responded with a generous donation of a hundred gift cards for residents in need of financial assistance.
“I have a hand carry that needs to go out to island air. I have heart disease so I’m ordered to stay home as much as possible due to being high risk!” — Maggie C., Resident in need.
“I just signed up online to volunteer to run errands. I would LOVE to help! Is mail pick up on the list of services offered? If there are any other things needed done, other than talking on the phone, I can help. I’m a substitute teacher out of work with time on my hands.” — Sharon F., Volunteer
“Hello! I am building a website for the City and Borough Economic Task Force that is meant to be a resource for anyone looking for COVID-19 information. If it is okay with you, I would like to link that page to your website so that people have a resource if they are able to volunteer. I am assuming that this will be okay but want to be sure to get your permission before we go live.”
— Aimee W., Director City of Kodiak and Borough Economic Task Force“Hello, I work with the Child Care Assistances Program. I had a child care provider request help with shelter for her college student that is returning home tomorrow. Because there is a need for her to quarantine for 2 weeks and not risk her loved ones, they don’t have much options. I wasn’t sure if this support team had anything in place. Any help/leads would be appreciated.”— Katherine D., Resident in Need
Kodiak Community Support Team Contact
Major Dave Davis, Kodiak Community Support Team Lead
david.davis@usw.salvationarmy.org 360.355.2593
Larry Lundstrom, Kodiak Community Support Team Co-Lead
larrylundstrom@kodiakcbc.org. 512.567.5225
Featured
Kodiak Emergency Operations Center – Thursday March 6, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/kodiakeoc/videos/2644941149123790/
Kodiak Community Support, Major Dave Davis Interview KXMT Lowdown, Wednesday March 25, 2020 https://kmxt.org/2020/03/the-lowdown-wednesday-march-25-2020/
Reference for system and process set-up to date using online call center software and two main phone lines leading to now more than 100+ community volunteers.
The Collective Agency : : Marketing, Creative & Innovation for Faith-Based Impact 