(516) 564-5482\ninfo@longislandvolunteercenter.org
Thank you for your interest in helping the Long Island community recover from the COVID-19 health crisis which has resulted in an economic one touching all our lives. The best way that you can help is to be part of an organized effort that is working in coordination with local emergency response officials and essential services. Stay-at-home directives for Long Island (NYS on PAUSE) as well as physical distancing are necessary now for everyone's safety to further minimize the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. Once restrictions are fully lifted, it may take days or weeks to determine the true needs of the community, so PLEASE BE PATIENT.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that America was not prepared for a public health crisis. But when New York was ambushed by the virus, we rose to the occasion, supported each other, and bent the curve. Information - listening to the scientists and following the facts - has been a key weapon in our battle to defeat COVID.
To continue to empower New Yorkers, we are launching a new Citizen Public Health Training where you will learn from top experts from Cornell on preventing and responding to public health emergencies. This innovative course will help New Yorkers support themselves, their families, and their communities. You will become a leader of health and preparedness in your community.
We are calling on New Yorkers in every neighborhood and community in the state to become trained Public Health Leaders. As a New York State Public Health Leader, you will better understand the coronavirus and other public health issues facing our communities and will gain the tools to understand the facts and be a trusted source of information and support in your community.
New York's greatest asset is its people. Together, we can defeat COVID; prepare for the public health emergencies of the future; and build a more resilient, healthy, and loving New York.
REMEMBER
DO NOT JUST "SHOW UP" The arrival of unexpected volunteers will interfere with response efforts. You could unsuspectingly put yourself and others at greater risk. THE NEED FOR DONATIONS OF IN-KIND GOODS WILL BE ADVERTISED Do not collect or donate goods unless there has been a specific need expressed and publicized by an organization supporting the response effort.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
If you are a nonprofit, please consider posting volunteer opportunities on our website that you foresee becoming available.
SAFETY TIPS for VOLUNTEERING>>> Note: It is the responsibility of each non-profit agency to vet potential volunteers according to the organization's policies and procedures. The Long Island Volunteer Center provides the platform for nonprofit agency partners to post volunteer position descriptions and contact information. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - ProBono Lawyers - volunteer to assist New Yorkers - sign up>>> - Health, Mental Health and related Professionals - survey>>> IN-KIND DONATIONS Long Island Council of Churches Freeport Emergency Food Pantry, 230 Hanse Avenue, Freeport, 516-868-4989. Items Needed: Cold Cereal, Grits, Oatmeal, Canned Vegetables & Meats, Soup, Pasta & Pasta Sauce, Rice [1 or 2 lib bags], Shelf stable Milk. Toiletries and Baby Diapers [all sizes].
OUTREACH - Neighbors Helping Neighbors Town of North Hempstead>>> Village of Flower Hill [Manhasset, Roslyn, Pt. Washington] contact: 516-627-5000 or volunteer@villageflowerhill.org FOOD DISTRIBUTION Island Harvest - List of Open Food Pantries [updated daily] >>> Lighthouse Mission - Mobile Food Outreach in Bellport, Centereach, Central Islip, Coram, Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, Rocky Point, Ronkonkoma, Riverhead, Shirley See locations, days, hours>>> Food Delivered to homebound Seniors in the Town of BROOKHAVEN. Call 631-758-7584 to schedule a same day/next day delivery. Donations of non-perishable food items as well as new/gently used clothing are greatly appreciated. Long Island Cares, Inc. is providing pre-packaged food boxes for families in need and their pets in Glen Cove, Hauppauge, Huntington Station, Lindenhurst, Freeport, Hampton Bays, and Valley Stream. Mobile Outreach Vehicles continue to deliver food to SENIORS, VETERANS, HOMEBOUND and HOMELESS. Call or email for more information: (631) 582-FOOD or emergencyresponse@licares.org
URGENTLY NEEDED
New York Blood Center (NYBC) is calling on healthy blood and platelet donors and community partners to help strengthen the region’s blood supply by maintaining their calendar of upcoming blood drives and healthy donors keep donating at this time. Call 800-933-BLOOD (2566) or click here to schedule a blood donation appointment. American Red Cross - schedule an appointment to donate>>> SELF - CARE
Long Island Crisis Center - hotline available 24/7
- If you are in crisis or need emotional support, call 516.679.1111 - Senior Connection Helpline 516.679.00
Association for Mental Health & Wellness in Suffolk County Helpline 631.471.7242 x 2 or helpline@mhaw.org Mental Health Association of Nassau County Helpline available 24/7 516.489.0100 x 1 Mental Health America
SEPA Mujer - Spanish Hotline available 24/7 Call 833.762.9832 - For information about testing for COVID-19, food pantry referrals and more. Legal Guidance available from: -- Nassau Bar Association COVID-19 Task Force - covidhelp@nassaubar.org - Information resources>>> -- Suffolk County Bar Association SCBA>>> PET CARE Nassau County SPCA - Pet Hotline 516.843.7722 Call with questions about caring for pets during this crisis. VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING VolunteerMatch - help remotely>>> SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES while on "PAUSE" at home>>> IMPORTANT NYS & LONG ISLAND INFORMATION New York State: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home Nassau County: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/4946/Coronavirus-COVID-19 For Official Alerts: Text COVID19NC to 888777 Suffolk County: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/health For latest Developments & Health Guidance: Text COVIDSUFFOLK to 67283 Health & Welfare Council of Long Island/Long Island Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster [LIVOAD] >>> http://211.org/services/covid19
RESOURCE INFORMATION FOR Local Social Workers>>> IMPORTANT INFORMATION for Long Island NonProfits *Health and Welfare Council of Long Island & Long Island Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster [VOAD] - Resource Guide>>> - Law and understanding the latest developments >>>