The Porch Sessions: the Impact
The Porch Sessions occurred this past Spring. I visited people from a safe distance of more than 6 feet (usually way more than 6 ft - thank you, telephoto lenses!) for short sessions in exchange for a donation to either Church World Service or the United Way of Central Indiana Covid-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. I decided to write a post to ensure that those who participated know they impact they've had!
Church World Service's mission is to provide just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. It does work all over the world and in the United States. Full disclosure: my full time job is with CWS. I started working with CWS a few years back and was immediately impressed with the way it partners with communities and local organizations in order to create long-lasting solutions. Our programs have taken the same approach when addressing the coronavirus.
If you click here, you will read a good example of the impact CWS and its partners have around the world. That link will take you to post describing the experiences of 4 refugees in Cairo, how the pandemic impacted them, and how CWS and our partner agency, St. Andrew's Refugee services, helped. More than 80% of refugees in Cairo lived in poverty before Covid-19. Now, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, forcing many refugees in homelessness and hunger.
CWS has a long history working around the world (it was founded in 1946) and it will continue to do so after the pandemic. Water projects, sanitation education, and food security will be some of its most important post-pandemic work. You can learn more about that work by asking me or here.
The United Way of Central Indiana's COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund was established by several local charitable organizations to help human services organizations and they people they serve here in central Indiana. It has provided 3 rounds of grants to organizations like the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, the Julian Center, Exodus Refugee, Gleaner's Food Bank, and Indy Reads.
The last cycle provided more than $3.9 million dollars to human services organizations, specifically those that focus on mental health caused by isolation and stress; food access for individuals with lost income; and other underserved populations with special focus on the African American community. Nearly $24 million was raised and all of it was given directly to human service organizations in central Indiana who serve people in need due to the pandemic.
This is just a little taste of the impact these organizations are having around the world. Thank you again to everyone who gave and participated in the Porch Sessions!
