The virus is here in Muskegon and so we slow our lives to slow the spread. But for many neighbors, like those who are ALICE, the slowing caused by the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated each pre-existing crisis. Neighbors experiencing job loss or reduced hours further struggle to pay rent and monthly bills. Physical distancing has transformed the school year, limiting access to meals and contact between youth--the same youth whose parents now live with increased anxiety about what the future holds. Healthy foods and affordable services, such as laundry or the internet, have become harder to access--or for those with vulnerable health, dangerous to access.
Below are some snapshots from Community enCompass as programs adapt alongside neighbors whose daily life and livelihood has been impacted by the virus. The spirit of resilience carries us: as Dianna Williams, one of our tenant neighbors recently put it, “Don’t take life for granted, be grateful for what you have. Live peacefully and love one another. You never know what tomorrow will bring.”
NEIGHBORING
SACRED SUDS
Sacred Suds, a primary location in our community for affordable laundry, has partnered with Sunshine Laundromat to provide neighbors with vouchers and 1 bottle of detergent. So far, 16 vouchers have been distributed to families for a total of 66 washes.
Stephanie Harmon, supervisor at Sacred Suds, has been working with volunteers to call neighbors who regularly washed at Sacred Suds and tell them about the voucher program.
"Our neighbors are so resilient! The way they have adapted to the change is just a breath of fresh air,” says Stephanie.
Becky Johnson, volunteer at Sacred Suds
Becky Johnson, a longtime volunteer with Sacred Suds, has been helping Stephanie make those calls. Johnson knows, as do the neighbors who wash there, that Sacred Suds is more than a laundromat:
“When I first started at Sacred Suds, oh my god I was nervous--scared to death--but volunteering helped bring me out of my shell. Volunteering has to be a teach and learn situation. I’m 71 and I learned by goofing around on the computer at Sacred Suds that I’m quite tech savvy. It helped me build confidence in me. ”
Johnson now worries about those with whom she used to have regular contact, some of whom are homeless, but is doing what she can by calling neighbors from home.
“It’s important to me as an individual to be able to help those in need. If I know I’ve tried to better someone’s life, that makes me feel good,” she says.
Katherine Kaltz, Muskegon Prescribes Food For Health Coordinator, assembles Windowsill Herb Garden Kits for students who are now participating remotely.
FOOD
MUSKEGON PRESCRIBES FOOD FOR HEALTH
The latest session of Muskegon Prescribes Food for Health held 4 of the 12 scheduled classes before quarantine began. Since that time, Katherine has been coordinating with the YMCA Veggie Van to deliver healthy foods and activity kits to students.
"Today they're getting basil, chives, and lemon balm. We would usually do this in class, but instead we're putting together kits with instructions so that they can do it at home."
The session has been extended by another month so that MPFH students, all of whom have underlying health issues and are particularly vulnerable at this time, have continued access to healthy foods.
"We're not a weight loss program and we're not doctors...we're a support group," says Katherine.
A big part of the draw for MPFH students is the social aspect and finding a support system.
“A lot of the draw is socializing and talking to others who are also trying to live healthy and learn tips,” said Cindy, an MPFH student.
While the support being offered looks different from what anyone envisioned at the start of this session, Katherine has valued the forced innovation and is confident MPFH will continue to adapt and support in the weeks to come.
Planting onions in April
MCLAUGHLIN GROWS URBAN FARM
Our community needs fresh vegetables, now more than ever. With that in mind, McLaughlin Grows remains committed to growing produce for neighbors, but also sharing the resources and information to equip neighbors to grow their own.
With lots of help from volunteers and, of course, Farm Manager Mikayla, seedlings that have been growing in the greenhouse are slowly making their way into the earth.
Along with getting their hands dirty tending to each of the three fields, McLaughlin Grows has been selling produce through Facebook, making deliveries to neighbors, prepping for the annual Plant Sale, and has continued the Compost Pick-Up Program.
“Both neighbors and farmers have stepped up to meet the needs of the community. We’re seeing a lot of new interest in local food and places that can deliver fresh produce. Neighbors are leaning on us, and small farms are stepping up with sanitation, pick-up stands and delivery services,” said Mikayla.
Praying Mantis eggs will soon hatch!
McLaughlin Grows was also recently approached by BeWell, a service that works with Mercy Health to create work-life balance opportunities for employees, about creating seed starter kits for Mercy Health workers to bring home to their families.
“Healthcare workers are sacrificing their health for us - thank and love them well!” said Mikayla.
Mikayla is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to farming, and is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices at the Farm, such as no-till techniques to decrease soil erosion or using praying mantises to deter pests. Look out for her Growing 101 tips on the McLaughlin Grows Facebook page!
YOUTH
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The YEP team is dedicated to making sure YEPs and their families have continued access to the basics: food, shelter, internet, and social engagement. The team has been delivering care packages to the doorsteps of every YEP.
YEP Director, Charlotte Johnson has been keeping up contact, not only with YEPs, but with their parents, many of whom are essential workers or have lost income.
“The stress of a family often ends up on the kids, so we’re trying to provide extra help to the parents--make their load a little lighter, however we can.” said Charlotte.
She’s been checking on internet connection for YEP families, and hopes to soon have virtual meetings.
Charlotte, YEP Director, out making deliveries
In a recent YEP! Facebook post, Charlotte wrote:
“Social distancing keeps me from meeting weekly in person with the teens in the YEP program. However, it doesn't keep me away from their needs. Today I tried to leave a care package on the steps of one of the YEP families and drive off. I enjoyed screaming from a distance. Love and miss you guys. Stay Safe.”
HOUSING
BETHANY HOUSING
Bethany Housing provides housing to working-wage neighbors and neighbors experiencing homelessness in core-city Muskegon. In response to the rapidly unfolding pandemic, Bethany Housing waived April rent for 26 families who reside in our homes/apartments.
Kayley Kruger, who has been a tenant with Bethany Housing since October, first found out about Community enCompass through 211. “I was homeless and just trying to figure things out.”
Before the shutdown, Kayley had been working at Subway, where her hours gradually decreased. “I had been getting 30 hours at Subway, then it dropped down to 15, then it dropped down to nothing. So I still have a job, but I’m laid off for now.”
Kayley filed for unemployment, but was denied twice, and is now going through a protest. With bills still coming in and four kids out of school, having rent waved for the month of April helped with the anxiety of uncertainty.
“It means a lot. It's eased some nerves, taken a little bit of weight off the shoulders.”
As the question of how to make ends meet looms, focus on her loved ones has kept Kayley going.
“I’m enjoying the family time that I’m getting. We’ve been going out fishing everyday to get out of the house. I’m hoping that everyone’s staying happy and healthy.”