UCB has continued to pursue our mission in the COVID19 era in the following ways
Immediate Visa Gift Card Support
UCB is able to reach thousands of Bostonians of low- to middle-income status with our digital tools and trust-based relationships. On March 15, 2020 as the statewide shutdown began, UCB immediately launched a COVID-19 Support Fund, which has since delivered thousands of $150 Visa cards to Bostonians totaling over $350,000, with the support of over 700 donors. For the latest numbers and more information about this campaign, click here.
“Got my card today. Thank you so much. I am currently at home in isolation due to testing positive. This definitely came in handy as things are starting to run low and bills don’t stop. Was trying to figure out what was priority but now rent and food can be taken care of with no worries for the time being except my health.”
2. Mobile App Resource Sharing
We have quickly pivoted our main programs and resource sharing. Our UCB App now rewards points for virtual meetings and online activities. Members still check-into the App to learn about online programs to attend and are still earning rewards for the time they invest in themselves, helping their neighbors, and sharing support across the city.
3. Virtual Network Nights
During this time, we are hosting two Virtual Network Nights every week on Zoom, one in English and one in Spanish. Attendance has risen at our Nights because attendees can join from across Greater Boston and are able to “commute” easily with the click of a button. Current “Table Talk” topics presented at virtual Nights reflect the concerns of our members: managing the stress of being a parent turned teacher and different ways to learn with your child, financial stability tips when receiving the stimulus check, the importance of the 2020 Census, cooking demonstrations with limited food options, and several sessions about emotional management and self-care.
“I have been enjoying these virtual Network nights. I love everything about them (except that they happen because of a pandemic). But I got to see and talk to people from different neighborhoods with the small groups which is a wonderful idea. They are becoming the ‘talk ‘ during our dinner time.”
4. Courier-Service Resource Exchanges
We have shifted our budget to help cover the cost of our Marketplace exchanges. We have hired one of our leaders who ran a household chores business and has pivoted to a courier service. We pay her to connect members who send items to each other while maintaining social distance. Our members demonstrate remarkable generosity and reciprocity. Items that we have delivered across the city to each other so far have included hand sanitizers, face masks, learning supplies, and even Keurig machines.
5. Digital Civic Engagement, Including the 2020 Census
We have found new ways to stay connected and increase civic engagement. We have joined an effort with Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell to host online community leader meetings called “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” attended by 150 civic leaders and neighborhood council members. We are also currently engaging in extensive outreach for the 2020 Census. Over 100 UCB Members have signed up to call over 3,000 fellow Bostonians to encourage them to complete the Census and make sure we collect an accurate count for the next decade of funding and political representation.