COVID-19 has left the world in a state of unprecedented crisis. Just within a blink of an eye, our world is facing the imminent forces of global shutdown, financial crises, and cognitive dissonance.
There is no doubt that plunging markets will leave nearly all industries damaged for months, and perhaps years to come. In times of crises, it’s the most vulnerable populations, refugees/asylum seekers, immigrants, undocumented, and first nationals, that will face the greatest hardships - economically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically. Most of these groups live under the unfortunate realities of disadvantaged social statuses, poor healthcare, inadequate support networks, degraded neighborhoods and environments, the list continues. Many of these individuals will face unemployment due to shelter-in-place orders and business shutdowns. At a global scale, refugees and internally displaced people are at an even higher risk of contracting coronavirus because they can’t practice social distancing and have poor sanitation systems/healthcare. This is an unprecedented time in our lives and we are working to make sense of it all.
What we know for certain is this: humankind can only prevail through compassion and kindness. Together, we can support those in greatest and immediate need through various channels and methods. The One Journey team has created a list of nonprofits, community organizations, relief funds, restaurants, and local businesses to help those in need. The list below will be updated as new information becomes available. DONATE TO CHARITIES & RELIEF FUNDS These organizations are taking action in directly aiding refugees and immigrants that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis through providing financial assistance and food security.
Capital Area Food Bank International Rescue Committee Silver Spring Karam Foundation La Cocina VA Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area Many Languages One Voice The Lee Initiative The Table Church DC
ORDER DELIVERY OR TAKE OUT FROM LOCAL REFUGEE/IMMIGRANT OWNED RESTAURANTS An aggregated list of One Journey partners and personal favorites across the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) region. All of which are owned by refugees or immigrants.
PURCHASE PRODUCTS/MERCH FROM REFUGEE/IMMIGRANT OWNED BUSINESSES A list of vendors that showcased their art, crafts, and products at the One Journey Festival
2019 Global Marketplace. All of which were started by refugees or immigrants.