Send Them Home

PLEASE HELP SEND THEM HOME


A dear friend of mine is a young person with immune deficits.  They also happen to be a trans person of color who, despite having a supportive circle of friends will not have the kind of savings, family resources or employment benefits to fall back on that more established adults will use to get through the Covid 19 pandemic.

This is a short burst campaign to SEND THEM HOME.

I am seeking four types of resources on their behalf.

1) Most urgently, it is important to raise funds in lieu of a paycheck so that this person can prepare to self-isolate and improve their odds of avoiding infection for as long as possible.

This person, like many folks in their twenties and like many US citizens, works in the service industry and has unavoidable and constant contact with the public in the course of their employment.  This simply does not make sense.

I am seeking to raise funds of at minimum $500 up to $5,000 dollars in this campaign to buy as many weeks at home as we can.  Vermont, like most of the nation, is in the earliest stages of its own outbreak. The virus is spreading invisibly RIGHT NOW among people who will likely not present as symptomatic for another week or two.  NOW is the time to SEND THEM HOME.

UPDATE:  We are currently investigating unemployment claim eligibility under section 18 of the Governor’s emergency orders.  We would also therefore welcome…

a) Any support on filing a successful unemployment claim.  These are unusual circumstances and the Governor’s order does not appear sufficiently clear enough to inspire full confidence for success.  We are hopeful that the Governor’s words will hold weight now the that speech is over.

b) “It is not in our DNA to turn our backs on the most vulnerable”  --Governor Phil Scott.  (let's make sure this remains true)


2) This is a bright, beautiful person who likely could under better circumstances find productive work remotely from home.  They suffer from chronic pain due to injuries sustained from multiple accidents, which makes it difficult to meet the demands of typical kitchen and retail work environments.  While there isn't time to facilitate an immediate jump, I have no doubt that this person would welcome any offers of employment that they could do safely from home, or at a desk once this pandemic has passed. 

As a ten year+ veteran and manager in technical support myself, I see the clear presentation of excellent customer service skills, wise judgement, profound empathy and personal attention to detail that would make this person an asset in a variety of customer-facing roles.  Ideally, this would be by phone or online channels for the foreseeable future though.

Any thoughts, resources or assistance in bringing forth remote work opportunities to this person would simply make tons of sense.


3) Back in February, I was foolish enough to think that there was still time to obtain respirator masks for myself, family, and dear yet vulnerable friends such as this person.  I even skipped medical grade equipment entirely (to not tax the system) and ordered respirators designed for running or cycling where traffic pollution might be a concern. They at least had the right particle filtration properties.

It seems pretty clear that the company I ordered from is not going to be able to fulfill the order at this point.  I don't think an H95 mask or even a lesser mask is going to drop from the sky on its own.

Any assistance in getting ANY LEVEL of particulate filtration protection to this person makes sense.  I am talking about respirator masks that provide a complete seal designed for any purpose, such as medical, sports or workplace safety.  They would take a size small.


4) As I'm sure you are already aware, our healthcare system in the US does not work for everyone.  Despite the fact that they are insured, they have been unable to afford their medications. As the tips slow down at their job amidst the outbreak and their search for a better paying job has beared no fruit, it can be difficult for them to put aside money for anything other than bills.  This has caused them to attempt to stretch out the medicine they still have and skip out on meals. Any money put towards this fund will partially go towards their medications and copays for doctors' appointments. 

While everyone is out panic buying supplies and working remotely, it is important to remember that there are marginalized people that cannot afford to do that are forced to risk their safety to make ends meet. It is important during these times to come together as a community to help those who need it the most.

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to render, on  behalf of all the people who care about this person, as well as themselves.