In addition to public outreach and contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Berrien County Health Department is encouraging people who can help the community to do so. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells us there are plenty of ways you can make a difference.
“There’s a lot of volunteer opportunities that are available through the United Way of Southwest Michigan,” Conrad said. “You can find more information on their website, and you can find links for what volunteer opportunities are available and be assigned to a task as the need arises.”
The United Way is serving as a clearinghouse for local non-profits seeking volunteers. Conrad says many shelters are in dire need of cleaning supplies and masks, and you can arrange a donation for them via the United Way. They also need single-serve meals for the quarantine facility the health department has put together.
“If is up, it’s not running. We do not have any individuals who have had the need to be housed there at this moment, but it is staged and ready to go when that need arises.”
That quarantine shelter will be for those who cannot isolate themselves should they get COVID-19. That would include the homeless. Those who can afford to do so are also encouraged to make a donation to the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund. It’s helping out people who are struggling. The United Way’s volunteer page is right here.
