NECHAMA Statement on COVID-19 - March 13, 2020

NECHAMA Community,

Like all of you, we are closely monitoring the COVID-19 developments throughout the United States. In consultation with our Board of Directors, and in accordance with CDC recommendations, we have implemented methods and procedures to continue to conduct operations in the safest way possible.

We will maintain our current operations in Nashville, and will closely monitor the advice of the CDC and local health authorities to determine when and if we need to end the program ahead of schedule. All future programs will be decided on a county by county basis in conjunction with recommendations from local health officials.

For the foreseeable future, we are accepting a limited number of pre-screened residential volunteers who are able to drive to the areas we are working in, as well as local volunteers. We will also be coordinating with partners to seek effective ways to marshal our resources to assist communities outside our “traditional” disaster response work.

As this rapidly evolving situation continues, we will update the NECHAMA community as conditions warrant and adjustments are made.

While we are all impacted by this health crisis, it is important that NECHAMA continues our good work and assists communities who need us. Unfortunately, disasters don't self-quarantine during a pandemic - if only it worked that way. Your financial support is needed to ensure continuity of service and in this time of uncertainty, to ensure that hope, compassion, and comfort are felt where they are needed the most.

Yours in service,

David Kaplan
Executive Director