7 Ways To Help People

7 Ways To Help People Who Are Losing Jobs And Facing Uncertainty During The Coronavirus Outbreak

As the coronavirus spreads across the United States and much of the Western world, another scary reality is spreading in tandem: People are losing jobs, local businesses are closing their doors, and we all still have rent and other bills to pay.

In a country where most people don’t have money put aside for even the smallest of emergencies, and where the government has yet to pass legislation that will support the people hardest hit, a lot of us are having to make it up as we go.

A lot of us are … but not all of us. If you are one of the lucky people who are able to keep working (*raises hand*), there’s a lot you can be doing to help out people you know and love. If a few of us do a few small things for a few other people, then there’s a chance communities can get a handle on this thing and not let people fall through the cracks.

Of course, it’s going to take thoughtful planning on your part. Here are some ideas:

1. Keep supporting the local businesses you visit each week.

Local businesses are already closing their doors, and we’re not even in the full swing of this thing here in the US. And it’s awful for a lot of reasons with people not getting paid because businesses aren’t making money at the very top. But if you are making money, or if you have discretionary income sitting around, put your dollars right where you usually put them: back into those businesses.

I’m not saying that it’s on you to prop up each local business in your city, but if your favorite tea or coffee shop allows online orders for products or gift cards, spend whatever you usually spend each week online.

Also, if you usually pay for housekeeping or a similar service, keep paying whatever you pay each month whether or not people are working for you. I can guarantee you that it will go a long way, and that they need the funds more than you do.