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Live United by Erin Haag

 

Apparently, the Tribune recognizes that I have a lot to say. Readers will now be getting my musings every week instead of every other week.

You don’t throw a dart without a target right? Except this week I’m a little overwhelmed. That bullseye target is so wide, it’s hard to know where exactly to aim. When I take a step back though, I can see the bigger target, and it all comes down to access. Access is a popular word in the nonprofit and human services world. Access to food. Access to education. Access to health care.

The past few months, our response to the community has been very reactive. It’s now time for us to take a step back and look at being proactive — anticipating some of the challenges that are coming. I’ve been a little slower on rolling out programs and announcements because I hoped to build some strong foundations, so that these programs could transition into a proactive program that will be sustainable instead of a quick flurry that ends.

Our proactive stance is centered around access. We’ve found that while there are many resources for basic needs in our area, there’s always the challenge of access. Access to technology, access to groceries, access to food, access to volunteers and access to volunteer opportunities.

One of our most successful stories was an initial relationship developed during last year’s winter gear drive. We received a donation of a beautiful down coat that needed a slight button adjustment. We gladly were able to make that button adjustment and give the coat to someone in need. Fast forward to April, and we received a phone call. Our donor was in the at-risk category and caring for her husband. Her husband had mild dementia, but we quickly recognized that going out into a new world with masks, directional lanes and shields could be disturbing. We connected our donor with a volunteer who gladly did their grocery shopping along with her own once a week shopping. Upon checking in with our volunteer, we discovered that a relationship had been built. Recipes were exchanged, and plans for a future coffee and cake date were made. Personally, I want to know what kind of cake and if I can come too.

While the state is opening back up, that doesn’t mean that everyone has access. With social distancing guidelines still in place, it’s simply not feasible for many to return to normal. Sure, there’s    Hy-Vee delivery and grocery pick-up. That’s a popular and effective method if you have a computer, and the technological know-how to order online.

Earlier this week, the Pandemic-EBT program was announced. This is a great resource from the state level for those who may suddenly be struggling with food access. Families that may not have qualified before may now qualify due to changes in job status. Except — the application is all online. There is no paper application. Due to COVID-19 constraints, there are no public access computers.

Veterans face a similar issue. Veterans that have lost wages due to COVID-19 are eligible for benefits. With access to government centers limited, veterans who may not have computers or the computers skills have their options reduced. While both of those center around the issue of technology, there’s also the access of transportation. While there are food pantries available, it’s often difficult for clients to get there. That’s a barrier to access to food.

Back to that reactive planning that’s going to turn into a proactive response. UWFC developed a plan to take appointments to help provide safe, clean workstations and the support using the technology. We’ve been able to help veterans receive their benefits, a senior receive SNAP benefits and a family receive their new P-EBT benefits. We also hosted a pop-up pantry for the first time. We handed out 300 boxes of food. This response was so well received that we plan on co-hosting with Hayward Lutheran Church another pop-up pantry on from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26. We’ll set up at Hayward Lutheran Church, and hope to reach those who live in the area who may find it difficult to travel to Albert Lea for the food resources there. As we move into our proactive response, we’re looking at updating our technology, as we’ve quickly identified that as a need for not only our organization, but also our partner agencies. We envision a center where people can come together to collaborate, receive support and access to technology, all with safe, sanitary guidelines.

Some day, I hope we’ll be able to host an open house to show off our work. It’s difficult to imagine until you walk through our space. We’ve worked hard to set up spaces to serve our community, but include the warmth and welcome of what we believe a community center should have. For us, that means paintings by local artist Diane Hill, a big corn plant that I think is secretly a tree named Rufus, a smaller, more sedate corn plant named Lily and a collection of succulents that have yet to be named. Maybe I need to take name suggestions on the Party Line radio show.

In the meantime, I’ll see you here each week. As always, our phone lines are open for commentary, requests for help, ideas to brainstorm and name suggestions. 

Erin Haag is the executive director of the United Way of Freeborn County.