With one in nine Americans already struggling to put food on the table, food insecurity and lack of access to healthy food are problems in the best of times. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic is stretching an already inadequate social safety net to the breaking point. Many schools, including Glen Cove where I work, are continuing to provide breakfast and lunch to the school community.
We demand:
- Paid sick and family leave for households hit by the virus, regardless of employer size, immigrant status and including independent contractors;
- Emergency cash assistance on an ongoing basis, starting with $2,000 immediately to every adult, monthly for the length of the crisis;
- A Homes Guarantee including zero rent and a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures;
- A ban on essential utility shut-offs like heat, water, and electricity; and
- Student debt forgiveness to save people from financial ruin, as well as refunding students on room and board, tuition, and health care for this semester.
And while we’re at it, let’s support Bernie’s 5 principles;
- Health is the top priority, for all people, with no exceptions
- Provide economic relief directly to the people
- Rescue workers and communities, not corporate executives
- Make a down payment on a regenerative economy, while preventing future crises
- Protect our democratic process while protecting each other
Two Resource Guides to Help You Negotiate the Current Crisis!
While we are all practicing physical distancing and taking precautionary measures, Green Beetz, a wonderful non-profit, has shared a resource guide that they have put together that I think you will find useful. The NYC Coronavirus Family Resource Guide has information that you can use during these times of uncertainty. Please share this resource widely with your networks so that others may benefit.
Also, for all the families who now find their new jobs as home school teachers a bit challenging, here is an Ayurveda- Montessori School Guide that I think is very helpful, bringing a daily rhythm into the fold for your children!
Lastly, please continue practicing social distancing, washing your hands (for 20 seconds, try using this song!) and supporting each other with loving kindness, compassion, good will, and digital hangouts!
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