Help Us Help You: What Neighbors, Local Biz & Nonprofits, and Consumers Can Do
Life is changing radically and rapidly. Federal, state, and city efforts are underway to provide economic help to individuals, nonprofits, and businesses. We will need to work together at the neighborhood level to add to this aid and to try to fill gaps.
As a volunteer-driven civic association, the NLNA has very limited resources. But through years of support from this wonderful neighborhood and some conservative financial management, we have accumulated a modest reserve fund. Some of that needs to remain in place to fulfill our legally mandated duty to safeguard the solvency of the organization.
Beyond that, though, the NLNA will be using whatever it can spare to help neighbors and neighborhood businesses. We're also seeking some emergency funding to add to the pot and will let everyone know as soon as there is anything to report. Our fellow neighbors at the Business Improvement District are working similarly and together with us.
HELP US HELP YOU – WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Neighbors: Consider filling out the Block Assistance form (see above). Join the Northern Liberties Neighbors Facebook Group - folks are requesting and offering help there too.
Businesses: Set up an employee aid fund if you have not already done so.
This is one of the only feasible ways that interested organizations and individuals can get donations to your impacted employees. Also, check out our Resource Guide for a link to Emergency Federal Small Biz loans.
Consumers: If you feel comfortable spending right now (of course a highly personal decision), buy gift certificates from neighborhood businesses. Gift certificates are unique time-travel machines: The business gets funds now when they are desperately needed, and you can make needed purchases later, when activity returns to normal.
Neighborhood Nonprofits: The NLNA is helping local organizations draft and submit grant applications and apply for government assistance. Reach out if your org needs technical help with this.
Workers: Supermarkets are hiring - Acme, Aldi, Amazon, Giant, Mom's Organic, and Shoprite. Go to this Philly City Council web page for job application links.
When the government aid situation gets clearer, the NLNA will be able to figure out how usefully to spend our available reserves in the neighborhood. As always, we will strive for transparency and let everyone know what we're doing.
In the meantime, please stay safe - wash your hands, practice social distancing, do not go out unnecessarily, get a good night's sleep, and stay in touch electronically and by phone with friends and loved ones.
Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and Northern Liberties has always been a small and tight-knit one. We are all in this together.
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