Resources for people in need
| People seeking help | Resources | |
| People who are seeking low-cost accessible psychological help or counsel at highly regarded institutions | The Psychological Services Clinic at the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University. Director: Dr. Jonathan Jackson The Parnes Family and Psychological Services Clinic at Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Director: Dr. William Salton | |
| People who are at risk for, or victims of, domestic violence | Safehorizon.org, NYC’s most trusted network of counseling, services and shelters for victims of domestic violence. | |
| People seeking other forms of aid and assistance | Poor People’s Campaign list of aid networks in NY for those needing help with Food and Food Insecurity, Housing, Utilities, Disability Rights and Services, Estate Planning & End of Life Services, Medical Needs, Mental Health Support, Domestic Violence Resources, Arrest / Policing Legal Support, Childcare & parenting, Pet care, Tech support & projects, Fun & Entertainment, and Small business resources. |
Recommendations for Engaged Buddhists
| Addressing big picture issues | Actions to take | |
| Need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 | Advocate for adequate amounts of testing and contact tracing as a prerequisite to “opening” up the economy. | |
| General level of anxiety and fear | Place haiku or other peaceful messages on yards or doors. Attend and inform others about online meditation sessions at ZSS and other places. Advocate for use of mental health resources. | |
| Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on low-income people and people of color | Get involved with the Poor People’s Campaign in New York and support and learn more about the national campaign | |
| Violence and aggression toward Chinese and Asian people | Offer support and solidarity to Asian people, especially through learning and teaching about “bystander intervention.” | |
| People and countries who are in states of extreme poverty and hunger due to COVID-19 lockdowns. | Support Buddhist Global Relief, which empowers communities to address hunger and economic deprivation. Learn about and support the work of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists. |
| Assisting people in need | Actions to take | |
| Elderly persons living alone (Sangha or not) | Identify elderly sangha members, neighbors, etc. Reach out via phone, mail, or email as they may be particularly vulnerable to effects of social distancing. | |
| People who are elderly, immune compromised, and have other high-risk conditions (Sangha or not) | Arrange to pick up and deliver groceries or medicines for individuals. Volunteer to drive for Meals on Wheels (many of the usual volunteer drivers are elderly and cannot drive safely during the pandemic.) | |
| People who feel isolated and are not techno-savvy but have internet connection | Reach out to teach them how to use Zoom or other online platforms to stay connected. | |
| People who are at risk for, or victims of, domestic violence | Provide financial or volunteer support to local organizations that deal with child abuse and/or domestic violence. | |
| People who have no income or have lost income due to the pandemic | Provide financial or volunteer support to local organizations that provide various forms of assistance to people in crisis. Provide financial assistance to individuals in need. | |
| People who are seeking accessible psychological help | Share sources of low-cost psychotherapy with well-trained therapists at highly regarded institutions. |
