Our Covid-19-Response

Our Covid-19 Response

Physically Distant, But Socially Connected.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to re-think how we serve our families, youth, and community. It has not lessened our commitment but calls us to find different ways to reach out and support those whom we are honored to walk with during these challenging times. These are uncertain times, but they are not times to retreat, rather they reinforce our commitment to stay connected and build community.

PBMR is still operating and reaching out as best we can from a safe distance.

 We are connecting with as many as we can through phone, social media or in-person at a socially safe distance. We are delivering care packages of food, hygiene products, etc., for families experiencing real hardships. We are supporting our families with regular check-ins.   

We have found that the daily struggles of our youth and families have become more critical due to the isolation and distancing. We are working double-time to ensure that every youth, mother, family, and returning citizen knows that they are not alone. 

7 Ways PBMR is Helping:
  1. Providing regular, often daily, check-ins with participants to provide support and help them navigate various City, State, and Federal assistance programs.
  2. Delivering food, hygiene, and other basic supplies to youth and families who need support.
  3. Sharing COVID-19 safety information. PBMR’s outreach team has had to include, in addition to their violence prevention strategies, educating the youth and families regarding COVID-19. Little by little, youth are beginning to understand the seriousness of this pandemic and take precautions. 
  4. Collaborating with our community partners, outreach organizations, City of Chicago and others to coordinate efforts throughout the Southside and across Chicago to ensure consistent coverage. Together we are presenting a united front against violence and COVID-19.
  5. Supporting outreach teams who are still interrupting violence. Just because there is a pandemic does not mean violence has ended. We are still responding to shootings and providing support to victims and their families. 
  6. Maintaining our Urban Farm. Food scarcity has always been a challenge for families and may become a reality for more in the coming weeks and months. PBMR’s Urban Farm will help ensure a healthy supply of fresh vegetables in the community. 
  7. Keep Chicago Working. Many PBMR participants and families are experiencing job loss. Our workforce development team is working with participants and employers ensure that as many of those who can safely work have the opportunity to do so. 

4 Ways You Can Help PBMR Live Our Mission of Radical Hospitality in the Time of COVID-19

With this unprecedented crisis, we are experiencing an increased need for our support. Your support today, helps us meet the needs of the PBMR community.

HELP US PROVIDE Food and Supplies to Our Participants Staple items for daily needs. 
Several staples are and will continue to be needed by members of the PBMR community in the coming days and weeks. Click Here for a list of needed items.

Help Us Keep Participants Connected (Support Mobile Phones and Reliable Service) 
Help us keep Participants Connected. Mobile phones and reliable service has become an essential lifeline during these difficult days. Whether it is recently (or soon to be) returning citizens in need or families who seek support to keep their phones active, many in the PBMR community need help to maintain this basic connection point during these trying times.
  • To donate, please visit www.pbmr.org/donate and include "cell phones" in your donation notes.  Thank you.

Spread the Word
Learn more about how PBMR is serving the community each week. Invite your friends, family, and co-workers to learn more about PBMR by signing up for our regular eNewsletter.

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