The Village of Flower Hill announced Wednesday that they would be unveiling a volunteer program to assist residents in need of assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
“With the implementation of quarantine measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in our community are in need of assistance getting food and other essential supplies,” a statement from the village said. “This village program will use community volunteers to assist neighbors in need get the essential supplies and support they require.”
The village said the program will involve establishing volunteers who will serve as regular points of contact for those in need of assistance, and with the goal of ensuring the recipient is taken care of.
The Volunteer Corps. intends to place a resident volunteer “in charge of every block in the village who will help lead and coordinate outreach and follow up to those in need.”
Precautions are also being taken to implement the program in a way that will “prevent in-person interaction, ensuring volunteers and clients will not be at risk,” the village said.
“Volunteers will be able to communicate by phone or email to identify needs or just to provide human interaction,” the village said.
Deputy Mayor Brian Herrington said the crisis is providing “unique” supply challenges for the most healthy and technology savvy to begin with.
“Now consider if you are not as mobile, tech-savvy, have underlying health issues or are part of some other at-risk population,” Herrington said. “At times like these we really need to come together for our community and we wanted to do this in a formal way that ensures those in need get the assistance they need without putting anyone at risk.”
The village also said the program has enlisted volunteers and is following up with potential clients, and has compiled a list of non-profits and other entities that can help those in need.
Currently, the village is working to identify more volunteers through the Manhasset, Port Washington, and Roslyn sections of the Village.
The village asks residents who need assistance and those willing to volunteer to contact Flower Hill Village Hall at 516-627-5000 or email volunteer@villageflowerhill.org. Those who may know someone in need are also advised to reach out.
