How to Help: Austin launches campaign to connect volunteers, donors, organizations responding to COVID-19

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin has launched an online “How to Help” campaign to bring together the COVID-19 related needs of local nonprofit, faith-based, and government programs.

The city has recruited partnering organizations to help the campaign reach as many organizations and volunteers as possible, including the UT Center for Community Engagement, the Community Advancement Network, Travis County, ACC Center for Nonprofit Studies, and Generation SERVE.

To participate, community members go to the website to review the volunteer and donation listings from local organizations like SAFE, Front Steps, the Pease Park Conservancy, and more. Once they find the listing that speaks to their values and abilities, they are able to sign up or complete a transaction within the site.

The campaign hub is hosted by GivePulse, an Austin-based technology platform to list, find, organize, and measure the impact of service in the community. As part of their commitment to supporting local needs, GivePulse has waived fees for access that otherwise requires a paid subscription.

“Frequently in our past, it’s the volunteers and donors that get us through uncertain times,” said Austin, Texas Mayor Steve Adler. “COVID-19 is one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever had to face. By pooling resources together, everyone can be part of the response and recovery in ways that speak to them. Together, we can get through this.”

SIGN UP FOR FOX 7 AUSTIN EMAIL ALERTS

Council Member Jimmy Flanagan chairs the board for the Community Advancement Network and added, "So many of our citizens need help – right now. And so many willing and able nonprofit and faith-based partners want to help but need the resources to make it effective and safe. The City of Austin can be a bridge in the community: linking folks who want to help with our public service partners who can best meet needs."

The first phase of the campaign launched earlier in the month to educate and engage nonprofits responding to COVID-19 on how to participate. Partners including the UT Center for Community Engagement, Community Advancement Network, ACC Center for Nonprofit Studies, and Generation Serve have helped share the opportunity with nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

Community organizations interested to join the campaign by listing needs or promoting the opportunity to serve can learn by clicking here.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help, click here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

---

FOX 7 Austin is working to keep you up to date with coronavirus, with both local and national developments. You can also get the latest COVID-19 news from around the country at coronavirusnow.com.