7 Ways You Can Help CAP From Your Couch!
CAP is currently in critical need of support to serve at-risk communities, especially those living with HIV, in Oregon and SW Washington.
Our agency is already witnessing the impacts of the spread of COVID-19 on our clients. People living with HIV who are not “virally suppressed” are at greater risk of developing serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms than the general public. Many members of this population are also experiencing homelessness or housing instability, further increasing their risk of acute COVID-19. The rate of requests for emergency rent assistance has more than doubled since last week as clients have been laid off or seen their work hours reduced. Meanwhile, our housing staff is working with immunocompromised clients who are sleeping in public shelters or outdoors. Now more than ever, they need a safe, private place to stay. Prism Health, our Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike which serves a patient population that is nearly 40% low income and approximately one-third transgender or gender-nonconforming, must remain open and is working quickly to provide virtual appointments for mental- and primary-healthcare services.
CAP does not have the resources to rapidly and adequately meet all of these needs under normal conditions, much less during this crisis. That is why we need your help. COVID-19 has affected all of us and we know it can be overwhelming to respond to community needs while facing your own. We know many of you are experiencing an emotional, physical, and financial toll. However, if you are in a position to help, here are 7 WAYS YOU CAN HELP CAP RESPOND TO COVID-19 from the health and safety of your home:
1
Make a one-time donation to CAP’s COVID-19 Community Action Fund.
This fund will support emergency needs during the COVID-19 crisis. We must raise $350,000 by June 30th, otherwise CAP will not be able to sustain the ongoing demand for the urgent services or client needs and many of our most vulnerable communities will fall through the cracks. Please help us in any way you can
2
Share your story.
Your story helps others feel connected. Record a 30 second video on your cell phone reflecting on how CAP has positively impacted your life and send it to dvance@capnw.org or 503-381-5080. With your permission, we would love to share your video. Use the hashtag #CAPat35 to honor 35 years of service.
3
Become a monthly donor.
Your sustained monthly gift of any amount, which can be automatically charged each month, allows CAP to continue providing essential services all year long. It’s support we can count on!
4
Activate a company match or employee giving.
Many businesses will match any donation you make to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dollar-for-dollar, or offer employee giving options through your paycheck. To see if your company participates in matching gifts, search for them here.
5
Shop with Amazon Smile and Fred Meyer Rewards.
You can shop with Amazon Smile and Fred Meyer Rewards, and list Cascade AIDS Project as your selected nonprofit. Both organizations donate a portion of your spending to a nonprofit of your choice!
6
Host a Facebook Fundraiser.
If you are passionate about the mission of CAP and want to encourage your community to support something you care about, consider hosting a Facebook fundraiser. It’s easy to set up and makes a huge impact on our ability to provide services.
7
Drink wine at home.
Need to stock up on wine? Order wine delivery from J. Wrigley Vineyards or Remy Wine and they will donate 10% back to CAP. Don’t forget to mention CAP in the “order notes” section at checkout.
Never was there a community better equipped to respond to a pandemic more than ours, and CAP needs your help now more than ever. Together we can change lives. Together we are stronger.
Thank you
Tyler TerMeer
Chief Executive Officer
If you are living with HIV and looking for resources in specific regards to COVID-19, you can find those here. To learn what CAP is currently doing to serve participants/patients, please read our COVID-19 Response page.