We’ve all been reading about the tremendous financial and health needs in our community. If you’re in a position of good health and/or economic resources to help, here are some immediate ways to help families and businesses in Miami-Dade County (and thanks to a reader for sending this info from The New Tropic ):

The Community Emergency Operations Center is looking for healthy volunteers to do community surveys of people experiencing homelessness in Miami during this crisis. The organizers say to expect a lot of walking and that they’ll offer protective gear. Email Dr. Armen Henderson at armenh07@gmail.com to sign up and get more info. And speaking of the CEOC, they’re still looking for volunteers for their information phone bank. You can sign up to volunteer here or email miamiclimatealliance@gmail.com for more details.

United Way has a special page with coronavirus-related volunteer efforts. They include assisting with emergency relief, helping with food distribution at Comstock Elementary and putting together food boxes at Feeding South Florida. Head here for info.

Lotus House is also looking for help in serving meals, activities for children and teens and cleaning.

And last but certainly not least, United Way of Miami Dade and the Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald have launched the Pandemic Response Fund through Operation Helping Hands.The fund will support struggling families with emergency needs, including food supplies, utilities and rent/mortgage assistance and issue micro grants to small business. The fund was launched with $350,000 in seed money. To make a donation:

Visit https://portal.unitedwaymiami.org/COVID19

CALL 1-800-226-3320

Give via Venmo@UnitedWayMiami

Give via Paypal at https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/2169193

Any others you can add?