Hope for Tampa is an organization created in the wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Aiding the community by making medical face masks, more than 100 volunteers are banding together to sew and distribute masks throughout the Tampa area. Currently, there is a shortage of masks in the medical community, the senior living community, and the homeless community. Hope for Tampa is a movement that has over 400 people, creating, sewing, and donating masks to help stop the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, that’s not enough. More than 4000 requests have been made and the need is growing.
The people who are the most susceptible are the same people who may not survive. The homeless community in Tampa is in the thousands and often fly under the radar when catastrophes of this nature happen. Why? Because they are transient. They often have no way to be tested. If they are tested, they usually don’t have a way to self-quarantine. “People often overlook underserved communities in times of crisis. This is detrimental to us all. We need to work together and protect all people. It’s the only way we can’t slow down this pandemic.” I replied when asked how the homeless community was fairing during these difficult times. The Bautista Project Inc. is an organization helping to flatten the curve in the homeless community. They are providing bags filled with hygiene supplies, snacks, and masks provided by Hope for Tampa.
Homeless shelters and outreach centers around Tampa Bay have suspended services or have limited programs due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Supplies are running low as charitable organizations receive minimal donations. It’s heartbreaking to watch organizations close their doors to those in need. Homeless community members are in greater need now than ever. Food insecurity has left many people starving as food distribution places shut down around the city. There are ways you can help while maintaining social distancing boundaries. You can take snacks, water, masks, and other supplies to organizations to help decrease the shortage they’re experiencing. There are so many ways you can be of service right now.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate to the Hope for Tampa Fundraiser
- Make medical face masks
- Donate products via Amazon Wishlist
- Create Blessing Bag or Belonging Box that includes a home-sewn mask, to give the homeless, when you are on your grocery run
Here’s a quick tutorial to make the basic mask:
Want to get help providing masks? Join the Hope for Tampa Facebook page. The inspiration being shared is astounding! A number of organizations have stepped up to help fundraise, sew masks, and provide supplies. “I am beyond grateful for the outpouring support this movement has received”, Hope Griffin, founder of Hope for Tampa said in a recent interview.
Need Masks?
If your organization or company is in need of medical masks you can request them here.
Visit the Hope for Tampa website often to learn more about this movement and how you can help flatten the curve.