A Safe Distance

An Evansville resident shares inspiring stories that explore what the pandemic can teach us about drawing close to those in need.

The Story of Need a Neighbor

In the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Community One completely re-tooled the housing repair platform on their website to create a new website where anyone in the city could request help with COVID-related needs.

Evansville residents could ask to have groceries or supplies delivered to them, request prayer or a friendly phone call, and find referrals for financial assistance.

These requests were then made available to volunteers who had been vetted by local churches. Each approved volunteer could sign in to view requests by category or location, and then contact the resident directly to love and serve them.

In the few months that the site was live, over 1,000 needs were met by over 300 volunteers.

Community One has since refined this tool to create an ongoing platform called Neighbors Helping Neighbors.