COVID19

In 2020 we launched a Coronavirus response program in the US and Kenya to help our community partners respond to the immediate and lasting effects of this pandemic.

In the US, we:

  • Engaged residents in the Eastern Coachella Valley through Derribando Barreras ("breaking down barriers"), a virtual support group and live show where people share Covid19 advice, info, resources, Q+A, support, and tips for life under lockdown - all with a healthy dose of fun to keep spirits high
  • Provided stipends and support to a team of Community Ambassadors to connect vulnerable residents in the Eastern Coachella Valley to the information and resources they need
  • Distributed gift cards for groceries and other essentials to 4 families per week
  • Planned and desiged public spaces that facilitate safe, touch-free outdoor play as well as service delivery, such as food distribution and Covid19 testing
  • Advocated that government officials do all they can to support California's most vulnerable populations, such as the unhoused and those at risk of eviction
Preliminary designs for the "Play it Safe" Kit of Parts
In Kenya, we:

  • Delivered Stay-at-Home support kits, including soap, hand sanitizer, kid's toys, art materials, and information to families across Kibera
  • Advocated for the government to adopt a human rights-based approach to curb the spread of Covid19 and to work with, not against, residents of informal settlements
  • Gathered data to understand the incidence and impacts of Coronavirus in Kibera - as well as the current rainy season - via remote phone surveys
  • Employed local community members for remote data collection and construction, following government directives and National Construction Authority guidance on site safety and practice for Covid19 
  • Supported community partners from our DARAJA project as they share accessible information and advice on Covid19 via SMS
  • Worked with government and community partners to secure access to clean, affordable, reliable water supply so residents can carry out basic hygiene measures
Distribution of Stay-at-Home kits
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