This blog post is a collection of messages, notices, resources and spiritual nourishment for all of our neighbors who are facing the new — and constantly changing– reality created by the coronavirus pandemic. And as we practice social distancing, let’s also give voice to our fears and our hopes. And let’s be aware of daily blessings and look for new ways of connecting with each other.
A Message from Hudson Vaughan, MCJC Interim Exec. Director
In a time of crisis, it is easy for us to succumb to immobilizing fear or to ignore the severity of the situation and continue lives as usual; either option can be dangerous for us and our community. And neither option recognizes the incredible wealth of creativity, wisdom, and care that this community exemplifies and that is so critical to making it through unprecedented times like these. We are printing this special issue of the Northside News to share critical local resources, neighbors’ spiritual guidance, and ways we can continue to connect as a community while staying safe (in this case, physically distant from one another during this pandemic). Many of you have wisely advised us that access to food, healthcare, and supplies will be difficult in the weeks ahead (in many cases, it already is). We are committed to doing all we can to help you access critical information and supplies – starting with this special issue.
The Jackson Center operates on an “abundance model” meaning we believe in activating an economy and community of shared gifts and resources instead of operating in scarcity. In a time like this, supporting one another is more critical than ever, and yet finding ways to do so without spreading the virus is paramount. Please be in touch with us if you have access challenges or resources or information you are wanting to share with other neighbors. Like most other local organizations, the Jackson Center will be closing our offices to the public but we will be increasing many aspects of our work: conducting daily wellness calls to neighbors, making supply runs for critical needs, connecting volunteers to food distribution opportunities, continuing emergency repairs and affordable housing construction, working on our oral history trust and education curriculum and finding ways to share this with all of you, and supporting creative connection and technology access. Our office phone line will still reach us from 9 am- 5 pm Monday-Friday as well. We welcome your suggestions, guidance, and support as we work on creative ways to adjust and support all of you.
Thank you for showing us what it means to be a resilient, generous, faithful, and inspiring community.
NOTICES FROM THE JACKSON CENTER
- Heavenly Groceries: The church has decided to close Heavenly Groceries for at least the next three weeks. We know food access will be critical during this time and are going to see if there is any way to continue some aspect of this healthfully. In the meantime, we are sharing other food resources throughout this paper.
- Northside Festival: We’re postponing the Northside Festival, scheduled for April 25, and we’re still hoping we can reschedule.
- Connecting Virtually: Beginning on Monday, March 23, the Jackson Center will be going “remote.” That means, staff will be working from home and connecting virtually. We can help you be more connected with those you care about by assisting you with video chatting, so you can see each other as you talk. If you’d like someone to help you figure out how to connect with video either using your cell phone or computer, call the Jackson Center at 919-960-1670.
- Northside “Happy Hours” – On a nice day, please come out on your porch between 4-6 pm. Outside air is important during this time, and we can talk to our neighbors from porch to porch. (Maintain a “social distancing” of at least 6 ft.) On nice days, the Jackson Center staff will walk by (from a distance) to wave and check in.
- Phone wellness checks: Jackson Center staff will be planning to make daily phone calls to check in, find out information from neighbors that’s important to pass on, and share information and resources as well. If you are interested in participating or having us add a loved one of yours to the call list, please call us at 919-960-1670 to get added!
- Resource sharing: If you have come across an abundance of an essential supply and want to ensure that our shut-in neighbors have some of it, please let us know and we are happy to find a safe way to distribute it.
MESSAGES FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS
A Special Message from Senator Foushee
As expected, the COVID-19 situation is impacting every facet of our daily lives. Changes are occurring rapidly with new measures enacted from the national to state and county levels. Overcoming this event will require diligence in taking care of your health and that of your families and our communities. In the meantime, practice compassion and generosity, and take care of yourselves and our neighbors. This is serious and for vulnerable populations, we have to work hard to keep them safe. It means that we have to practice safe social distances. We must be careful about how closely we are associated physically, no matter our familiarity. This does not mean that we love any less; in fact, it means we love more because we are doing this to protect our loved ones and get ahead of the virus so we eliminate the chances for community spread. Together, we can ensure the vulnerable are protected, lessen the devastating impacts on our economy and ensure a return to normalcy as soon as possible.
| Faith and Wisdom : A Message from First Baptist
*We are including a segment of First Baptist Church’s response to COVID-19 because we think it’s an important framing of how faith and wisdom may apply in a time of such crisis. I wanted to share with you some vital information regarding FBC’s response to the recent COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. After meeting with various leaders, we’ve decided to suspend all in-person activities/services held at FBC until further notice. This includes worship services, and all ministry/community meetings and gatherings. This decision was made based on recommendations given to and from our church leaders, which upholds our church’s mission to keep our members’ safety, while on our church campus, as a top priority. This decision is NOT based on fear, but of power, love and a sound mind,” as stated in 1 Timothy 1:7. In our calling to operate in love for our members and execute “sound-minded” judgment, we also lean on Proverbs 4:6 by “not forsaking wisdom” and allowing the institution of wisdom to protect us and watch over us. Blessings in Abundance, Dr. Rodney Coleman, Pastor |
IMPORTANT PLACES FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
Online:
In addition, you can sign up for text updates from the Orange County Health Department by texting ocnchealth to 888-777. And sign up for the OC Health Department’s COVID-19 newsletter at www.orangecountync.gov/coronavirus Phone Numbers:
School-related information, including food resources for families:
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HEALTH INFORMATION
Whitney’s FAQsWe are blessed to have a public health professor, Whitney Robinson, in our community. We’d like to share some of Whitney’s wisdom with neighbors. What is COVID-19? It’s a sickness caused by a type of virus that just recently started spreading among humans. What are the symptoms? Fever, dry cough, feeling really tired. But symptoms can get worse and require hospitalization. Who is most at risk? The older someone is, the more they are at risk of getting very sick. In particular, we really have to protect anyone aged 60 years or over. Also people with suppressed immune systems or who have conditions like heart disease or diabetes are also at higher risk. The good news is that infants and small kids rarely get sick from COVID-19, although they might still be able to spread it. What makes this virus different from the flu? (1) It is new to us so there is no vaccine to prevent people from catching it. (2) It spreads more easily than the flu. (3) It’s more deadly than the flu. (4) It has a longer incubation time. An infected person can feel fine for 5-14 days before they start feeling sick. It’s possible that they could be infecting others during this time. What should I do if I think someone in my home has COVID-19? CALL first. Call your doctor or the Orange County Health Department at (919) 245-6111. They will ask you about your symptoms and give you advice. Why are businesses and schools closing? Our community is using “social distancing” to slow down the spread of the virus. If COVID-19 spreads really fast and everyone gets sick at once, then the hospitals will be overwhelmed. There would not be enough staff, space, medical equipment, etc., to deal with everyone getting sick at the same time. So we are trying to “flatten the curve” and slow down and spread out the spread of the virus, and also give more time to develop treatments. What can I do to help if I’m not sick? Wash your hands often and practice “social distancing”: When you go outside and walk around, stay 6 feet away from other people and try not to touch playground equipment, etc. I’m worried about money if people in my family can’t work. The state of North Carolina says they are making changes to make it easier to get unemployment. The school system is packing meals at Northside Elementary for take-away around lunch time. Many national businesses and banks are saying that they will let people pay bills late or without interest. Try to reach out now to see what’s out there to help you. What’s next? Things are going to seem worse before they get better. Soon there will be more cases in the news (1) because there is going to be more testing and (2) because of the incubation period. People who just got infected may not start to feel sick for another week or two. But hopefully the steps we are all taking will slow things down. How do I get more information? You can go to this website <https://www.orangecountync.gov/2332/Coronavirus-COVID-19> or call the Orange County Health department or your doctor. Orange County has created a hotline for residents with questions about COVID-19 or its impacts on Orange County services. Call (919) 245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spanish language and other languages available. |
NC Medicaid Updates Policies to Address COVID-19These updates apply especially to high-risk adults over 65, those with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, and people with weakened immune systems. Supporting Access to CareHome Visits. Medicaid has existing clinical policies to reimburse for home visits. Providers are encouraged to conduct home visits, especially for vulnerable populations and group living. Co-pays. Providers are reminded that co-pays are not required at the time of the office visit; a Medicaid patient should never be turned away for inability to pay a co-pay. Virtual Consultation. Providers will be able to bill Medicaid for evaluations provided virtually by telephone for established patients who:
Limiting In-Person Pharmacy InteractionsSupply Quantity. Medicaid beneficiaries will be able to access longer supply of prescribed medicine.
Access to Needed Medicines. NC Medicaid will be tracking pharmaceutical supplies to respond quickly to modify the Preferred Drug List for Medicaid as needed. Accessing Medical Supplies
Additional details and guidance will be available online at www.medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. |
Testing for COVID-19The NC State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) now has COVID-19 tests.
Individuals who meet the criteria should follow CDC guidelines to prevent further spread (mentioned earlier in this edition of the Northside News), and immediately contact their doctor or local health department. |
FOOD RESOURCES
If you have grandchildren or know children in Orange County Schools, let us know.
- Pick-Up Meals Sites–Meals will be available Monday – Friday, March 16 – 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., via a “grab and go” drive through line, at the following locations:
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- Fairview Community Garden – Tulip Tree Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
- Cedar Grove Community Center – 5800 NC Highway 86 N, Hillsborough, 27278
- Efland Cheeks Community Center – 117 Richmond Rd, Mebane NC 27302
- Cedar Ridge High School – 1125 New Grady Brown School Road, Hillsborough 27278
- Partnership Academy School – 1006 Storey Lane, Hillsborough 27278
- Central Elementary – 154 Hayes St., Hillsborough, NC 27278
- · Drop-Off Meals Sites--Drop-off meals (via an OCS vehicle) will be
provided at the following locations:
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- Howe St., Durham, 27705 (in the parking lot near the row of mailboxes). Staff will be onsite to provide meals for pick up at this drop-off site between 11:30 am-12:00 pm.
- New Horizon Church, 100 Horizon Place, Durham 27705. Staff members and church volunteers will be onsite to provide meals for pick up at this drop-off site between 11:00 am-12:30 pm.
- Supper Club Road, Mebane 27302 (across the street from 205 Supper Club Rd. near grey mailboxes). Staff will be onsite to provide meals for pick up at this drop- off site between 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Seymour and Passmore Center:
The Seymour Center at 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 is doing drive by boxed lunches at noon for people already in their lunch program.
Directions: From the Jackson Center, turn east on W Rosemary Ste toward N Roberson St, then turn left onto N Columbia St. N Columbia St becomes MLK Jr Blvd for about 2.4 miles and then take a left onto Homestead Rd, then from there take another left and you’ll arrive.
The Passmore Center at 103 Meadowlands Dr. Hillsborough, NC 27278 is doing drive by boxed lunches from 12-12:30 at the back door of the Passmore for those already in their lunch program.
Directions: From the Jackson Center head east on W Rosemary St towards N Robertson St, turn Left on N Columbia St, N Columbia St turns slightly right and becomes NC 86 / MLK Jr. Blvd continue for 11 miles, turn right onto US 70 BUS / US Hwy 70 A and then another right onto 103 Meadowlands Dr
Both the Seymour and Passmore center are not accepting additional patrons at this moment. They run on donations, so if you receive the food resources they have a suggested donation of $1, while those who are outside of the county have the suggested donation of $6.
Other community resources:
The OCIM Food Pantry at 300 Millstone Dr. Hillsborough is open Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm and operates on a referral system from the Orange County Health Department, or orange county school district. Currently the OCIM food pantry is not accepting more patrons at the time, but anyone can come and get their governmental resources during business hours. This food could help to supplement some food sources in a time like this.
Wal-mart, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Whole Foods, and other local grocery stores offer online grocery shopping where you can pick up your groceries from the store or have them delivered to your house free of cost. If you need help with this, please call the Jackson Center. (919) 960-1670.
IFC food pantry (100 W. Rosemary) is still open and offering daily meals. Anyone who is interested in this food service needs to call for an appointment: (919) 929-6380.
UNC-Alpha Epsilon Delta is working with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to gather funds for those in need. If interested in donating to the fund you can Venmo payments for the donations can be made directly @unc.aed or to @kegan-Cox. Either way the donations will be passed along to the executive board of UNC’s branch of AED and then to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Some community members have expressed an interest in gathering groceries for those who are in need but cannot get them themselves. This could look like going to a food location and helping them to be delivered to someone in the community. If this is something that interests you, then please email the Heavenly Groceries Coordinator at aisha@jacksoncenter.info.
UNEMPLOYMENT
| This message is from Megan Somberday with the DSA (Democratic Socialist Association):
“I wanted to reach out because DSA has been organizing a solidarity fund to provide material support to people who may be in financial distress due to coronavirus (i.e. lost wages).” If you know people who are in need or who should benefit from this kind of support, or if you are able to make a donation, call Megan Somberday at 919-889-5455. |
SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL RESOURCES
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He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust. (Psalm 91:4) Shared by Phyllis Joyner |
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I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. (Ephesians 3:16) Shared by Pat Jackson |
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Be Anxious For Nothing (Philippians 4 – 8)
This season is here for a purpose, and it is not the time to be led by fear and all of the loud voices screaming and shouting at us. We must block out the negativity, but yet, be informed, be prepared, and be: CALM (Taken from a local pastor) C – Celebrate God promises that he will never leave or forsake us. Know that God is good all the time and he is in control. (Eph. 6:13) A – Ask Pray and be specific in what you want. (Psa. 43:9 Matt. 7:9) L – List Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for and remember that gratitude is the opposite of anxiety.” (Psa. 37:25, 1 Thes. 5:17) M – Meditate Trust God’s words. The voice of the Holy Spirit is telling us to be still. God’s presence is always with us. (Psa. 91, Psa 23, Psa 107:20, Psa.3:5) Family First (Taken in part from Pastor Tim Timberlake) It is also important that families surround themselves with God, and don’t get tripped up on petty things. God has given us dominion and authority. It is time for us to ‘Stand Up, Step Up’ and to govern our homes with the presence of the Lord. God is silencing our darkness and pulling us into his marvelous light. We must respond to this season and not just react. Lean into the presence of God and let the peace of God rule your heart. Finally, our communities are stronger together. If you have been blessed, pay it forward. — Submitted by Freda Andrews |
A PrayerFrom Red Letter Christians UK, added to by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II May we who know justice and compassion repent for those who have let the viruses of greed and lies make a difficult situation worse. May those who have gone along with the lies just to please narcissism break free and tell the truth. May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options. May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home. As fear grips our country, let us choose love. During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen. |
Sustaining Our CommunityRemembering the words of Rev. Troy Harrison What has sustained this community Is the cohesiveness of brothers and sisters working together What has sustained this community Is churches working together and lifting the voices of the angels and the archangels. What has sustained this community has not been bricks and mortar. What has sustained this community has not been an influx of greed. What has sustained this community has been faith. Faith in a God that never fails. Faith in a God who will always see his people through. Faith in a God who will always stand by the oppressed and the downtrodden. That’s what has sustained this community. And I would dare anyone who would challenge me on that definition of sustainability. What we need is faith in a God who is unable to fail. What we need is faith in each other. And what we need is love. Love for all God’s creation. |
Staying Connected
The CDC urges everyone to practice “social distancing” from other people and to stay at home. For some of us, that can be a very isolating experience. The community has always been known for its friendliness and hospitality. As any neighbor or passer-by can tell you, a warm greeting and a wave from the front porch are hallmarks of Northside and Pine Knolls.
Since the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets passed through coughing and breathing, it’s really important to maintain a safe distance– 10 feet–, but you can still greet and wave from the porch (or a balcony or the front lawn) while catching some fresh air and sunlight.
And you can use your phone to check in on people, especially seniors. Keep on sharing photos, videos, and links to interesting, helpful, or funny sites. And don’t forget the memes and GIFs! A good laugh always helps lighten the mood!
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