City of Richmond rolls out centralized COVID-19 resource and donation website, RVAStrong
The Stoney Administration on Friday launched RVAStrong, a website that provides a space for those who have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to access services. The website also features opportunities for Richmonders to donate to local causes.
Visitors to the website can:
· Explore causes close to their heart, such as housing stability, food security, or families and neighborhoods. Then, they will be able to navigate to a page with donation links and safe volunteer opportunities.
· Identify a need, such as “I need housing support,” or “I need income support,” and be directed toward nonprofit, city, and individual efforts to meet those needs.
· Tell a COVID-19 isolation story that the city or mayor will share to build a sense of virtual community, if the user gives permission.
· Sign up to receive the COVID-19 Public Briefing, which includes timely updates and links to city resources, via email.
This is a living, interactive resource directory that the city intends to grow in the coming days and weeks.
“We designed this centralized relief site as a place where those who need help can get it, and those who want to help can offer it,” said Mayor Stoney. “Richmond is city defined by its resilience. We’ll get through this, but we have to support each other. The city hopes to facilitate that through centralizing resources and amplifying the good work already being done.”
“The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond has long been a partner with the City of Richmond. We believe that, more now than ever, a partnership with our public leaders and social services staffs is critical to providing timely relief to our residents,” said Scott Blackwell, Chief Community Engagement Officer with the Community Foundation. “Many foundations, corporations, and individual doors are joining us in providing relief. These partnerships are invaluable and we are grateful for them.”
The city is aware that not all of Richmond has access to the internet. For that reason, the information on the site is being developed into a printable resource that will be distributed.
RVAStrong will soon feature printable contact sheets for interested ambassadors to distribute safely throughout neighborhoods.
Currently, the dedicated city webpage on the city’s website is available in Spanish here. A Spanish version of RVAStrong is in development.
The city will continue to update www.Richmondgov.com/covid19 with pressing news and city services information. RVAStrong is a broader, interactive effort intended to connect service providers, individuals who want to help, and individuals who need support.
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