WEBINAR: Creating a "Buddy System" for At-Risk Persons: A How-To for Communities

With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting everyday life, vulnerable populations need support now more than ever before. During this one-hour webinar, hear how Lawrenceville United, Cranberry Township, and the Triboro Ecodistrict are implementing safe “buddy systems” to address this need. These initiatives can provide immediate support today, and can also build a foundation of volunteers for a lasting community-response initiative.

Lawrenceville United’s buddy system pairs volunteers with community members who need a little extra help during this time. Volunteers can do check-in phone calls, pick up and deliver groceries/prescriptions, prepare home-cooked meals, provide pet care, and more — while taking extra safety precautions during COVID-19 — for older adults and other high-risk members of the community. Numerous city of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, the Triboro Ecodistrict, and others are replicating this program. Cranberry Township independently developed a similar system for helping at-risk community members in their municipality. Their Community Response Team was created on-the-fly by converting their mid-winter Snow Angels effort, which is designed to support older and less able-bodied residents.

Join this free webinar on Thursday, April 16 at 1pm to hear representatives from these communities share their processes, forms, experiences, and other tools necessary to get this program started in your neighborhood or municipality.

Who Should Attend:

Representatives of Community Development Corporations, Neighborhood/Main Street Groups, Municipal Staff, Elected Officials

>>REGISTER HERE<<