NOTE: ARCHIVED ARTICLE FROM CITYOFCAMAS.US ON DAY OF ITS ORIGINAL POSTING.
Resource Helpline in Practice
In this video, Library Director, Connie Urquhart, speaks with Library staff, Christopher Knipes, and Elliot Stapleton, about their experiences to-date with the Camas Resource Helpline: (360) 382-1300
Summary and minutes:
0:20- The Resource Helpline was started by the City of Camas to help the community during this pandemic. Library staff are operating the phone line from home.
0:59- The Resource Helpline was established two weeks ago to match community members in need that cannot leave their houses with volunteers for three services: grocery pickups, prescription pickups, and friendly check-ins.
1:32- Currently there are 25+ volunteers of all ages, including families who are volunteering together.
2:21- The Library is fielding questions through the Helpline as well. An example was someone seeking help identifying resources for small business owners due to the crisis.
3:13- Another example included a mother who was disappointed to have to cancel her daughter's 6th birthday party. She decided to host a social distance parade for her daughter and called to see if volunteers would be interested to drive by and wish her daughter a Happy Birthday. A long line of cars, including decorated cars, showed up!
5:03- The Helpline has matched several community needs for groceries, Christopher shared an example about someone who was unable to leave the house due to suffering a recent heart attack and one of the Helpline volunteers coordinated groceries buying and delivery for him. Note: volunteers are not to go into others' houses for everyone's safety.
6:50- If you wish to help or are in need, Library staff are ready to take your call Monday - Friday 9 AM - 6 PM at (360) 382 - 1300; calls after hours will be sent to voicemail and Library staff will reach out as soon as they can.
