For Clay, seeking out ways to stay engaged with the community was nothing new. Her connection with BeLoved Asheville began in her class, Health Justice: From Data to Action, with Ameena Batada, associate professor of health and wellness. “These kinds of things have already been at the forefront of my mind,” Clay said. “It’s something that I’m already working on. The issues I’d already been seeing are being amplified by COVID-19.”
Since Clay began her project, North Carolina has received approval from FEMA to use hotels, motels, and even dorms for people with unstable housing during the coronavirus outbreak. Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville will shelter about 50 people, with some mattresses donated from UNC Asheville.
Meanwhile, Clay’s fundraiser continues (see the end of the story for detail on how to contribute) and Clay recommends following the advice of Mister Rogers: look for the helpers. Better yet, be a helper.
“Plug in with groups like BeLoved and donate your time or your money, or advocate on behalf of those organizations or groups,” Clay said. “But also just check in with the people that you know, the people on your street, your neighbors, your friends and family… even if people just need someone to talk to. A lot of people are needing connection right now; don’t be afraid to reach and check on them or talk to them about what you need. And more than that, stay home and respect social distancing and waiting this thing out. I know it’s hard, but we’re doing it for a very good reason.”
For more information and to donate, visit #coronatentproject on Instagram.