Covid-19: The Best & Worst of Humanity

This pandemic has truly magnified the worst and the best of humanity. While first responders have been working around the clock to save lives, rioters have destroyed historic (for better or for worse) statues. As small businesses have struggled to keep their basic financial flow running, wealthy corporations cashed in on government loans not designed for them. As the average Joe and Jane stepped up the plate to volunteer wherever possible or give a few dollars to a charity, the elitist 75 billionaires of the Bay Area hid in their ivory towers, completely mute. While tenants hit the poverty line unable to pay rent, rich landlords filed lawsuits to dismantle the 'pandemic no eviction' rules. As the city supervisors relentlessly fought to help the homeless, lawsuits flooded in to rehouse the homeless 'anywhere but near us.' When many individuals took the stance to shelter in place and keep a masked distance, others selfishly hosted and/or attended large, packed parties and re-spread the virus at a rate of knots. As people kept indoors to keep themselves and others safe from the virus spiking, others chose to join cramped protests at any opportunity. The extremities of both spectrum ends are quite staggering.

How do you fare over the past three months? Can you look back at the past 90+ days and be proud of what you achieved, if or how you helped others? 

We're still in the midst of the pandemic but this divine test period is being closely monitored and everyone is being judged. 

SF CARES has seen the Salvation Army relentlessly handing out food to the homeless, Shanti.org volunteers running shopping errands for people susceptible to the virus, Food Runners completely pivoting their business by producing around 2200 meals a day for the hungry, savvy creatives making masks for Glide workers, food banks inundated with helpers, alongside dozens of other .orgs that just have great hearts. The ones that came forward to support these, and many other philanthropists, have truly shown the best of humanity - a sheer contrast to the mob that are intent on destroying.

There's no such thing as 'never too late' when it comes to putting one foot forward, to pay forward. Please contact your local Salvation Army, Shanti.org, Food Bank, homeless shelter and ask what you can do for them today. Donate food, donate cash, donate your time, chat with a homeless person on the street, sign up to offer phone support for people stuck at home and are just want to talk, rummage through your closet and cupboards and donate clothing or supplies to shelters.

Be kind, let your heart lead you, do something good...and do it today.