Willis enjoying the first flowers
We opened the Community Emergency Response Fund (CERF) one year ago. At the time, we had a vague notion that we would need to support this community during the pandemic, but no real clear understanding of what that would look like or how long support would be needed. In some ways, that still feels like the case. But in other ways, I am amazed by what this community has done so far.
Because so many of you have given to the CER Fund (846 donors so far), we have been able to provide support for hundreds of neighbors. We have tried, when possible, to spend these donated funds locally, purchasing food, produce, supplies, and other items on island as well as providing rent and mortgage assistance, with a goal of keeping money circulating in the local economy whenever we can.
The pandemic has impacted people in such a diverse way. It has presented opportunities for this community to step up and address some long-simmering issues like homelessness, food insecurity, and isolation. I believe when we get to the other side and look back on the efforts of so many this past year, we will feel deep gratitude and appreciation for an all-island effort. And we will have found new ways of supporting our community that will last long after the pandemic is over.
Thanks to the recent matching gift from the Seattle Foundation and their All In Washington campaign, we will continue to provide support and seek long-term sustainable solutions. If we make it through without losing one life to Covid in the county and with our safety net services in good shape, we will truly be a most fortunate community. Thanks for all you have done to make this possible.
Community meetings with both the Charter Review Committee and Island Hospital regarding the clinic are upcoming. Invitations below.
The Charter Review Committee invites you to voice your comments at one of the 2 zoom calls.FRIDAY (5:30-7:30) and SATURDAY (2:00-4:00), your Charter Review Commission is hosting Town Halls to hear from you. Please join us!
The San Juan County Charter is basically our Constitution. It dictates what our county government looks like and how it will function.
Friday March 12, 2021 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86414775905
Meeting ID: 864 1477 5905
Saturday March 13, 2021 from 2pm-4pm via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816515642
Meeting ID: 898 1651 5642
And the Orcas Island Hospital District invites you to learn more about the clinic transition:
Please join leaders from Island Hospital and the Island Primary Care – Orcas Clinic leadership’s as they share the latest transition plans and the after-hours care model for the primary care clinic opening April 1, 2021. The virtual meeting will be held Thursday, March 18, from 5 – 6 p.m. Click here to register.
Island Hospital’s leadership team will share the latest insights into the transition plans and answer questions from the community. This meeting is a virtual event and will be held via Webex. Registration is required.