Emergency Services During COVID-19

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Friendly Center moved swiftly to begin providing programs, services, and referrals for low-income families virtually; but when an influx of calls started coming in from families and seniors across Orange County struggling to fulfill their basic needs, staff quickly started planning service delivery that would safely and effectively meet the growing need.

Since the start of April, this has meant providing emergency food and household items by appointment at Friendly Center’s Orange location, mailing grocery store gift cards to those who are  considered high-risk, hosting grab-and-go food distributions at Friendly Center’s Placentia location, and providing as much utility assistance as possible. Demand for these emergency assistance programs have only increase in the intervening weeks, with families calling from across Orange County to make an appointment. Likewise, our drive-thru food programs have seen a 109% increase in participation.

As life begins to look a little more normal in Orange County, we know that many families will still be struggling with the fallout of this crisis; we’re grateful to the steadfast support of donors, businesses, organizations, and foundations who have helped make our rapid response to the changing needs of the community possible.