HOPE Inside is our award-winning model of community uplift. We serve adults, youth, disaster survivors, and employees with financial dignity programming and coaching to equip them with the financial knowledge and tools to create a secure future and achieve financial inclusion.
CDC EPIC asked Operation Hope to share some of the challenges and successes that they have experienced while providing services to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q. Have you seen a significant increase in the volume of requests for services stemming from the social distancing associated with COVID-19?
A. Yes. People are looking for resources and a helping hand to keep life as normal as possible through the pandemic. To accommodate the increased volume without sacrificing quality client experience, we’ve made it so that clients can access our services through our call center (1-888-388-4673), our coaches directly (operationhope.org/map) or through our new mobile app, HOPE In Hand.
Q. Has the Operation HOPE mission changed or evolved due to COVID-19 and the challenges it brings? Have you instituted any new programs to answer the growing needs of your community due to unemployment?
A. During times of national emergency, Operation HOPE activates the disaster preparation and recovery arm of the organization, called HOPE Inside Disaster. In these times our mission remains the same; however, our focus is on assisting Americans through the financial effects of a disaster and helping them get on the road to recovery. We are working to connect clients with local and federal resources to mitigate the challenges of unemployment. We encourage potential clients to engage with us to access additional resources that may become available.
Q. What can the public do to support the work that you do?
A. Engage your friends and family about HOPE and the importance of financial literacy. Financial conversations can be difficult. Hearing about our services from a trusted friend can be the gentle nudge some need to get on the road towards financial empowerment. Encourage others to download our HOPE In Hand app to gain access to our services which come at no charge. You can also recommend our services to community partners and introduce us to potential partners.
Q. How can the communities you serve request the services you provide?
A. There are three easy ways for communities to reach us: 1) through our call center (1-888-388-4673), 2) our coaches directly (operationhope.org/map) or 3) through our new mobile app, HOPE In Hand.
Q. What steps are you taking to ensure the safety and well-being of your volunteers, employees, and community?
A. At the onset of the pandemic, our executive leadership called for all personnel around the country to work from home as they shelter in place. This ensures the safety of all staff, coaches, volunteers and clients. In addition to protecting physical health, we have been promoting mental and emotional health among our staff through direct engagement and supplemental resources. Ensuring everyone’s safety is our highest priority.
Q. Do you have any lessons learned that could assist other organizations overcome similar challenges?
A. Yes. We encourage other organizations to maintain their mission and leverage the power of technology and social media. Many in the general public need our services; others are looking for meaningful ways to engage and make a difference. Make it easy for them to find you and walk alongside you as you provide impact to the communities you serve.
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