Local Strength: How we’re helping in the COVID-19 crisis
Here at Veramendi, we know the value of community. We know that a community is more than just a group of people living in the same place. Community involves friendship, fellowship, and service. Now more than ever, in the midst of a pandemic, it’s important that we come together to help each other, and our fellow New Braunfels community, one that has weathered many storms in the past hundred and seventy‑five years.
If you’re looking to help others but not sure where to aid in relief, let us help you decide!
Veramendi is supporting two amazing organizations, both of which are helping multitudes of our neighbors every day:
New Braunfels Food Bank
Veramendi is proud to support the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Response Effort through the New Braunfels Food Bank. Even with the pandemic, this food bank is still going strong with their COVID‑19 Response Campaign, which helps ensure that the food bank remains fully operational.
In fact, the New Braunfels Food Bank, which serves Comal and Guadalupe counties in Southwest Texas, is ramping up their services to meet the additional need caused by the pandemic.
In this time, the food bank needs more and more volunteers to help prepare the extra volume of food for our neighbors in need. Anyone wishing to donate their time to this relief effort can sign up for emergency food distribution online, via their website. Distribution hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 4 PM and then Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
The New Braunfels Food Bank is making emergency efforts to protect any volunteers which includes providing the following items and guidelines to every volunteer:
- No‑touch temperature check upon arrival
- Hand sanitizer and gloves are available for volunteers
- Several hand washing stations
- Daily, deep cleanings of the facility
- Eliminating handshakes and hugs among staff
- Accommodations so that volunteers can perform their duties with reasonable social distancing
We’re encouraging our neighbors at Veramendi to donate to the New Braunfels Food Bank if you’re able to in these hard times. Any donation goes towards transforming funds into food for our community.
Comal County Cares
Comal County Cares has set up an Emergency Relief Fund to help residents who have experienced loss of income due to the COVID‑19 Pandemic. This fund helps those who are struggling to meet rent/mortgage or utility obligations due to the pandemic.
If you (or someone you know) are a resident of Comal County and have a documented job loss or reduction in hours due to the pandemic and need assistance with your living obligations you qualify for help. You can follow their step‑by‑step instructions if you wish to receive aid from Comal County Cares.
Please note that the whole application process is covered online and over the phone. Comal County Cares is not accepting any walk‑ins as it puts it’s staff, volunteers, and anyone utilizing the resource, at risk. If an in‑person appointment time is needed, applicants are asked to wait in their car and only one representative from each household will be allowed to attend that interview.
Any person who is willing and able to, can donate to Comal County Cares via their website.
This organization, also known as the Comal County Multi‑Agency Resource Center (MARC), is a collaboration with many agencies in our community including: The Comal County Habitat for Humanity, Family Life Center, Salvation Army, New Braunfels Food Bank, CRRC of Canyon Lake, and Hill Country MHDD
Other than financial relief, the organizations that make up Comal County Cares can also help provide you with the following resources:
- Mental health professionals
- Direct food assistance
- Assistance acquiring P‑SNAP benefits (nutrition assistance during a pandemic)
- Spiritual support
If you need help in any of these areas please call for more information: (830) 606‑9512
