The Pandemic Pause - time to help!
Here is press coverage of our pandemic work.

The world of Covid has imposed a variety of challenges upon the world. The challenges of these times have affected me personally. However, they have also shown me what makes this community special — our collective resolve to help each other. When the COVID-19 crisis hit our area in March 2020, I immediately suspended our campaign and repurposed our grassroots team to help our neighbors. We started dropping flyers in neighborhoods asking if any help was needed. For me, it was a very easy decision. I explained to my campaign team what I’ve believed my entire life: when we’re in crisis, we help!

Once I saw the success of our initial outreach, my campaign organized an official team to continue the good work of community assistance. We called it the Neighborhood Pandemic Preparedness Team (NPPT), modeled after the Neighborhood Safety Watch program, and we were able to empower new neighborhood and youth leaders to help their own communities through this pandemic.

Our first task was to reach out to the senior citizens of our district during shelter-in-place to make sure that all their needs were met — whether it was picking up prescriptions or delivering groceries, we had a neighborhood volunteer ready and excited to do it. Neighbors also started sending emails and walking door to door leaving flyers saying "I can help." Others pulled out their sewing machines to make masks* for medical professionals fighting the pandemic on the front lines. We also managed to hold over 25 town hall meetings with healthcare professionals, stimulus package experts, college admission counselors, and more via the daily Reality Check with Rishi series. These town halls provided career advice for those laid-off and grappling for answers, information to local businesses regarding loan applications and how to make use of the stimulus package, and college admissions counseling to parents and students worried about a post COVID-19 world.

I am so proud of what we accomplished together. Hundreds of NPPT members have helped thousands of residents so far. We took on the task of calling all 86,000 seniors of our district. Many of our volunteers were young high school and college students who generously dedicated their time and energy to this program. All of our volunteers proved just how much they care about seeing their communities succeed during such trying times.

During this pandemic, our team of interns and adult volunteers have helped thousands of neighbors:

• Provided assistance opportunity to 86,00 seniors in the district, helping them stay sheltered-in-place
• Developed a volunteer team of thousands - high school & college students, and working adults - who delivered prescription medications and groceries for seniors - even their favorite coffee. See the lovely note below!
• Rolled out a Coronavirus webpage that includes a newsletter that has been updated daily these last few weeks.
• Organized over 25 town hall meetings with healthcare professionals, stimulus package experts, college admission counselors etc.
• Purchased fabric, muslin, thread, and elastic to sew masks
• Recruited a volunteer team making and donating over 4000 masks to the Valley Medical Foundation.
• Provided career advice for those laid-off and without anywhere else to turn. We even made Linkedin introductions for a few.
• Supported local businesses by providing information regarding loan application and how to make use of the stimulus package.
• Provided college admission counseling to parents and students for a post COVID-19 world.
• Offered Shelter-in-Place Coding classes - Java, Python, Javascript, Entrepreneurship.

Through the NPPT, I have seen what makes America special — neighbors helping neighbors. Americans everywhere have brought the best of their intellect, energy, and “can-do” attitude to swoop into action and make a difference in this fight. The American spirit is shining brightly in the darkness. That is the story of COVID-19.

The NPPT is still here, ready to help neighbors in need. In times of crisis, we are committed to reaching out to every single person in our district. If you have a need, or would like to join the team, please contact us.

I am emboldened with this opportunity to truly serve and be of assistance. My primary responsibility will always be to the constituents of this district, and I look forward to collaborating with you as we take on the tough challenges.

Below you will find a few of my favorite stories from the pandemic

- Rishi Kumar -

Rishi's Resources

Official Resources

Join Rishi's Weekday VideoCast

As we practice social isolation during the Coronavirus crisis, face-to-face town hall meetings are not possible, but that doesn't mean that Rishi doesn't want to hear from you. Now more than ever. Join our weekday 6:30pm videocast and discuss Silicon Valley's most pressing issues. Find the video archives in the Reality Check with Rishi page.

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Newsletter

Recommendation for Seniors

1. For 3 weeks, minimize interaction. The ones who are at most risk should impose a self-quarantine. Seniors and those with diabetes, lung disease and heart disease are the ones most at risk - as per CDC
2. Do not get in contact with your children or grand kids. They can be carriers. Call them, Facetime them, but avoid physical contact

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Video Resources for Seniors

Find the “Senior Section” section in the Coronavirus Newsletter above.

Recommendations for Families With Children

Find the “Family Fun and Education” section in the Coronavirus Newsletter above.

Nothing is more critical than the health of your family. Please quarantine yourself at home as much as possible as this virus has a long incubation period. Do not venture out to meet seniors or family members as you or your child may be a carrier. You can look fine but be a carrier.

• No play dates
• No sleep overs
• It is OK to be bored
• Cancel all activities, trips etc.
• Spot the spread and flatten the curve
• With schools closed, here is a good resource for you to access online learning sites of education companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings
• Just stay put and stay safe
• Please do not hoard on essentials. Plan ahead and only purchase what you need for 2 weeks. There are many at-risk groups that can be left exposed if you hoard

Recommendations for Small Business Owners

Find the “Small Business” section in the Coronavirus Newsletter above.

Become a Neighborhood Hero

Do you want to help your neighbors who are high-risk and quarantined? We can help you organize a Neighborhood Pandemic Preparedness Team (NPPT) for your neighborhood. Submit your information below and we will invite you to our daily noon for the on-boarding process.

Download this form to offer assistance