Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Impact to Services
In light of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, United Community reiterates our commitment to help our neighbors in need -- especially now, when they may need it most. We are determined to serve our community -- however we can, for as long as we can!
We are taking extra precautions in consideration of the Coronavirus out of concern for the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, clients -- and most importantly the community we serve. Keeping our space healthy and safe for all of our clients, volunteers, and staff is of primary importance to us.
If you are a client who would normally access one of our services but you are feeling sick:
If you are a volunteer
If you are a supporter and would like to help out at this time:
We ask for the community's understanding and patience should responses to routine questions or requests take longer than anticipated during this period. Please check the "Program Updates" section below for regular updates regarding modifications or disruptions to United Community programs and services.
We are taking extra precautions in consideration of the Coronavirus out of concern for the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, clients -- and most importantly the community we serve. Keeping our space healthy and safe for all of our clients, volunteers, and staff is of primary importance to us.
If you are a client who would normally access one of our services but you are feeling sick:
- Food Pantry and Basic Needs Clients: Please ask a friend or family member to come collect your food pantry items for you. They will need to bring your ID verifying that you give them permission to pick up food on your behalf. You can also call us at (703) 768-7106 and our food pantry staff will do their best to accommodate you. We appreciate your patience as we do our best to keep all of our clients, volunteers, and staff healthy!
If you are a volunteer
- Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. We welcome anyone who is interested in volunteering to help strengthen our community at our various locations. However, if you feel sick or are showing symptoms of the Coronavirus, we ask that you stay home, rest, and send an email to volunteer@unitedcommunity.org expressing your interest. Our staff will coordinate a later service opportunity, as soon as you've recovered.
If you are a supporter and would like to help out at this time:
- We anticipate a surge in requests for food assistance at our food pantry. If you would like to help, please make a donation by clicking on this link! Thank You! Your donation will allow our food pantry manager to purchase much-needed food staples at discounted rates, thanks to our partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank.
- Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our staff and our donors, we are not accepting in-kind donations at this time. Instead, we ask that donors consider making a monetary donation by clicking on this link.
- For additional information, please click here to sign up for our e-newsletter!
We ask for the community's understanding and patience should responses to routine questions or requests take longer than anticipated during this period. Please check the "Program Updates" section below for regular updates regarding modifications or disruptions to United Community programs and services.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Early Learning Center
Creekside Community Center and Sacramento Neighborhood Center
The Food Pantry hours are:
United Community has also begun distributing shelf-stable food communities that do not have access to our food pantry. United Community staff and volunteers will distribute an emergency shelf-stable food supply Mobile Distribution will take place on Thursdays at the following locations:
Precautions and procedures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus are being implemented at all sites.
- Due to facility closures by Fairfax County Public Schools, the Early Learning Center will be closed until further notice.
Creekside Community Center and Sacramento Neighborhood Center
- Following Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services policy, all site-based youth programming and group activities at United Community's Creekside Community Center and Sacramento Neighborhood Center are suspended until further notice. Please see this link for more details about Fairfax County closures.
- ESL and Citizenship Classes at the Progreso Literacy and Citizenship Center are being offered virtually via Zoom. Appointments for legal services are also still being offered.
The Food Pantry hours are:
- Monday -- 9-12
- Tuesday -- 1 - 5:30pm
- Wednesday -- 9-12
- Thursday -- 1 - 5:30pm
- Friday -- 9-12
United Community has also begun distributing shelf-stable food communities that do not have access to our food pantry. United Community staff and volunteers will distribute an emergency shelf-stable food supply Mobile Distribution will take place on Thursdays at the following locations:
- 7930 Audubon Ave -- 10:00 - 10:30 am
- Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School -- 11:00 - 11:30am
Precautions and procedures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus are being implemented at all sites.
