FORUM BLOG: How to Help Your Community During COVID-19

Here at FORUM, we are deeply invested in our Coral Gables community. As the world continues to deal with COVID-19, it’s become clear that now, more than ever, it is important to support local businesses and organizations. To help share information on maintaining strong communal ties in the City Beautiful, we’ve put together three ways to help our community and stay connected.  

Help Local Businesses

Supporting your favorite local shops and businesses in your area is a great way to start. Many small businesses have been forced to close their doors temporarily, but you can still support them during this time. Virtual support online can go a long way: leaving positive Google or Yelp reviews can help businesses gain customers in the future; like, share or repost digital content from shops or services to boost their reach; and finally, if you’re able, buy gift cards for yourself or friends and family use later, to give stores some profits now. 

Order Delivery/Takeout Locally

Love ordering coffee from the local cafe or dinner at the restaurant down the street? Support them by considering takeout or delivery. While most third-party delivery apps are convenient, they charge local restaurants up to 30% of the price on each order so try to directly from your local restaurant which will help them keep more money in their pocket for supporting staff, operations and keeping the lights on in hard times.

Many restaurants have shifted to delivering local groceries as a service to help the community and their employees. Here in Coral Gables on Giralda Ave, Threefold Cafe has started delivering groceries and meals for families. All groceries delivered by Threefold contain locally sourced organic produce and meat. The menus are available at affordable prices at no extra delivery charge and all profits directly support Threefold Cafe’s staff. 

Other restaurants in Coral Gables now offer discounts and promotions for each delivery order. To see a full list of restaurants in the Coral Gables area that are offering delivery and takeout, check out “Miami Eats” organized by Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

Check on Friends & Neighbors.

Even though you aren’t able to meet in person, maintaining connections with friends and neighbors in your community is still needed.. In fact, offering your time and service to people and organizations nearby can be the best form of support during . If you have neighbors who are immunocompromised and/or elderly, offer to pick up groceries for them or arrange to have their groceries delivered. Also consider donating food and other essentials to those working on the front lines; Those in the service and medical industries are battling demand and circumstances unlike anything before due to COVID-19 and they still have household necessities to meet too. 

Keep Connections Strong 

Finally, social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation! There are so many options to get in touch with your family and friends, through Google Hangouts, Skype, Whatsapp, iMessage, and more. Keep community connections strong by scheduling virtual hangouts with your loved ones and most importantly, be mindful and stay safe. 

Stay Well Informed 

Check your news outlets for the latest information and updates In the community, read the latest information issued by the city of Coral Gables, here.

For more information on the virus and local efforts, please visit the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control for recommendations, updates and the latest news on COVID-19.

FORUM official statement on COVID-19.

Your Workspace In Downtown Coral Gables

FORUM is a coworking space in Downtown Coral Gables that offers various membership levels created to suit the needs of entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and enterprise businesses. From hot desks to private suites, business support and more, FORUM is focused on community, connection and support.  Contact us today to learn more [email protected] | 786-522-4466.