This is a moment of crisis for our community, our country, and the world. We are already seeing layoffs, housing insecurity, and food insecurity. As socialists, we have a moral and ethical responsibility to rise to this occasion. Now, more than ever, it is crucial for us to organize for change in our communities. MADSA is currently assessing our community’s needs and resources, including:

  • Household Supplies (Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Medication/First Aid supplies
  • Menstrual hygiene products/Family planning 
  • Money/Fundraising
  • Elder Care/Child Care
  • Airline Miles/Transportation
  • Running Errands

If you are in need of aid or are able to provide aid, please start by taking our COVID-19 crisis assessment survey

You can also keep an eye on this map of ongoing mutual aid efforts.

Abortion 

Atlanta abortion providers are open and will remain open during this time. 

If you are looking for information on self-managed abortion, Plan C has a report card here.

The report card ‘grades’ websites that distribute abortion medication outside the formal medicare system. None of these sites require a prescription and the products have either been tested, or provided by a reputable manufacturer.

Housing Displacement

If you have any housing issues or grievances, we highly recommend you check out Housing Justice League’s COVID-19 resource page. They are running a hotline to help tenants organize their buildings.

Are you facing a housing emergency due to COVID-19_ Call Housing Justice League’s Housing Emergency Call Center_ (404)-946-9953 (3).jpg

U-haul is also offering displaced students 30 days free storage and discounted rates for truck rentals. Atlanta U-haul dealers can be searched for here.

Grocery Assistance 

Food Not Bombs Atlanta is offering free grocery delivery. The food is donated by charities, grocery stores, community groups, and farmers. The products are sorted by a group who are trained in measures to limit viral spread. Then groceries are delivered and left on the recipients doorway with no physical contact needed. 

If you would like to volunteer they are in need of drivers, donations, and logistical support. 

The group is not currently distributing infant care supplies.

Unemployment Benefits 

If you have lost your job please visit the Georgia Department of Labor, to apply for unemployment benefits online. The offices are currently closed due to the pandemic, but they can be reached by phone. It is best to first reach out to your local career center with any questions or concerns. 

If you are in Fulton or Douglas county your local career center can be reached at; 404-232-4700

If you are outside of these counties find your local career center here

If you are seeking unemployment insurance please note the following statements directly from the DoL website: 

“Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) is currently not available under federal law. State Extended Benefits (SEB) is currently not available under state or federal law.”

“If you receive unemployment insurance benefits of any type, you are required to make a good faith effort to find another job as soon as possible. You can only be paid for weeks during which you actively seek work. Unless the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) specifically exempts you under our law from this requirement, you are required to keep a detailed record of your work search activities and submit evidence of your efforts by Internet or fax. ” It is unclear as of now if this policy is still in place. We will update with more information once we know.

Common Sense Prevention

Metro Atlanta DSA also strongly encourages our membership to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and proper hand washing techniques, and by following the CDC guidelines for virus prevention. 

If you would like more information about these and other ways you can do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you can read this resource document.

This is a frightening moment in our lives, but we aren’t facing it alone. 

Solidarity forever.