Yachats Community Presbyterian Church gave out $1,000 Friday to laid-off hospitality workers, the first day of its growing effort to help those in need.
Earlier in the week the church assumed operation of the community’s food bank, which normally operates out of the Yachats Commons. The city closed that building Tuesday.
The initial money for suddenly unemployed workers came from $5,000 the church board pulled from its endowment fund. It then asked the community for donations — and by Friday morning had another $10,000 via checks and an online GoFundMe campaign.
The church said it would give $100 to any worker laid off from a Yachats business because of the coronavirus epidemic. All they had to do was have a letter from their former employer.
Ten people got the money Friday, said Pastor Bob Barrett, and more are expected at 11 a.m. Monday when the church resumes its help. Money and food are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
“For most people $100 isn’t going to solve their problems, but it shows we can help a little,” Barrett said. “Yachats is a fabulous place to live and the community wants to take care of the people who take care of us all year.”
Barrett said he and the church board were seeing “fear and anxiety” rise in the community as businesses suddenly closed or cut back services this week. It wanted to find a way to help, especially as it stopped holding Sunday services and various meetings throughout the week.
“We’re not gathering for worship,” he said, “but the church isn’t closed.”
One of the first to get an envelope of cash Friday was Derrick Ojeda, who was laid off as counter manager when the Bread & Roses bakery and coffee shop closed this week. His sister, who also lives in Yachats, was laid off at Ona restaurant.
“I have a touch stashed away so I hope I can make ends meet,” he said. “This will help.”
The church has a regular group of quilters who usually meet every Tuesday at the church but are now working from home to sew cloth medical masks requested by Samaritan Health Systems for its hospitals in Newport and Lincoln City. The church also opened its parking lot Friday to families who had to leave a federal campground when it closed. It also scheduled a Red Cross blood drive for April 8.
Earlier in the week church volunteers handed out canned goods, sandwiches and a limited number of bus tickets to people in need. People seeking food came to the church on West Seventh Street as word spread of the change in location. Barrett emailed parishioners on Sunday to alert them to the move – and ask for help and donations.
“I’m amazed at how people are stepping up — actually, I’m not amazed because this is Yachats,” Barrett said Monday.
Almost all the church’s parishioners are in the high-risk age group – it had already cancelled services until the coronavirus crisis ebbs – so volunteers at lower risk are welcomed. Barrett said the church is also looking for people who can shop for and deliver groceries for others in the community.
The church is also streaming online its 10 a.m. Sunday worship service via its Facebook page.
