NETWORK FOSTERS COMMUNITY CONNECTION THROUGH PANDEMIC

A band of Lane County residents is empowering neighbors to form networks and help each through the coronavirus pandemic.

Around us these days-- from front line workers to the person living next door.

Tonight we want to shine the spotlight on all of them.

And we start with kezi 9 news reporter chris lueneburg who spoke with an organization helping people in lane county.

They're showing how western oregon strong... starts in our own neighborhoods.

In a time like this-- counting your blessings means honoring all the heroes out there.

"like people who make masks or people who work at the grocery store."

And the little things that give us control... "calling a friend.

Checking on each other.

Those kinds of things help ourselves and help other people."

Lane county mutal aid network says anyone can be an everyday hero.

"these people who are not only offering support to others in the community, but just have a passion for making sure that everyone is accounted for and that everyone is protected during these wild times.

The network is a group of neighbors now 100 people strong-- delivering medication or grocieries and helping out in numerous other ways-- accepting assistance requests on their website, facebook group and hotline.

"it's all about resources-- do you have an extra roll of toilet paper you don't need?

Or maybe enough hand sanitizer to share.

Don't be afraid to tell your neighbors what you can give-- or what you need."

Organizers call it a neighborhood pod... connecting the people who live on the floor of your apartment or on your block... and extending a hand however you can... like a this new pod in south eugene.

"they started doing weekly roller skates, but at a social distance, and also porch music hangs on friday evenings."

To build your pod-- the network reccommends starting small-- puting flyers on doors and starting phone trees or group chats... building bonds that will outlast this crisis.

In eugene, chris lueneburg kezi