Message from ATD Fourth World and COVID19 response

Dear all, 

The upheaval that COVID-19 has caused in our daily lives is being felt by all of us. For many, the daily obstacles caused by poverty are intensified, bringing even more uncertainty and hardships. We have heard from people who rely on hitchhiking for travel to work and stores in rural New Mexico that it is more difficult than usual to find a ride. A friend experiencing homelessness pointed out that coffee shops serving only takeaway orders means a lot more time outside. While the current containment efforts are so important in protecting the most vulnerable people—many of whom are living in poverty—the increased isolation and uncertainty is an added burden on people whose lives are already incredibly hard. Here at ATD Fourth World, all our efforts and concerns are guided by a desire to soften the effects that this added isolation is having on people who already struggle to get by.

Following state and city leadership and rules implemented in New York and New Mexico, our Story Garden programs have all temporarily stopped. Other projects are adapting with people working by phone and computer, all physical gatherings have been put on hold, and our team members are working from home when possible. Team members are reaching out to members around them more regularly by phone, text, and social media. In rural areas, that remains a challenge, as electricity, access to wifi, and cell signals are more limited as public spaces close.  

We want to find ways to be in touch, stay connected, and support one another in ATD Fourth World. With that in mind, we invite all of you to join an ATD Fourth World check-in call. We will have two check-in calls open to everyone, using GoToMeeting, a platform you can access with a computer or phone. These calls will be a time to connect with others around the US, talk together about what is going on around us, what we’re doing in our families and what we see happening in our communities to deal and adapt. We invite you to share tips and resources: what’s hard, what’s working, what helps. 

Please feel free to join either or both days, for a few minutes or the entire hour:

• Friday, March 20 from 12pm-1pm Eastern (11am-12pm Central, 10-11am Mountain, 9-10am Pacific) 
• Tuesday, March 24 from 4-5pm Eastern (3-4pm Central, 2-3pm Mountain, 1-2pm Pacific) 

Log in with a computer, tablet, or smart phone by clicking on the link below or use the dial-in number from any phone. And reach out to us individually for help getting connected. 

ATD Fourth World Check in Calls
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/271486453

 You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

United States: +1 (312) 757-3117

One-touch: tel:+13127573117,,271486453#

Access Code: 271-486-453

Looking forward to speaking with you and wishing you all well. 

Guillaume, Karen, Maria, Virginie
ATD Fourth World National Team