Team Rubicon Calls On Americans To Help Their Neighbors During National COVID-19 Response Effort

LOS ANGELES, March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster-relief organization, which mobilizes emergency teams to natural disasters and humanitarian rebuilding efforts around the world, is assisting in the fight against COVID-19, and calling on fellow Americans to do the same.

For the past decade, Team Rubicon has deployed its network of over 100,000 veterans and first responder volunteers into communities domestically and internationally following natural disasters. With these unprecedented times, Team Rubicon is taking its mission a step further by leveraging its expertise and volunteer force to help communities across the country.

Through the launch of #neighborshelpingneighbors, Team Rubicon is asking its volunteers, known as Greyshirts, to perform individual acts of service to help vulnerable neighbors that may need support as citizens are being asked to stay home and some to "shelter-in-place."  

By identifying where individual acts of service are needed in their communities, volunteers can serve the vulnerable, immobile, the at-risk population, and those who may be impacted disproportionately by the effects of COVID-19 by offering simple acts of kindness such as providing food to others, helping with errands, walking dogs, or simply picking up the phone to chat.

"When times are at their worst, Americans rise to become their best," said Jake Wood, co?founder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "Our entire nation has been impacted by the magnitude of COVID-19, making this a whole of America response. As our daily lives have been interrupted, it's a reminder for us to hit the pause button and do what we can to help our neighbors. It's our hope this initiative will encourage individuals to get up, put their grey shirts on, and answer the call to help their community."

Team Rubicon is urging volunteers to share their stories through social media using the #neighborshelpingneighbors hashtag to help spread acts of kindness and service, while showing how Americans, especially veterans, are stepping up to lead in times of crisis.

"Team Rubicon was built on self-service, sacrifice, and leadership. We understand that these are frightening times, and our goal is to show Americans how to lead so we come out stronger at the finish line," said Jake Wood, co-founder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "Our hope is that together, we can be a source of hope for our fellow Americans as we are all facing the uncertain times ahead."

With safety being the top priority of all Team Rubicon operations, the organization has developed guidelines and protocols for participants to respond safely, effectively, and in line with guidance from local jurisdictional authorities.  

Volunteers can sign-up to participate in #neighborshelpingneighbors and learn more about Team Rubicon here: https://teamrubiconusa.org/neighbors/

About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a nonprofit organization that serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experiences to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises. Programs and services are made possible by the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and the dedication of volunteers across the country. To join or support Team Rubicon's mission, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org. 

Media Contact:
Alyssa Carfi
[email protected]
(973)897-6264

SOURCE Team Rubicon