Corona community group serves residents in epicenter of the crisis

Corona community group Centro Corona delivers food and checks in on residents in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo via Instagram

By Rachel Vick

A Corona community group is serving isolated families in need in the very epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis.

Centro Corona community center is based in Corona, where COVID-19 infection rates are among the highest in Queens. Volunteers have spent the past month working with 80 families to support them in any way they need, including food and supply delivery. The organization has also hosted online hangouts for families with children to keep them connected and engaged. 

“We are doing the best that we can, and ongoing sitting with the question of what can be and should be our role during this time,” Centro Corona wrote in an Instagram post recapping their efforts. “In the past years, we have moved away from a culture of providing one time reactionary support.”

Centro Corona has raised money for several families who have lost their source of income and continue to check in on participants. Their support model is focused on sustainable aid and agency, going beyond physical support.

“Our response to covid-19 emergencies comes from that framework,” Centro Corona said on Instagram. “For us that has looked like creating setups that allows us to check in on folks ongoing, consistently and sustainably. We are not a charity or service organization.”