By SEAN HILDRETH, guest columnist

We are facing an unprecedented situation in our county, our state, our nation and our world. As we look to take on this challenge by mobilizing volunteers and resources for Brown County, I need you to know that we have an amazing tribe of volunteers in Brown County. The key word here is “amazing.”

Many volunteers are there to “Be the Change.” They are dedicated, resilient, and yes, amazing. In this time, an average volunteer is not enough. Luckily, we have volunteers here who are not just there to take up space. They are here to contribute. They are there to innovate and problem solve for all of us.

I recently took part in an effort that showed the spirit of Brown County: resiliency. This was the formation of the Brown County COAD (Community Organizations Active in a Disaster). This group started with a groundswell of “we have to do something.” We were ahead of the curve to ensure the needs of our residents were met when this ugly epidemic reached our soil. The group met to establish a crisis phone number, a website, a social media page, and a network of services and volunteers. In the very first meeting, we met most of these goals or assigned next steps. Purposeful direction, passionate involvement, and helpful resources all came from this amazing group of people. As this crisis continues to unfold, I am proud of the work volunteers are doing to help those in need in Brown County.

I have explored the great organizations funded by the BCCF over the past two months, and I have seen people roll up their sleeves and help when others don’t. From the great volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul fighting hunger, to the volunteers with Peaceful Valley Heritage preserving our history, we have dedicated volunteers helping all over our great county.

This current epidemic will stretch many organizations to their breaking point. I can say that if the volunteers here locally have anything to say about it, many will remain. Things will continue, and the spirit of the people of Brown County will help us respond, react and recover.

One thing that could help many in this time is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). This act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses and nonprofits keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. For more information about these options, visit sba.gov.

Once we pass this initial phase of the pandemic, we will have to adjust to a new normal in our world. We will need even more people to step up and help. The good news for us is that the amazing people in Brown County will stand up and fill this role. If you have thought for years, “I should be involved,” there is no greater time than now. Give a donation, volunteer for an organization, or be a voice for those who struggle. We are all in this together.

If you are not in a high risk demographic, please consider contacting SERV-IN (State Emergency Registry of Volunteers for Indiana). To register on SERV-IN, go to https://serv-in.org.

Brown County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) is a voluntary association of community organizations who prepare to address all four phases of emergency management: mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. If you need assistance, please call 812-988-0001

If you would like to make a gift to the Brown County Rapid Response Fund, please text TOGETHERBC to 44-321 or visit browncountygives.org.

Sean Hildreth is the marketing, communications and outreach officer for the Brown County Community Foundation Inc. He can be reached at 812-988-4882 or [email protected].