Give Back in DSM During COVID-19

For individuals and businesses looking for advice and resources connected to the impact of COVID-19 in Greater Des Moines (DSM), the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Rapid Response Hub is collecting the latest news and information on the ever-changing status of the pandemic in our region.

More information, including ways businesses are giving back, as well as how you can help during COVID-19, can be found at the organization links below:

Stay Up-to-Date

Policy is changing quickly as COVID-19 develops. For the most recent government information from the federal, state and local government, visit our Policy Information page.

Support the #DSMstrong Initiative

The Partnership, along with Catch Des Moines, launched a new initiative earlier this week called the DSM Local Challenge. The Challenge was created in support of the 6,500 local member businesses, and other small businesses throughout our community who need our support.

While the DSM Local Challenge encourages the community to support our local businesses, it also hopes to cultivate a feeling of strength and unity through the use of the #DSMstrong hashtag across social media channels.

Rules of the DSM Local Challenge

• Post a photo to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter showing how you support local small business and tag three friends to do the same.
• Use the verbiage “I support (name of business)” and the hashtag #DSMlocalchallenge.
• Cut and paste these instructions within your post.

Assisting Those in Need

Employment Resources

Iowa Workforce Development has released assistance for those whose jobs are affected due to the current health situation. LEARN MORE>

The Partnership’s Employment Resources page offers information on the DSM Employment Ready initiative. Find a list of employers looking to fill immediate and temporary jobs. LEARN MORE>

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering guidance and loan resources during COVID-19. LEARN MORE>

Local Organizations

BRAVO Greater Des Moines offers arts resources from Americans for the Arts, American Alliance of Museums and the National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness & Emergency Response. LEARN MORE>

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has activated the Disaster Recovery Fund to support the DSM community. LEARN MORE>

The Department of Education is implementing the Summer Food Service Program, providing meals during the school closure. LEARN MORE>

The Food Bank of Iowa is looking for volunteers and finding ways to provide for the state’s most vulnerable. Sign up for a shift or donate to the relief efforts in 55 counties across the state. LEARN MORE>

The LifeServe Blood Center is asking for blood donations during this time. To allow for social distance, please make an appointment first. LEARN MORE>

Polk County has opened a COVID-19 homeless shelter at the Youth Inn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Social distancing is still practiced and extra security will be on the location to ensure safety. LEARN MORE>

Polk County Health Department announced a 2-1-1 hotline, a free helpline connecting people 24 hours a day. LEARN MORE>

The Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa (RACI) offers COVID-19 information in various languages. LEARN MORE>

United Way is looking for donations to their COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. This fund will help families find access to food, shelter and more through the United Way network. LEARN MORE>

The Virtual Tip Jar allows you to give to the service industry in Iowa. Leave a tip for your favorite service industry server, chef, etc. LEARN MORE>

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates as well. See more on COVID-19 here.

Find these tips useful? Find more business tools and information by visiting the Business Resources page.