May Updates and Emergency Response Fund from Human Connections Elly Rohrer - Human Connections
May 18, 2020

Read about what HC has accomplished in the past month, how we are supporting our partners, and initiatives on the horizon.
 
Emergency Response Fund

In light of the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Bahía de Banderas’ tourism-based economy, we’ve established an Emergency Response Fund (ERF) to assist the Human Connections community. 100% of donations made to the ERF will be channeled into economic relief activities that directly support our partners’ livelihoods.

We are blown away by the outpouring of support received since starting the ERF campaign 6 weeks ago. With the generosity of nearly 100 individual donors, we've raised US$14,000 to create a safety net for our partners and sustain our mission. We have already channeled US$2,500 directly to our hardest-hit partners through product purchases and are designing an emergency stipend program for the even lower than normal low season ahead. THANK YOU!

Remote Internships

Do you know someone who is in college or just graduated and looking for a summer project that will build marketable job skills and give back to the community? HC is offering a unique internship opportunity that blends action and learning. Small groups of interns will collaborate on impact-focused COVID-19 Response Projects and take a deep dive into social sector best practices. We are still accepting applications for both internship sessions. Find all the details here.

COVID-19 Initiatives

As part of our pandemic response efforts, HC has launched our COVID-19 Initiatives, consisting of two core activities — virtual tours and artisan boxes — to engage and educate international audiences while generating revenue for our local partners during the crisis.

Curated online tours will bring cross-cultural and travel-inspired experiences directly to your living room. Visit your favorite partners, see what they’re working on, and gain new insights via this uniquely HC experience. Online tours will begin in June, so be on the lookout for an email with more details on how to register.

After a sold-out pilot with The Mom Box, HC will be launching a new, ethically sourced artisan box each quarter. The boxes will offer a deeper way to engage with our partners and their products, leveraging their stories, talents, and traditions to foster a greater understanding of themes like honoring culture heritage and responsible tourism.

Mexico Update

We know many of you have a deep connection with the Bucerías area and want to have up-to-date information about COVID-19's impact here. According to the Mexican Ministry of Health, there are 38,324 confirmed cases in Mexico, 247 in Nayarit, and 21 in Bahía de Banderas.

HC staff and partners confirm that the stay at home recommendation issued last month is still being observed. In Bucerias, beaches are closed with police surveillance, masks and new safety protocols in places of commerce. Most non-essential businesses remain closed, including hotels and AirBnBs. In inland communities or in areas of higher economic need, however, movement is less confined. In general, people are reacting to the restrictions based on their personal situation and economic reality.

Today, Mexico’s president announced a reopening plan that highlighted their intention to restore the economy in stages. You can read more about this reopening plan here.

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