These 5 Organizations Use Technology to Help Out During the Pandemic

There's a reason #TechForGood is one of our favorite hashtags at Style Engineers Worldwide. It's because we believe in the power of people to unite through technology – to create solutions designed to lessen hardships. As we've seen over the last many weeks, the COVID-19 crisis has proven an opportunity for good to shine through in these dark times, and seeing people come up with innovative solutions brightens our outlook.

That's why we created this round-up of organizations who are stepping up in unique ways – aided by technology – to help people effected by the coronavirus pandemic. We encourage you to join in the efforts anyway you can: by sharing info on these groups, donating to their causes, and helping out directly.

If you know of any other organizations who are using tech to help out during the COVID-19 crisis, please let us know in the comments. We're here to shine the light on the helpers.

COVID Tech Connect

Created by a group of women in the tech sector, COVID Tech Connects sources tablets, phones, and laptops from manufacturers and distributes them to coronavirus patients in hospitals who do not have their own devices. Because loved ones are not able to visit coronavirus wards, COVID Tech Connect affords dying patients the ability to say goodbye to their family and friends.

How you can help: COVID Tech Connect: If you know someone who works in a hospital, tell them about this organization. They can request devices through an online form If you are able, you can donate money through GoFundMe.

Masks for Docs

This volunteer-created-and-run organization collects donated personal protection equipment (PPE) to distribute to medical professionals around the world. It's run by a team of amazing founders and network of volunteers, and its goal is simply to help protect medical professionals by getting the life-saving PPE into their hands.

How you can help: You can donate mask-making supplies, money, or your time as a volunteer to Masks for Docs. This link has all the info about how to find your local chapter. It's also how medical professionals can request PPE for their facility. This is the link for financial donations.

Matter Hackers

Normally, Matter Hackers is a major hub for all things digital fabrication. Currently, they have a large focus on 3D-printing resources for people, groups, and companies who want to help medical professionals by creating PPE for them. Matter Hackers provides models for printing masks, face shields, and door handle adapters.

How you can help: Makers familiar in 3D printing can help make PPE. You can also donate money that will pay for the supplies required to make the PPP through this link. If you know a medical professional in need of supplies, this is the link to request PPE. 

Masks for Heroes

Created by mom blogger Becky Viera who wanted to help parents working in the medical fields, Masks for Heroes is a grassroots organization that connects people who need masks with people who make them.

How you can help: If you have PPE, you can donate it to a facility in need using the site's interactive map. You can also sew or assemble masks based on a variety of patterns and tutorials on the site. If you know a medical profession in need of PPE, here's the link they can use to request supplies. Masks for Heroes also has info on how you to call Congress and your local media outlets to spread the word about the PPE shortages.

Adopt a Grandparent

CHD Living, a collection of UK-based homes for the elderly, is encouraging people anywhere to “adopt a grandparent” in order to combat loneliness.  Because residents are not allowed visitors due to coronavirus protections, they are not able to benefit from normal human connection. It goes both ways! This also works great for people at home who also need to just talk to someone. All you have to do is sign up and get matched with a CHD Living resident. Adoptees can then talk to their new “grandparent” via video conferencing software.   

How you can help: Simply sign up on the CHD Living website to be connected to a senior at one of their residencies. You'll be chatting with your new adopted grandparent in no time.