Friends,
Welcome to week three of sea.citi’s COVID-19 updates. Special shout out to our friends at tech:nyc for sharing a ton of info on tech’s response. As always, we want to hear your stories. Don’t forget to take breaks, check in on Red Pandas, Eagles or a Coral Reef.
In solidarity,
The sea.citi Team
HOW TECH COMPANIES ARE SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES
- All In Seattle is a coalition of tech, business, and sports leaders from across our region who collectively raised $27 million to help people affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Vulcan pledged $100,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund for the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Chinatown-International District, where they have their HQ, and $25,000 to match employee gifts to the Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
- Amazon launched the AWS Diagnostic Development Initiative to accelerate , research and testing in the fight against COVID-19.
- Audible offers free children’s audiobooks while schools are closed.
- Facebook launched a COVID-19 Information Center — find it at the top of your news feed.
- Microsoft and Adaptive Biotechnologies are partnering to map the immune response to COVID-19. Microsoft has also mobilized its global supply to chain to secure and distribute medical supplies to healthcare workers.
- TMobile launched its lowest-priced smartphone plan to help people stay connected.
- Ridwell is using its infrastructure to collect and distribute supplies to vulnerable populations.
- Redfin has suspended in-person open houses but has a list of tips for selling your home while abiding by social distancing.
- The SnapBar launched Keep Your City Smiling — gift boxes that support local businesses while spreading joy.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Stay Home.
- Volunteer — United Way of King County is aggregating volunteer needs, check out the listings and follow their social-distancing-compliant guidelines. If you’re connected to a nonprofit in need of volunteers, direct them here to submit their opportunities. Thanks to reader Liahann for the tip!
- Donate masks — a group of volunteers is collecting mask donations to drop off at hospitals. Thanks to reader Brett from New Tech Northwest for making the connection!
- Help track the virus — sign up for at home testing to help officials understand the pandemic.
- Get advice from an expert — Dan Rosen, chairman of Seattle-based startup investment group Alliance of Angels, shares tips for startups.
- Have a dance party — join Dance Church’s live stream and/or DJ D-Nice’s live sets on Instagram.
MOST RECENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS
- Governor Inslee announced the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” statewide order, directing Washingtonians to shelter-in-place except for necessities for at least two weeks. A list of workers deemed essential by the order was shared by The Seattle Times.
- The City of Seattle launched an app to help us find restaurants that are offering takeout and delivery.
- An earlier emergency order postponed all criminal hearings across Washington.
STORIES FROM OUR READERS
- Rebekah’s company, OwnTrail, launched a Trailblazer Bureau, bringing together the women in our community to offer their specific expertise to others that are looking for insight and inspiration.
- Shauna’s company, Weekdays, is offering a nationwide text line for parents scrambling for childcare.