On 19 March 2020, the Governor of Pennsylvania released additional guidance to business owners in light of the evolving COVID-19 crisis.  Only “Life-Sustaining” businesses are permitted to continue to operate in the Commonwealth.  A detailed matrix defines what can and can’t remain open.   Home Repair & Maintenance (page 5) and Social Services are both categories designated as approved to continue operating.   These are precisely the two services that Good Works offers to families who are struggling in poverty, now more than ever.   

Are there risks when doing this kind of work?  Absolutely!   But consider this:

• Missionaries and doctors around the world face health risks daily such as Malaria, HIV, Ebola…yet they continue to serve.
• Missionaries in certain countries face the risk of death for telling people about Jesus…yet they continue to evangelize.
• The apostle Paul faced perils of all kinds (see: 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)…yet he continued to minister.

Good Works provides essential services for families that don’t have warm, safe, dry or healthy homes.  The media coverage of COVID-19 has created irrational fear for people who already live with the daily anxiety of poverty and the latest government measures, e.g. business closures resulting in job losses, only exacerbates their problems.  This disaster has created a unique opportunity and responsibility for people of faith to step out and offer the assistance, comfort and peace that only comes from knowing Jesus.  What we do is essential – physically, relationally and spiritually! 

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

Do not fear; I will help you.  Isaiah 41:13

Serving at Good Works is your choice, whether paid staff or volunteer.  If you choose to participate in a Good Works activity, it is prudent that we implement certain precautions to protect ourselves and others:

1. If you have flu like symptoms stay home and seek medical attention as required.
2. If you have knowingly come into contact with a person infected with the COVID-19 virus, follow step 1 and please let us know.
3. Practice good health habits.  Use standard biohazard protection protocols including use of personal protective equipment found in the Health & Safety kits.   Maintain social distancing to the extent practical.
4. Work groups must be less than 10 people.
5. Before working at a homeowner’s premises, Good Works office must verify it is OK with the homeowner and that to the best of their knowledge no one in the home is symptomatic. 
6. Work Plans will focus on outdoor tasks or essential indoor tasks to assist with maintaining social distancing.  

Please keep Good Works in your prayers as we lean into this disaster and continue to serve people as Jesus would.   

Robert Beggs, Executive Director

For more information on COVID-19, please refer to the Chester County Health Department at: http://www.chesco.org/224/Health

Read about Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney's support of non-profit work in light of COVID-19 at: https://whyy.org/articles/philly-foundations-launch-6-5m-covid-19-emergency-fund-for-local-nonprofits/  

Governor of Pennsylvania waiver to enable Good Works to continue to provide home repair services during the COVID-19 crisis below: 

Our VIDEOS provide a firsthand glimpse of why Good Works was founded, what Good Works does and why our help is needed more than ever.  Just click on the link below to learn more about us...

GOOD WORKS VIDEOS

                                                                                      Click the button to visit Good Works on Facebook:

Good Works, Inc.