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As COVID-19 Closes Services, American Muslims Find Other Ways to Serve Their Communities

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Washington, D.C., March 24, 2020. – As Virginia becomes the latest state to order the closure of all non-essential businesses, the Coronavirus has upended the lives of all Americans, directly affecting the livelihood of tens of millions. During these challenging times, the American Muslim community has stepped up to help those most vulnerable in our communities in need in creative ways.
“AMI is committed to working together with all Americans in responding to this humanitarian and financial crises affecting all of us,” stated Amb. Islam Siddiqui, President of American Muslim Institution (AMI).
AMI advisory board member, Shahed Amanullah and his son developed the web platform, www.nextdoorhelper.org to connect local volunteers to those in need in their neighborhoods. To date, the platform has enlisted over 1,800 volunteers throughout the country.
Local D.C. metro area Muslim institutions, despite being closed for prayer services are providing much needed assistance to the community. For those in need, please contact some of the institutions listed below:

  1. Montgomery County Muslim Foundation of Gaithersburg, MD has established a fund to financially support those impacted by the current pandemic and are also providing weekly groceries to over 50 families. Those in need can email: info@mcmfmd.org or call 301-760-7447.
  2. Islamic Center of Maryland (ICM) of Gaithersburg, MD is currently providing funds for food and medicine to the elderly. They are also proving food once a month. To get in touch with ICM, email socialservices@icomd.org.
  3. Adams Center of Loudon County, VA is delivering meals daily for twenty people and is delivering groceries for eighty families/week. They have also established an emergency fund to help those with short term relief. To apply for emergency funds, email socialservices@adamscenter.org or call 571-249-2210. To apply for emergency food deliveries, email farooq.syed@adamscenter.org.
  4. Muslim Association of Virginia of Prince William County, VA working together with Response USA is providing food to those in need and has a fund set up to support those in need. To apply for funds, please email social-welfare@daralnoor.org.
  5. Dar Al Hijrah of Falls Church, VA continues to provide grocery packages for three hundred families/week. They have also set up a call line for the elderly that might be in need for grocery deliveries or a check-in. The number is 703-531-2905.
  6. Muslim Community Center of Silver Spring, MD has created an emergency COVID-19 relief fund and is regularly providing food for the elderly and those in need. Those in need can fill out the following form.
  7. Islamic Community Center of Potomac of Potomac, MD is currently providing financial support to the Ar-Rashidun Community Center‘s Food Bank in Washington D.C.
  8. Muslim Social Services Agency of Baltimore, MD is currently providing groceries and meals to over 100 people a month, specifically working toward supporting the most vulnerable and elderly. For assistance they can be reached here.

National Muslim organizations are also delivering humanitarian and impactful services:

  • Islamic Relief USA has committed $1.9 million to COVID-19 relief efforts by providing funds and supplies directly to their partner organizations and grantees.
  • Penny Appeal USA is providing direct grants and financial assistance to individuals in need. You can apply here.
  • Embrace Relief is providing direct financial assistance to individuals in need with food and shelter. You can apply here.

For further information, please contact:

Shahid Rahman: 202-559-8566