Help maximize the accessibility of drop-off deliveries food, medicine, and other supplies to those in need, including people with disabilities, by encouraging those making drop-off deliveries to observe and share the following guidance:
1. When doing intake, ask the recipient where the delivery should be placed.
It’s crucial to know where to place the items so that they are accessible to the recipient. Some people may not be able to access deliveries that are left on the ground outside the front door, for example. Be sure to ask the recipient to be as specific as possible in requesting where deliveries should be placed.
The following recommended language can be used:
Do you have a preference as to where you would like the delivery to be left, such as on the ground outside, on a table outside, hung on a door handle, or somewhere else?
2. Train volunteers and delivery persons to recognize and follow instructions as to where to safely drop off supplies.
Ensuring volunteers and delivery drivers understand the importance of following the recipient’s instructions is critical. Volunteers and delivery persons will need to be provided the necessary information to follow the recipient’s instructions to increase the accessibility to those supplies. If a preference was not given, volunteers should use their best judgement to determine where the supplies should be left.
3. Encourage recipients to place reusable bags on their door handle so supplies can be placed inside if a table or other raised surface is not available to them.
If you are part of a nonprofit or community-led supply drive and you need reusable bags with handles to use during drop-off deliveries, please contact Andi Wheeler at the City of Providence at awheeler@providenceri.gov.
4. As always, please use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends wearing a face covering, such as a homemade mask, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Disposable gloves and cloth masks are recommended for use by everyone while shopping, packing, and delivering supplies.
While the City of Providence responds to the ongoing public health crisis, ensuring equitable accessibility of goods to all residents is always important.
To report discriminatory practices to the City of Providence, please visit https://www.providenceri.gov/hr-commission.
For access to additional city services, you can always call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 (8:00 AM-8:00 PM, seven days a week), visit PVD311.com or download the PVD311 mobile app on your smartphone for 24/7 access.