While the threat of COVID-19 has been somewhat tamed, the virus’s devastating effects continue to plague communities across the nation. Studies show small nonprofits in underserved rural communities are disproportionately affected. As social distancing devastated small community organizations, members and volunteers withdrew and resources dried up.
This is visible in Morongo Basin’s Homestead Valley, which saw the virtual disappearance of the community associations serving Yucca Mesa and Flamingo Heights, leading to the end of the umbrella Homestead Valley Community Council. Of the two remaining organizations, The Landers Association, newly renamed the “Landers Homestead Valley Association,” is making an effort to bridge some of the gaps created when the other associations went inactive.
The nonprofit, which last month celebrated its 65th year of continuous operation, meets today at 5 p.m. at Belfield Hall in Landers. With an open door policy for all residents of Homestead Valley, today’s meeting will include public safety reports from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station and County Fire, a report from the office of State Assemblyman Tom Lackey, an appeal for help at a major cleanup at Giant Rock this coming weekend, and news of this year’s Labor Day fireworks celebration at Homestead Valley Park.
Not on the agenda is a plan to draw residents from the Mesa and Flamingo Heights with post-meeting coffee and cookies.
