People have been told to stay separated — at least six feet apart— and to practice what state and local officials call "social distancing". Some have been asked to work at home. But as people try to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the resulting chaos and fear are bringing both large and small communities closer.
Simple acts of kindness are sprouting up online and in public, as neighbors, students, teachers, and others begin to connect those who can pass this long and isolating time smoothly, and the people who may not have the means to get through.
For Jesse Farren-James, helping out has taken the form of organizing trips to the supermarkets for supplies, and use of her membership card if anyone needs to buy large quantities. She posted the offer in a Facebook group for the community residents（居民）, and some people came and turned to her. "I just feel so lucky that I have so many people in my life to rely on and so sad that not everyone has that," she wrote in the group. In another interview, Farren-James said the "community is coming together" and "there are so many good and amazing people" offering to help where they can.
Also, parents in Dorchester have gathered together online. In a Facebook group called DotParents, parents have been raising money to buy food and supplies for students and families in the community. Lisa Graustein has been organizing this activity. On Thursday, she used the more than $2,000 raised by neighbors to purchase food in a restaurant supply company. A group of volunteers packed the food and planned to distribute to schools for those who may need it.
"Food shortage is real in our city and this crisis is going to be severe." Graustein said. "But here's something we can do that deal better with the hard time". This idea is spreading. She said friends in four other states had being running similar campaigns.
Next, she wants to find a way to get landlords（房东）to temporarily abandon rent for residents in financial difficulties because of the outbreak.
