New Be Kind RI Website Matches Volunteers with Nearby Neighbors In Need

During this pandemic, Rhode Islanders have suffered deep losses. We’ve lost friends, family, and neighbors to COVID, and continue to watch as many are still struggling with its lingering effects. We have masked over our smiles, socially distanced ourselves away from hugs, skipped critical rites of passage, and communed through one Zoom too many. Yet this week, Rhode Islanders have a new tool to fight pandemic despair and increase happiness through social connection.

Be Kind RI, a technology platform developed by Nesterly, Inc., works similar to a dating site to pair volunteers with neighbors who need them by utilizing text alerts. Brought to Rhode Island through an innovative partnership between Age Friendly Rhode Island, the RI Community Food Bank, and Family Service of Rhode Island, Be Kind RI is first tackling the hunger crisis in our state, as more than 25% of Rhode Islanders experience food insecurity.

Here’s how it works: volunteers register, define where and when they can lend a helping hand, and receive a text to pick up groceries for a nearby neighbor in need from a local food pantry or grocery. Be Kind RI allows volunteers to accept the request, or take a pass– no hard feelings! Projects that are passed go to the next volunteer on the text/SMS list. Unlike other volunteer programs, this service is 100% free to use and hyper-local, so Rhode Islanders can opt to do a service project in their neighborhoods, or a nearby one.

Be Kind RI is currently recruiting 200 volunteers and will launch food assistance support for older adults and others at higher risk for COVID during the week of March 15th. For more information and to register, visit www.bekindri.org