When San Diego shut down, our community showed up

In March 2020, as COVID-19 closed schools, offices, and mosques across San Diego, many in our community, especially elders living alone and families who had suddenly lost income, faced the crisis with nowhere to turn.

Paasand, House of Pakistan's community care initiative, organized a response built on neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers coordinated food and medicine deliveries while keeping their distance. Volunteer physicians offered medical guidance. VERIFY consent to name the physicians Families who needed it received financial assistance. Two local restaurants, Tikka Lounge and Charminar, stepped up to provide halal meals for elders facing financial hardship.

STAT: households/meals, if known

It was a reminder of why we exist: culture isn't only what we celebrate. It's also how we care for each other.