CLEVELAND — Many people are turning to curbside and delivery services to get groceries because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a lot of stores just don’t have slots open for delivery.
A new delivery service just launched in Cleveland to help seniors get the things they need, safely.
Umbrella is a New York-based company that connects volunteers with seniors to help them with tasks and odd jobs around the house. Due to the coronavirus crisis, Umbrella has waived membership fees and reoriented that service to contactless grocery and pharmacy deliveries.
The company is partnering with Venture For America, a fellowship program that empowers enterprising recent graduates to launch their careers as entrepreneurs and create economic opportunity in American cities. Through the partnership, Umbrella is launching services in Cleveland along with Detroit, Michigan and Birmingam, Alabama.
“You let us know what you need, you can just put your grocery list on our website. And then somebody nearby you will pick that up and deliver it to you. The payment is done all through our system, so there’s no contact. The deliveries are no contact,” Lindsay Ullman, CEO of Umbrella, said.
Umbrella is looking for volunteers to help with its delivery service. Anyone interested in volunteering or seniors who need help can sign up and request service on Umbrella’s website.
Jade Jarvis is a reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
