In Times of Tragedy, Look for the Helpers
Following the Brown University shooting this past weekend, we're taking a look at who has helped, how we can help, and where you can find help in our amazing Rhode Island community.
Photo via Getty Images/DenisTangneyJr
We’re all at a loss today trying to figure out what we can do to help during such a devastating time for our community. Many of us are choosing to stay home and lock down while we know the suspect has yet to be found. Some Providence schools are closed, people are worried, and we’re right in the middle of a busy holiday season, a time that should inspire joy, caring and generosity.
Many small businesses chose to shut down Saturday night and the next day during the crisis out of an abundance of caution and respect for the victims, and to allow the community time to grieve. One thing Rhode Islanders know how to do is to come together in times of tragedy and loss. We saw many small businesses and individuals step up in the aftermath.
The one thing that is reassuring during this difficult time is knowing that we are a strong community that will do everything we can for each other. Like Mr. Rogers said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
So Rhode Island, “Look for the helpers.” Here are just some of those helpers who stepped up:
- The landlord of Ceremony in Providence, David Baskin, spent Saturday night combing through the shop’s security footage to find the clip of the alleged suspect:
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2. Seven Stars Bakery shut down its two Providence locations on Sunday, and donated all baked goods to first responders and members of the community affected by the tragedy:
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3. Rhode Island Blood Center extended its hours and asked the community to come out to donate blood to support patient care during this emergency. In response, the RI Blood Center reached capacity yesterday, but there is still a need to give blood.
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4. Easy Entertaining was in the middle of catering its last wedding of the season when they were forced to lock down at the venue. Guests were also locked down at the church after the ceremony, and could not proceed to the reception site. Easy Entertaining never got to serve the couple’s wedding, but the priority was keeping the guests and the catering team safe.
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5. Kabob and Curry on Thayer Street stepped up by offering free meals to students and first responders.
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6. Barre & Soul, located in Wayland Square, offered its yoga classes free of charge on Sunday night to hold space for the community and give participants a chance to slow down and move through their emotions.
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7. Like many other restaurants on Hope Street, Dolores was in the middle of dinner service and hosting a holiday party for guests when staffers heard the news. They decided to go into lockdown, drew the curtains, made guests aware, and made sure they felt safe. Staff members also waited for guests to get to their cars safely before shutting down for the night.
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8. Anyhow Studio in Providence offered its space and services free of charge on Sunday to “anyone who needs it, for whatever reason.” Patrons were encouraged to come enjoy tea and coffee and grab a coloring book or piece of clay in a safe, comforting environment.
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9. Roger Williams Park Zoo is inviting any individual with a current Brown University ID (including students, faculty and staff) to visits free of charge during regular daytime hours or during the evening Holiday Lights Spectacular now through January 4. The complimentary admission applies to the individual with the ID as well as one guest. Visitors can present their ID at the Zoo’s admission gate.
“The Zoo and the park are places of nature, connection, and reflection, and we hope it can offer a small measure of comfort to those impacted,” says Stacey Johnson, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s executive director. Learn more at rwpzoo.org,.
The City of Providence’s Parks Department is likewise offering the Brown community free admission to the Botanical Center and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium during this time. Learn more at providenceri.gov/botanical-center and providenceri.gov/museum.
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Be a Helper
- While the search for the suspect remains ongoing, officials are asking the community to please share any relevant information. If you have a tip, contact the Providence Police non-emergency line at 401-272-3121, or upload photos and/or videos to fbi.gov/brownuniversityshooting
- A GoFundMe campaign has been created for MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, one of the two victims who was killed during the shooting. Umurzokov was described as an “incredibly kind, funny, and smart” person who had dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Donations will go towards helping his family with expenses (while any extra funds will be donated to a charity in his name.) Learn more here: gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-mukhammadaziz-umurzokov
- Brown University has established a Student Emergency Support Fund in support of students financially impacted by the tragedy. Learn more and contribute here: go.brown.edu/StudentEmergencySupportFund
- Frog & Toad is taking preorders for “Hope Power Friendship Providence” hoodies and T-shirts based on The Mad Peck’s iconic “Providence” poster. All proceeds will be donated to Brown’s Student Emergency Support Fund.
- Brown University’s Undergraduate Council of Students has created a mutual aid form to connect impacted community members with rides, food, shelter and more. If you feel you are able to contribute, fill out the form here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1q9W9CkFeKFV3eZ1GWhN2AouymZ67_XknpU0-CFKg4Lcd4w/viewform
- Join Students Demand Action in sharing the victims’ names and stories, and calling on local leaders to end gun violence.
View this post on Instagram - Donate blood to the Rhode Island Blood Center: ribc.org/donate-blood
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Get Help
- In response to the shooting, the city of Providence has gathered an extensive list of immediate and accessible resources for the community, including crisis lifelines, local drop-in centers, health clinics and more. Find the full list here: providenceri.gov/communityresponseresources
- The Space’s team of social workers, clinicians and behavior analysts is offering free in-person and virtual support and services to the community (note: you do not need to be out) via private message or at thespaceprovidence@gmail.com.
View this post on Instagram - In response to the tragedy, Family Service of Rhode Island is making walk-in counseling and crisis support immediately available to anyone in the community who has been affected, including children, families, and the wider community experiencing fear, grief, anxiety, or emotional distress. Walk-in support is available at their location on 55 Hope Street in Providence, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. A 24/7 support hotline is open and available by dialing 401-854-6678 or 988. Learn more at familyserviceri.org
- Hope for Providence has also put together a list of local grief and bereavement support resources. Learn more here: instagram.com/p/DSP9Hc3Fcxv/?hl=en
