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Help-Seeking from Nonprofits and Social Networks During the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

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Abstract

Using a qualitative research design, this study explores help-seeking during the pandemic. It focuses on two potential sources of support beyond government aid: nonprofits and social networks. Thirty eight low-income families and individuals in New York City who lost either income or employment because of COVID-19 and were experiencing hardship were followed over the course of the pandemic, for a total of 69 interviews. We found that social support flourished during the pandemic with younger generations more likely to help older generations than vice versa. Similar to past studies, we found that people hesitated to ask for help from nonprofits because of practical barriers, whether because of lack of knowledge or prior use or faulty perceptions of who nonprofits served. Contrary to past studies which emphasize the role of stigma in refusing help, moral and ethical concerns played a larger role, as people, and, especially those experiencing hardship for the first time, considered their own need in relation to others. Suggestions are made as to how nonprofits can extended their reach, both during times of great peril and less stressful times.

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This work was funded by the Robin Hood Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, City University of New York, 2180 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10035, USA

    Vicki Lens

  2. Center on Poverty and Social Policy, Columbia University 1255, Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY, 10027, USA

    Lily Bushman-Copp & Christopher Wimer

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  1. Vicki Lens
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Correspondence to Vicki Lens.

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This study was approved by the City University of New York Institutional Review Board File # 2020-0376 and Columbia University Institutional Review Boards IRB # AAAPO820.

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Lens, V., Bushman-Copp, L. & Wimer, C. Help-Seeking from Nonprofits and Social Networks During the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study. J of Pol Practice & Research (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42972-024-00098-9

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