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

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.