The Neighborhood Meal Train Goes National

With each passing year, more of our friends and family follow educational opportunities, jobs or spouses out of state. Perhaps you’ve left your own hometown and its safety net of parents, siblings and lifelong friends. Never are these miles as impassable as when you’re suddenly facing a crisis.

With your world turned upside down, offers of support pour in, along with the ever-present inquiry, “How can I help?” But answering this question feels awkward, or perhaps you’re so overwhelmed that you can’t organize or verbalize your needs. Rides to appointments, meals, babysitters, someone to let your dog out… The list is daunting. And it’s hard on your long-distance loved ones as well. They long to be at your side, but are relegated to writing heartfelt Facebook messages or sending your sixth fruit and nut basket.

Now, thanks to LikeNeighbors.com, a brand-new local tech startup launched in the DC area earlier this month, helping friends and family just like you live next door is only a click away. The company uses compassion-driven technology to connect those going through life-changing events, their family and friends nationwide, and established service providers. It operates similarly to a fundraising website where users create an online profile and submit or fulfill requests for support. But in lieu of money, services are given and received.

Fresh, healthy, chef-prepared meals are currently available for delivery in the Washington, DC metro area from Galley, a prepared meal delivery service.

“Coordinating help has traditionally been a logistically difficult task, but it shouldn’t be,” says Judy O’Connor, founder and CEO of Like Neighbors. “Our mission is to bring people closer together and make it easy to give and receive what’s needed most during a challenging time. We want to help cover all the bases when your heart and mind are on much more important matters.”