This post will be updated as more information about local groups becomes available. You can learn more about how to get a COVID-19 vaccine around the D.C. region here.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the D.C. region, locals have been lending a hand to assist neighbors with the clunky, complicated, and confusing sign-up processes in their juridictions. If you’re looking for ways to donate your time, there are several grassroots groups that are helping residents get their shots — from tech assistance with online portals to offering rides to and from appointments.

Here’s how you can help your neighbors get the COVID-19 vaccine around the D.C. area.

D.C. 

Senior Villages: Villages are membership-based organizations across the D.C. region that connect older residents with neighborhood volunteers who provide support to help them age in place. The villages focus on serving older adults in their membership base, but some are helping other adults in the area. Many villages throughout D.C, Maryland, and Virginia are calling for volunteers to assist with vaccine appointment registration and transportation. You can find the full list of villages in D.C. here, and contact your local group.

District Vaccine Hunters: A resident-organized Facebook group is answering questions about the COVID-19 vaccine registration process and providing assistance for those struggling to secure an appointment through the city’s portal or call center. You can offer your insight and computer skills by joining the private group here. 

Mount Pleasant Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A coalition of Mount Pleasant Village, ANC1D, and more than 200 other neighborhood volunteers are helping eligible residents sign up for and get to and from their vaccine appointment. Volunteers may be called on to help book an appointment, or provide transportation to an appointment. For residents who live in ANC1D, you can sign-up to volunteer here, and other Ward 1 residents can sign up to volunteer here.

Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America: In late February, Metro DC DSA started a door-to-door and phone drive to spread information about vaccine distribution in D.C., and the group is currently taking volunteers to help residents register for an appointment via the city’s online portal or call center. You can sign up to help here.

D.C. Mutual Aid Networks: Ward-level mutual aid networks have been supporting each other nonstop throughout the pandemic, and many have started efforts to help vulnerable residents get vaccinated. Check in with your local network to see how you can help.

Maryland

Senior Villages: Like in D.C., Maryland has a network of senior villages offering help to older residents. You can find a village near you here.

Maryland Vaccine Hunters: A public Facebook group is sharing resources, information, and assistance with booking vaccine appointments around the state. If you’re vaccinated, you can share your experience to give others an idea of what to expect, or offer to help a resident without technology access snag an appointment. Join the group here.

Become A Community Ambassador: Montgomery County is seeking Community Ambassadors to assist in its vaccine rollout. Community Ambassador volunteers will be required to share information and answer questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine at outreach events like food distributions, and help residents book appointments at county health clinics. You can sign up through the county’s volunteer website here.

WUMCO Help Inc.: WUMCO is a non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance to residents in Western Upper Montgomery County. The group’s transportation program is seeking volunteers (ages 18 and older) to transport residents to vaccine appointments in Montgomery and Frederick counties. All drivers will need to undergo a background check before volunteering. You can sign up here.

Gaithersburg Help: Residents in the Gaithersburg area can volunteer through Gaithersburg Help to drive seniors and other vulnerable residents to their vaccine appointments. Volunteers must be 21 or older with a valid Maryland drivers’ license. You can sign up here.

Senior Connection: Located in Silver Spring, Senior Connection is seeking drivers to take older adults to their vaccine appointments. Drivers must undergo a background check, and a three-year Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration record check. To volunteer, fill out an application here, or contact Susan Girard with questions.

Local Medical Reserves Corps: Montgomery and Prince George’s counties are both looking for volunteers — including those without medical licenses — to join the Medical Reserves Corps and support the vaccine site and COVID-19 testing operations. You can sign up through the state’s Medical Reserve Corps portal here. 

Virginia: 

Senior Villages: Virginia residents can sign up to help older adults secure vaccine appointments through their local villages here.

NoVA Vaccine Hunters: Northern Virginia residents are helping eligible neighbors secure vaccine appointments and spreading information about appointment availability in a community Facebook group.

Local Medical Reserves Corps: To help with vaccine distribution in Virginia, you can sign up to become a member of your local medical reserve corps — no previous medical experience needed. You can find your local corps here, and fill out the online application here.