COVID-19 RESOURCES | THEARC

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES- PLEASE SCROLL

The district's $25MM relief fund for non-profits and small businesses.https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-dc-businesses-can-now-apply-sba-disaster-assistance-loans

Mayor Bowser Announces DC Businesses Can Now Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance Loans | mayormb

NOTICE: The Public Health Emergency is in effect through May 15th; school and government reopen on May 15th. (Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has accepted the District of Columbia’s declaration for assistance in the form of economic injury disaster loans following the advent of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and DC ...

mayor.dc.gov

Greater Washington Community Foundation COVID-19 relief fund for support.https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/covid-19

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund — Greater Washington Community Foundation

The Community Foundation established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support emergency preparedness and response efforts that will help mitigate the impact on disproportionately affected communities in our region.

www.thecommunityfoundation.org

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund.https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/verizon-small-business-recovery-fund/

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund | Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Small businesses across the country are confronting extreme economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial support at this critical time can make the difference between staying in business or closing permanently, leading to lost income, jobs and economic stability.

www.lisc.org

Payroll Protection Program offered to a nonprofit organization through the 2020 CARES act enacted by Congress.https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

COVID-19 Resources for DC Residents

Keep scrolling to get the latest information about resources and assistance for DC residents during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The information contained in this newsletter is accurate as of 4/7/2020. We will continue to update the resource list as more emergency assistance and information emerges.

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams teaches you how to make a mask.

CDC Guidance: Cover Your Face

On April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for adults and children to wear face coverings in public places including grocery stores, on the bus, the laundromat, and picking up meals.

Click here for more information about using face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Stay At Home Order

On April 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for the District of Columbia. This order directs DC residents to stay at home unless they are doing essential activities. The purpose of the order is to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Residents may only leave their residences to:

get medical care, food, and essential household supplies;
go to work at essential businesses;
engage in recreational activities and exercise (while maintaining 6 feet or more between you and other people), such as walking, running, or hiking.

Learn more about the stay at home order here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/stayhome

What's Open?

On March 25, DC government closed all non-essential businesses. Find out which businesses can stay open and which businesses are required to close:

Learn more about the order to close non-essential businesses here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-orders-closure-non-essential-businesses

COMMUNITY-LED SUPPORT

Ward 8 Resources to the Block

Resources to the Block is an initiative led by the Ward 8 Constituent Services Office to directly connect neighborhoods to reliable resources and support services. Fill out the online form to get connected to:

1-on-1 phone calls/video chats/home visits or check in's
Assistance with navigating and advocating social services
Delivery of food, groceries, medicine, cleaning supplies or other essentials
Extra medical supplies and community health care providers
Resources for those living with disabilities
Pet care (especially service animals)
Pre-packaged meals for families and seniors
Transportation for medical needs facilities (to avoid public transportation and ride shares)

Click here to view the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1h9h1q3AffNHTkC1gkALtQywh61_zNXxa7_Utf47ygRY/viewform?ts=5e6feb3a&edit_requested=true

DC Mutual Aid Network

EMPLOYMENT + UNEMPLOYMENT

For Job Seekers

Skyland Workforce Center is offering Virtual Job Search support to current participants. If you absolutely need to work during this time to maintain an income, we can help you apply for jobs at essential businesses.

To make a Virtual Job Search appointment, call (202) 793-2141 or text (202) 630-0594.

All American Job Centers and the DC Infrastructure Academy are closed. Call (202) 724-7000 or check the DOES website to find out when services are scheduled to resume.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: does.dc.gov

For Workers

The DC Office of Wage-Hour processes claims workers make against their employer for unpaid wages or unpaid overtime, denying sick leave, or retaliation. Call (202) 671-1880 or email owh.ask@dc.gov if you have questions.

To file a claim you must complete a form for your specific type of claim. Click here to get more information and to view the claim forms: https://does.dc.gov/page/office-wage-hour-employees

If you worked in Maryland, you must contact the Maryland Department of Labor and Industry at (410) 767-2357.

If you worked in Virginia, you must contact the Virginia Department of Labor at (804) 371-2327.

Unemployment Insurance

If you have been laid off, you may qualify for unemployment insurance. To file an unemployment insurance claim, residents can visit the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) website or call the Navigation Call Center at (202) 724-7000.

Due to the high volume of calls, DOES recommends filing your claim online if you have a laptop or a desktop computer. Click here to file a claim online: https://does.dcnetworks.org/initialclaims/Welcome.aspx.

Don't have a computer? Call (202) 793-2141 to make an appointment to use a computer at Skyland Workforce Center.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://does.dc.gov/page/unemployment-compensation

Find a Notary Public

Applying for unemployment? You may be asked to get documents notarized during the identification verification process.

There are notary publics who notarize documents for free. Be sure to contact the notary to find out if they are offering services and how much they charge.

Click here to find a notary: https://dcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=afbdd208140c4449b5f1146d07c87758

Once the gray screen appears, click on the "OK" button in the bottom right corner of the screen to open the map.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://does.dc.gov/page/unemployment-compensation

FOOD

Food for Everyone

Martha's Table is providing bagged groceries at these distribution sites. Call (202) 808-8024 for more information or to reserve a bag.
Click here for the full schedule and all locations: https://marthastable.org/covid19/

Food for Everyone

The Capital Area Food Bank is providing bags of groceries through its community hubs and partners:
Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/covid19response/

Meals for Children

DC Central Kitchen is providing free meals (breakfast and lunch to-go).
Click here for the full schedule and all locations: hhttps://dccentralkitchen.org/covid-19/m/DCBridgePark/status/1242071355455164417?s=20

s://twitter.com/DCBridgePark/status/1242071355455164417?s=20

Meals for Seniors

All meal sites are now providing home delivery for current DACL participants. If you or someone you know is 60 years old or older and needs a meal, please call (202) 724-5626 Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://dcoa.dc.gov/
Meals for Students
Meals are available for all students under age 18 every weekday at the following sites:

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/coronavirus/page_content/images/Meal-Sites-04062020.pdf

FREE INTERNET ACCESS

(Comcast) Xfinity WiFi is Free for Everyone

As of March 13, Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country are available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers for 60 days.

For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available wifi networks to connect.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19

HOUSING + HOMELESS SERVICES

Homeless/Shelter Services

Individuals and families seeking access to homeless services can call the DC Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311 at any time of the day or night.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: http://www.community-partnership.org/find-help

For Homeowners

The DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) helps residents avoid foreclosure by providing foreclosure mediation, housing counseling, and legal aid for homeowners. Call (202) 265-2255 to schedule an appointment to speak with a housing counselor.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://disb.dc.gov/service/foreclosure-prevention

For Renters

Tenants seeking legal, education or outreach services should contact the Office of Tenant Advocate either online, through the “Ask the Chief Tenant Advocate” link or by calling (202) 719-6560.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/stay-home

Legal Help for Renters

For more help dealing with landlords and resources for eviction or loss of housing during the COVID-19 public health emergency, contact these organizations for free legal advice:

Bread for the City Legal Clinic, (202) 386-7616, Monday - Friday
Legal Aid Society of DC Tenant Hotline, (202) 851-3388
Rising for Justice, (202) 638-4798, Monday-Friday, 9:30am - 12:30pm

HOW TO VOTE

DC’s Primary Elections will be held on June 2, 2020. Though you can still vote in person, DC voters are encouraged to vote by mail. Not registered to vote? Click here: https://vote4dc.com/ApplyInstructions/Register

If you are registered to vote, here's how to request a mail-in ballot:

App: Download VOTE 4 DC from the app store
Call: (202) 727-2525
Email: dcabsentee@vote4dc.com
Mail: DC Board of Elections, 1015 Half Street SE, Suite 750

Online: ‪https://www.vote4dc.com/ApplyInstructions/Absentee

Click here for more information: https://www.vote4dc.com/

MEDICAL CARE + SCREENING

COVID-19 coronavirus Testing

If you believe you have been exposed to coronavirus or influenza (the flu), call your healthcare provider to report your symptoms before visiting a hospital or healthcare facility. Doctors decide on COVID-19 testing.

Medicaid covers testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) if the test is ordered by your doctor. If you don't have a doctor/primary care provider, report your symptoms to DC Health, (202) 576-1117.

The DC Department of Health is offering free, appointment-required COVID-19 testing for DC residents. If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath and would like to be tested, call (855)-363-0333, Monday - Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/what-covid-19 and https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/public-notice-covid-19-medicaid-beneficiary-faqs-3-16-2020

Medical Insurance

If you are a DC resident, DC Health Link has a special enrollment period so someone without health insurance can get coverage now. If you live in DC and are uninsured, call (855) 532-5465 to get coverage.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: dchealthlink.com

Medical Clinics

So Others Might Eat (SOME) medical clinic opens at 8:00am on weekdays. The clinic is located at 60 O Street NW. Call before you go: (202) 797-8806

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://www.some.org/services/healthcare

Children's Health Center at THEARC opens at 8:00am, Monday through Saturday. The clinic is located at 1801 Mississippi Avenue SE. Call before you go: (202) 436-3060.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://childrensnational.org/primary-care/thearc?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=online_listings

Mental Health

Call 1(888) 793-4357 for 24-hour telephone access to a mental health clinician and the suicide prevention lifeline.

Mental Health for Seniors

Seniors can receive a daily or weekly call from the DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) staff and volunteers. The Call & Talk Line allows you to connect with other people to chat about absolutely anything.

To get on the Line, call (202) 724-5626 or email askthedirector.dacl@dc.gov

PUBLIC BENEFITS

2020 Census

Did you know you can complete the 2020 US Census online? The 2020 Census determines where and how federal funding is spent.

Get counted! Click here to start: https://my2020census.gov/

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://2020census.gov/en.html

Notice to Public Benefits Recipients

People who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Alliance, and other public benefits provided by DHS, do not need to take any action at this time to continue receiving existing benefits that would otherwise expire on March 31 or April 30. Those benefits will be automatically extended.

Residents with questions about their benefits should contact the Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30am to 4:45pm, Monday - Friday.

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/stay-home

REPORT VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline

Friends, neighbors and other community members can help protect children by being aware and working together. Call to report child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week: (202) 671-7233

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://cfsa.dc.gov/service/report-child-abuse-and-neglect

Domestic Violence Hotline

If you are quarantined with an abuser or have to self-isolate in a dangerous home situation, please contact the Natonal Domestic Violence Hotline:

Call: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224)
Chat Online: https://www.thehotline.org/help/

Click here for the most up-to-date information: https://www.thehotline.org/

Additional Resource Information (Timeline):

DMV Update as 4/10/2020:

DC officials held a moment of silence Friday to honor those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic and front-line health care workers who are working to save lives. Thirty-eight District residents have died in the pandemic. A total of 330 people in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have died.
Overall, the number of known coronavirus cases rose across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, according to new data released Friday, hitting more than 13,000 cases.
In DC, several farmers' markets and other food markets have applied for waivers to reopen with stronger social distancing practices in effect, after crowding at the fish market in Southwest D.C. last weekend led to a city crackdown.
DC's new situational order as of Friday, April 10th district residents will have to wear a face mask when they shop in grocery stores and clarified other social distancing measures the government is putting into place to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is ordering a statewide budget and hiring freeze and telling state agencies to prepare for budgets after “worst-case-scenario” projections show the state on track to lose up to $2.8 billion in revenue.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam also announced the creation of a nursing home task force to stop the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is proposing giving the state Department of Corrections the authority to release some inmates from state prisons.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) each issued mandatory stay-at-home orders that prohibit residents from leaving home, except for trips considered essential, such as venturing out for food and medicine.

District Of Columbia's Stay-At-Home order goes in effect April 1, 2020.

DC:

As of Tuesday, March 24th Muriel Bowser will be closing all non-essential businesses in the District. Some of these non-essential businesses include salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and tanning salons. Bowser has closed other non-essential businesses in past weeks to promote social distancing. All gyms and theaters are closed, as well as nightclubs, bars, and restaurants except for takeout and delivery.

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been changes to the DCPS School Year 2019-2020 calendar. All DCPS schools will be closed for students from March 16 through Friday, April 24 and students will participate in distance learning. There will no longer be a Spring Break period in April. Classes will resume on Monday, April 27.

MD:

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been changes to the PGPS School Year 2019-2020 calendar. All DCPS schools will be closed for students until Friday, April 24 and students will participate in distance learning. Classes will resume on Monday, April 27.

Hogan issued an executive order closing all nonessential businesses, organizations and establishments in Maryland effective 5 p.m. Monday, which is in addition to businesses already closed by previous executive orders.

The new executive order closes all those businesses that are not covered by the federal guidelines defining "critical infrastructure sectors," which include, health care, food and agriculture, energy, public works, community-based government operations, the chemical, hazardous materials, and defense industrial base sectors, law enforcement, and public safety, transportation, critical manufacturing, financial services, and water and wastewater.

VA:

As of Monday, March 23, 2020, Gov. Ralph Northam announced that all public schools will remain closed for the rest of the current school year and businesses, like bowling alleys, gyms and theaters, must close in response to the coronavirus outbreak effective immediately until June 10.

Alert* Ward 8 needs laptops....... Do you have a laptop you can donate? If yes, please click on this link to help/Donate:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4wz5Xs2ao-Ld7141jMArQPiyRi3CkL8rqQAOouhHQi1M4gQ/viewform

Laptops for our DC neighbors

More than 50% of DC students don't have access to internet or devices. Please donate a laptop or tablet, and share widely! We are collaborating with mutual aid groups and Serve Your City, Mammas Safe Haven, and TraRon Center to get laptops in the hands of kids. You will be sent instructions within a day of submitting. Questions/concerns? brittany.koteles@gmail.com

docs.google.com

Food Resources

Aldi: Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
BJ's: Stores are operating with normal hours, however, shoppers should "expect" a limit on items per shopper.
Costco: Stores are operating with normal hours, however, shoppers should "expect" a limit on items per shopper.
CVS: Stores and pharmacies are operating with normal hours.
Dollar General: All stores will close one hour early. The first hour of operation is reserved for senior citizens.
Giant Food will reserve 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for shoppers 60 and older and those with compromised immune systems, starting Friday, March 20.
Harris Teeter: All stores close at 8 p.m.
The Home Depot: All stores close at 6 p.m. In-store classes and workshops are canceled.
Lowe's: Stores are operating with normal hours.
Safeway: Some stores have adjusted hours, depending on location. Every Tuesday and Thursday it will reserve 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for at-risk customers to shop.
Sam's Club: Starting Tuesday, March 17, stores will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday hours will remain 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shoprite: Stores are operating with normal hours.
Target: All stores close by 9 p.m. Every store is dedicating 7am-8am each week senior citizens.
Trader Joe's: All stores are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Select stores will open early for elderly and at-risk customers.
Walgreens: Stores and pharmacies are operating with normal hours.
Walmart: Walmart reduced its hours for its stores and Neighborhood Market stores, shortening the operating hours from 7 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Tuesdays from March 24 to April 28, Walmart will let customers who are 60 or over shop one hour before the stores open. Pharmacies and vision centers will be open at this time, too.

Wegmans: Some stores have adjusted hours to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Whole Foods Market: New hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., customers who are 60 or older can shop starting at 7 a.m. Whole Foods has shut down its in-store dining options.

CENSUS LINK BELOW:

It is still time to fill out the 2020 Census. Make Yourself Count.......https://my2020census.gov/