COVID-19 COUNTY UPDATES


COURTESY OF SARA POPKIN, UUH, GERMANTOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Dear NWHVPs, 
Happy Nurses' Week to our fabulous nurses!
Below are some recent resources to share.
Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend, in spite of the weather forecast!
Sara

Health Insurance
1. Community Legal Services has prepared a helpful chart on health insurance for workers on leave, layoff, or who have experienced other types of job loss. The attached chart is a great resource. It is important to secure new coverage within 60 days of your loss of employer-provided coverage, or you will lose the ability to obtain affordable benefits through the Marketplace.
Unemployment Compensation
1. Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) is offering free help with PA unemployment compensation applications (attached). Also attached is information about grounds for appealing an unemployment ineligibility notice.
Utilities
1. Community Legal Services has also prepared fact sheets about utility affordability and restoration during the pandemic. Please see attached.
Public Housing Resources
1. HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes(OLHCHH) has created a webinar on protecting residents in multi-family properties when a person is infected or suspected of being infected. While this webinar has already aired, it can still be accessed through the link in the attached flyer.
2. HUD has also created a webinar on best practices for disinfecting properties during the pandemic, which can also be accessed after its air date. Please see flyer for more information.
Property Tax Payments
1. Community Legal Services has prepared a two-page fact sheet (attached) with information about changes in property tax payment deadlines, property tax-related foreclosures, and property tax installment plans. Please note that some of the attached information may not apply to you if you have a property tax escrow account with your mortgage company.
Technology
1. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has published an article with ideas to help older adults navigate technology to stay connected.
Trainings
1. Lutheran Settlement House is providing free weekly workshops to help professionals understand how to best support clients who have experienced intimate partner violence. Registration is required, and the sessions take place over the next four Tuesdays, from 1-2 PM.
2. New Courtland is offering a free webinar on Safety in the Home, specifically geared to older adults and those who care for them. The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, at noon. More information can be found by clicking on the webinar link above, and is also attached to this email.
3. Ralston Center is offering a free mindfulness meditation session on Zoom on Friday, May 15, at 12:15 PM. Pre-registration is required.
4. CARIE and Good Shepherd Mediation Program are providing a free webinar introducing the Older Adult Restorative Justice Program on Wednesday, May 20, at 1 PM. This program will be helpful to professionals in aging who have an interest in non-punitive ways for older adults to address harm and conflict.
5. New Courtland is partnering with Rothkoff Law Group and Premier Home Care to provide a free webinar about care planning for blended and non-traditional families on Wednesday, June 10, at 2 PM. More information can also be found on the attached flyer, and free CEUs are available.
Employment Opportunities
1. Supportive Older Women's Network (SOWN) is still searching for their next Director of Programs. More information is embedded in the link, and is also attached to this email. The deadline to apply is May 29, 2020.
2. The Bucks-Mont Collaborative is hiring a Coordinator for Consulting Services. More information is embedded in the link, and is also attached to this email. the deadline to apply is May 31, 2020.
3. The Census Bureau is currently seeking temporary data collection employees in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
Scams
1. Licensed social workers, therapists, and counselors have been receiving scam calls from someone posing as a State Board representative to discuss license status. Payment is being requested over the phone. The Board does not request payment or personal information over the phone, so be warned!
2. Aggressive investors are trying to take advantage of pandemic panic to purchase your home at less than its market value. If you receive such a call, Community Legal Services may be able to help you figure out what your options are, even if you have already signed an agreement of sale. More information is available at this link.
General Resources
1. Senator Art Haywood's office has been pulling together and updating a comprehensive COVID-19 resource guide, which is attached to this email.
2. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has also created a recent resource guide on a variety of helpful topics. It is attached. 
3. Septa  https://www.phillymag.com/news/2020/05/01/septa-lifeline-service-increase/

Sara Popkin, MSW, LSW
Executive Director, UUH Outreach Program
22 W. Rittenhouse St., 1st Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-843-5881/uuhoutreach.org

15 attachments
Property Tax Payment Issues Part 2.jpg
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PLA Unemployment Application Assistance.jpg
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NC Care Planning for Blended and Non-Traditional Families.pdf
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SOWN DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS JOB POSTING.pdf
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Bucks-Mont Coordinator.pdf
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PCA Remains Committed during COVID-19.pdf
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Sen Haywood COVID-19 Provisions Doc 4.23.2020.pdf
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Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.  COURTESY OF GERMANTOWN UNITED CDC
quick links: germantownunitedcdc.org
To the Germantown Community,

These are difficult times. We all have a role to play to keep the Germantown community healthy. You can help curb the spread of the coronavirus by staying home and practicing social distancing. If you have friends, family, or neighbors who are not digitally connected or do not understand the importance of social distancing, please find a way to share this important and potentially life-saving information with them.
 
Be safe, kind, and responsible.Call the office at (215) 856-4303 and leave a message. We are checking voicemail remotely. Or, email a staff member directly:Citywide Stay at Home Order Now in Effect
All Philadelphia residents must remain home or at their place of residence unless they are engaged in Essential Personal Activities.
 Examples of essential personal activities include:
  • Obtaining essential goods and services
  • Seeking medical attention or seeking assistance from law enforcement or emergency services
  • Caring for family members, friends, or a pet in another household 
  • Delivering essential goods or services
  • Reporting to or performing a job related to an essential business
  • Moving in or out of a home or apartment
  • Certain outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, or operating a wheelchair while using appropriate social distancing rules 
  • Education, religious, or political activities
The complete list of personal activity restrictions can be found in Section 6 of the order.

News about the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia changes rapidly. Check the following resources often for the very latest news and announcements.
  • The best resource for Philadelphians to stay up-to-date on what safety measures to take is to utilize the city's website: www.phila.gov/COVID-19. There you can find the latest local updates, including the number of confirmed cases in our city, and what you can do to stay safe.
  • The City issued a new Business Activity and Stay at Home Order detailing restrictions on business activity, personal activity, and congregation in Philadelphia in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These new restrictions went into effect Monday, March 23, 2020, at 8 a.m. The City’s emergency restrictions no longer end on Friday, March 27. To align with the Governor's order, the City’s order remains in effect until further notice.
    We urge everyone to observe these new restrictions so that the threat of the virus can be contained. Read more.
  • The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (PhilaOEM) has a text alert system all about COVID-19. Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone. Message and data rates may apply.
  • SEPTA is keenly aware of the challenges facing the nation and our service region due to the COVID-19 situation. Check for schedule changes: www.septa.org/notice/coronavirus-tips.html
  • We also recommend following the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization for updates.

Amazingly, as of today, trash and recycling is being picked up on a normal schedule.Spread information, not the virus!
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas. High-touch surfaces are tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks, etc. Read more for tips.

Got a printer? Hang up some informational flyers and posters.
  • The Center for Disease Control has lots of fact sheets and posters available for download here.
  • Live in an apartment/multi-unit building? Print and post information in the lobby of your building for all to see.
  • If you have a storefront business or office that is closed, consider turning your window display into a visual public service announcement. GUCDC's office window is pictured above.
  • If you are an artist, consider making some new work to help reach our community and educate people about how to stay safe during this time (again, make sure to utilize fact-based information only). 
Know someone that doesn't quite understand what 'social distancing' means and why its important? You gotta get through to them (at a safe distance).
  • Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and family hosted a special Red Table Talk to get straight factual answers to their questions and yours about the Coronavirus pandemic. Watch it with your family here.
  • This Q&A from the New York Times answers the most common questions about the best practices for stemming the tide of the coronavirus pandemic. Use these scenarios to help you explain why social distancing matters. [link]
  • More of a visual learner? The website Bored Panda has published 13 infographics on the do's and don'ts of social distancing. [link]

Where to find meals in the Germantown area
  • Face to Face Germantown is distributing food packages on Mondays and Fridays from 12pm - 2pm in their parking lot, located at 123 E Price St (19144). Grab-and-go style. Follow Face to Face on Facebook for the latest updates.
  • Support the important relief efforts taking place in our community. Face to Face's greatest need right now is financial. Click here to make a donation.
  • To ensure that students can still have nutritious meals while all schools are closed, the School District of Philadelphia, several charter schools, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority are coordinating with the City’s Office of Children and Families to provide grab-and-go meals for children and youth throughout the city.
This list was updated March 23rd. Please note the new schedule and locations. District schools open Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. – noon only. Families will receive six meals per student—3 breakfasts and 3 lunches. All children and youth are eligible, and no ID is required. 
  • Kelly, John B. School, 5116 Pulaski Ave (19144)
  • Roosevelt Elementary School, 430 E Washington Ln (19144)
  • Mastery Charter – Wister, 67 E Bringhurst St (19144)
  • Mastery Charter – Pickett, 5700 Wayne Ave (19144)
  • Mastery Charter – Pastorius, 5650 Sprague St (19138)
  • King, Martin Luther High School, 6100 Stenton Ave (19138)
This page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Take care of yourself. Spotted on Greene Street between School House Ln and Coulter St. Photo by Karen Singer.Small Business Relief FundThe Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, launched today, offers grants or zero-interest loans to Philadelphia small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
The program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), aims to:
  • Provide relief to small businesses in order to help them survive this crisis.
  • Retain as many employees as possible.
  • Help businesses avoid predatory lenders.
  • Maintain the provision of goods and services for Philadelphia’s residents.
You can apply for the three relief programs through a single application. Your request will be directed to the appropriate program based on your annual revenue. Apply for the program now.
More info for businesses and workers Unemployment Compensation Benefits
Several changes have been made to Unemployment Compensation (UC) due to the coronavirus disease. Please share this information with anyone who is employed in Pennsylvania and is unable to work because of the disease. 
  • You may be eligible if:
    • Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
    • Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
    • You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
    • You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts
More UC updates:
  • The Waiting Week is suspended. Previously, claimants were not eligible for benefits during their first week of unemployment (the "waiting week.") 
  • Work Search and Work Registration requirements are temporarily waived. Claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their UC benefits.
The Department of Labor & Industry will continue to provide important employment benefit updates as the situation evolves. Apply for unemployment here.Business closures, reporting unsafe activity
We have received reports of businesses such as bars, nail and hair salons continuing to operate in neighborhood commercial corridors. As the impacts of COVID-19 are more clearly known and experienced by Philadelphians over the next few days, enforcement of the closure requirements will ramp up and non-compliance won't be tolerated.

It is critical for everyone's health and safety that businesses observe the closure requirements mandated by Governor Wolf. Please understand the public health impacts businesses create by staying open and the risks to themselves and their employees. Cease actions by L&I and other measures are coming. 
You can dial 3-1-1 or 215-686-8686 to report suspicious activity.Utility service updatesPhiladelphia Water Department
Water in Philadelphia is safe to drink and not impacted by the virus. 
Effective, March 16, PWD and the Water Revenue Bureau will work together to restore water service to all delinquent residential and commercial customers through Friday, May 15, 2020, and the restoration fee will be waived.
In addition, PWD will not shut off water service for delinquent residential and commercial accounts through May 15, 2020.
Residential customers who have been shut off for meter non-compliance will also have their water service restored until May 15, 2020. Got questions, call (215) 685 6300. Read more.
Philadelphia Gas Works
Effective March 13, PGW is suspending non-payment terminations until May 1, 2020. PGW also plans to waive new late payment charges. Read more.

PECO
Effective March 13, PECO is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges through at least May 1, 2020. Read more.
Staying strong
Family Resources
Many of you will be home with children for a long period of time while schools and libraries are closed. Here are some resources to help you out. This resource list comes from our friends at North 5th Street Revitalization Project (thanks, guys!)

How to talk to kids about the coronavirus Free learning tools
Other Updates
As the world turns... Here are a few other neighborhood updates. 
  • In accordance with the Governors stop work order of all non-life sustaining businesses, in attempt to curb COVID-19’s spread, the Maplewood Mall reconstruction project has ceased physical onsite work until further notice. The site has been secured and walk ways have been left accessible for open travel around the mall. The construction manager will be making daily trips to the site to ensure that all safety measures remain intact. 
  • The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia announced the  2020 Preservation Achievement Award winners. Two Grand Jury Winners are located in Germantown: Charles Schaeffer School at 4701 Germantown Avenue and the Blaisdell Pencil Factory at 137 Berkley Street. Read more...
  • On March 19, we received this concerning update about the restoration of the long vacant Germantown YWCA building:

Dear Stakeholders:
 
The current Pandemic has shut-down many services across the country, which have limited and postponed the reviews and approvals for the Germantown YWCA Development.
 
KBK Enterprises is taking steps day to day to continue operations and be prepared for any progress in the process.
 
Please be advised that there is not current update and future updates and status on the Germantown YWCA Development will be postponed until further notice.
Ismail Abdul-Hamid, KBK Enterprises
i.abdul-hamid@kbkenterprises.net
Phone: 412.363.4401
www.kbkenterprises.netStay in touch
Do you know of other organizations in Germantown that are working to support residents during this time? Email info@germantownunitedcdc.org with the information and we'll share through our networks.

The mission of GU is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown and its business corridors through a sustainable, creative and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn how we're making a difference together »»»

Courtesy of Sharon Shecter Cohen for Montgomery/Bucks Counties:
​
We continue to update Montgomery County on what we learn in terms of changing services and help needed. If you keep me informed of what's happening with your organization, I'll continue to keep other members and Montco informed. We will also share Bucks info coming to us with our members and friends. Primarily what's helpful is what you're doing to meet the challenge as well as what you need - specific supplies, volunteers, etc.

This update contains new info that has come to me. Check the bottom of this email for some updates from Bucks-Mont Collaborative. I suggest you save these messages in the event you need to check a resource later. Check websites below for changes during this fluid situation.

Two funding opportunities are repeated just in case you missed them:
  • MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund - At Thursday's Montgomery County COVID-19 news conference, the creation of the MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund was announced. This fund, which currently has $205,000 committed, will provide emergency general operating support to social safety net organizations serving Montgomery County residents impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Bucks-Mont Collaborative is a founding partner among many local funders and collaboratives. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded, and the application process is open now. Learn more and/or apply here. For questions, contact Virginia Frantz, President and CEO, Montgomery County Foundation. Community donations are being sought to increase the funds available.
  • Another Funding Opportunity - PHL COVID-19 Fund - Established to help nonprofits navigate near and longer-term challenges from COVID-19 and ensure that critical resources remain available for those in our community who need it most. Responding in 5-county SEPA and several counties in NJ.
  • Apply: https://phlcovid19fund.org/covid-19/
 A Bucks County COVID-19 Funding Opportunity from United Way of Bucks County - https://www.uwbucks.org/COVID19/ - Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund is a local, coordinated emergency response fund to support the short- and long-term financial recovery of people in Bucks County.

***
 2020 US Census Day - April 1, 9 AM - Montgomery County Complete Count Committee Hosts Virtual Rally on Zoom - Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh will kick off the rally. Other leaders of this effort will speak as well. This ZOOM call will also be recorded and sent out on social media later in the day!

***
Food
Emergency Food Map of Montgomery County
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ll=40.165887122364936%2C-75.29657289035441&z=9&mid=15AUNRCRvScSiwZ5ydnMITwUbFO4

Martha's Choice Marketplace (Norristown) - Susan Stier, sstier@chs-adphila.org - Current hours of operation are Wednesday from 4 to 6 pm and Friday from 11 am to 1 pm.

Senior Care
Alzheimer's Association - Joan Grasso, jgrasso@alz.org - The Delaware Valley Chapter is working remotely. Still, operations will continue to support their mission. They are available 24/7 for care and support at 1-800-272-3900. Check www.alz.org for details on any remotely scheduled meetings, educational events, plus care and support services.

Mental Health Services
Healthy Minds MD - healthymindsmd.com - Ujwala Dixit, founder@healthymindsmd.com, conducted COVID-19 teleconferences on 3/28/20 in these languages: Hindi, Marathi, Telugu.
KidsPeace - www.kidspeace.org - Offers "Helpful Tips for Kids and Teens Dealing with Stress During This Crisis." Find it here:
https://www.kidspeace.org/helpful-tips-for-kids-and-teens-dealing-with-stress-during-this-crisis/
 NAMI (Montco) - www.namimontcopa.org -
  • Virtual support groups - (check FB and website for links and further info)
  • NAMIWellness Chats (Zoom meeting sign-in sent previously) 

Other
Norristown PD - Captain/Duputy Chief Richard C. Clowser, rclowser@norristown.org - Norristown PD is in need of the loan of a few laptops ASAP to establish remote locations within the municipality from which they can facilitate operations. Laptops would need to have Windows 10, SSD drive, wifi capability, and camera for video conferencing.

The Open Link - www.theopenlink.org - Executive Director Stu Bush, StuartB@theopenlink.org, shares this article with practical tips to deal with this crisis. https://hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief

UUH Outreach Program - Sara Popkin - One of the challenges of working remotely with clients is maintaining the privacy of your personal phone number while connecting with your clients or patients, many of whom will not accept a blocked call. Doximity is a great app to make your phone appear as if it is calling from your office number. For other professionals, Google Voice will enable you to make calls from a separate unblocked number, and even allow return calls to a separate voicemail.

***
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Updates:
  • ED/CEO Calls - Next scheduled: Friday, March 27, 12:45 pm - Watch for email with call-in #
  • 2020 Census - See message above to attend Montco Zoom meeting - virtual Census Day Rally. In the midst of strange times, take part yourself and encourage online completion of the Census by your circle of influence at my2020census.gov or call 844.330.2020. This crisis will pass, and these funds will be even more important for recovery AND for critical services through the decade!
  • 2020 Census Supplies - I have rack cards available: 5 packs of English, 5 packs of Spanish, about 150 cards per pack. If you can use them, let me know. We'll meet up to transfer to you.
  • National Council of Nonprofits - Info on loans available to nonprofits through the CARES Act.
  • Sen. Mensch - PennDOT licenses, etc. renewal dates extended - Renewals for licenses et al that expire between Mar 16 and Apr 30, 2020 have been extended to expire on May 31, 2020. Included are drivers licenses incl. CDL, photo ID decals, learner's permits, vehicle registration, safety/emissions inspection, disability parking placards. DMV physical locations are closed, but the DMV is open online 24/7 at www.dmv.pa.gov.
  • Real ID - The deadline has been extended to October 1, 2021.
  • PA Primary Election - Rescheduled to June 2 - visit here to request a mail-in ballot. You must be a registered voter to apply.
  • Legislative Forum (scheduled for April 17) - will be rescheduled
  • Summit (scheduled for May 13) - will be rescheduled
  • ED/CEO Roundtable gatherings at Zoto's - discontinued until further notice.
  • Finally, if the heavy news is overwhelming, check out this youtube video from actor John Krasinski - SGN (some good news).
 May we all express our gratitude to those essential workers who risk exposure to the virus - docs, nurses, housekeeping staff, truck drivers, grocery store workers, police, fire fighters, EMTs, and more! And heartfelt thanks to all of you for reaching out to help our community's most vulnerable people! It's an honor to be in the midst of heroes! 

Ella Roush
Coordinator

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