FR Community Cares

FR Community Residents,

We know that in these strange and uncertain times it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. We want you to know that FR is committed to standing by our residents and supporting you through the COVID-19 pandemic in any way we can.

One way we would like to support our residents is by gathering information about new government and non-profit relief programs that might help families who are struggling during this time. We will aim to send a weekly email with assistance updates since things are evolving quickly.

COVID-19 Relief and Assistance – Updated April 23, 2020

Dial 211 to receive help finding resources such as meal options, workforce offices, women’s support, etc.  specific to your location. 211 has the most up-to-date knowledge of resources available in your area.  Read more about 211 specific COVID-19 resources here.

HEALTH

• This CDC Home Checklist will help make you prepared and make good decisions about how to protect your family during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• You can use the new Coronivirus Screening Tool online if you or someone you know is experiencing potential symptoms. This will help you decide next steps and make good decisions about care.
• For those feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, read this guide to managing stress during COVID-19 from the New York Office of Mental Health, which gives lots of good tips for mental and physical health during this time.

FOOD

• Child Nutrition Meal Sites and resources for each state can be found here on this interactive map
• The USDA has enabled Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) to provide meals in a non-group setting at school sites that were closed due to the coronavirus through June 30, 2020. This means that families can pick up food from these programs and still continue social distancing. Check with your local schools to see where your nearest free child meal options are happening. Read more about meal programs here.
• Learn more about USDA’s Coronavirus response here
• The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will help provide money for the following food operations as well:- Provides $500 million in food assistance for low-income mothers with young children and pregnant women (through WIC and other programs)
  – Puts $400 million into food banks and $250 million into a senior nutrition program
  – Suspends work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the duration of the crisis

EMPLOYMENT/ FINANCES

• Benefits.gov provides a Benefit Finder to help you determine what relief or assistance programs you might be eligible for. They also provide resources specific to the coronavirus.
• The CARES Act passed at the end of March allows states to extend benefits to self-employed and gig workers. The federal law also provides an extra $600 per week for filers through July 31 2020, and an additional 13 weeks of benefits. *NOTE: The unemployment system is very overwhelmed. You can find out where to file for your state and get answers to FAQs here. Filing online is highly recommended, but it will likely be difficult to get customer support on the phone right now to answer questions.
• The government will start sending electronic stimulus payments of at least $1,200 to families as soon as April 9th. However, this will only be to people with direct deposit on file for tax purposes. People who have never signed up for direct deposit for tax refunds will receive paper checks, which will be sent starting on April 24th. *NOTE: The government is warning that some families may not receive a check for several weeks or months, even into the summer. You can calculate how much money you will receive on your stimulus check here.
• IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T FILE TAXES: The IRS launched a web-based tool where you can enter your info to make sure you receive your stimulus money faster. Learn More Here. 
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau posted a very helpful article that offers guidance on what to do if you are struggling with finance or employment as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The Families First Act also provides paid sick leave and unemployment flexibilities to those affected by the outbreak and proposes sending money to families in need. However, it does not apply to all workers in the country. Companies with 500 or more workers — which employ over half of all workers — do not have to meet the requirements. More will be announced on this in the coming days and weeks.
• The U.S. Department of Labor announced that states can provide unemployment benefits in situations of temporary unemployment related to the coronavirus. People who are quarantined and can’t go to work can also receive benefits, as can those who leave a job to care for infected family members. Qualifications will still vary by state, so search your state government’s website for details on how to qualify or call your state’s Department of Labor.
• Trump also declared a national emergency last week, which means those who lose work because of the virus may also qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. This will become more clear in the coming weeks as well.

VETERANS

• The PenFed Foundation has launched The COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program to provide financial assistance to all Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves and National Guard who are experiencing a financial setback due to the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HOUSING/HOME

• Comcast Internet Essentials, a home internet package for qualifying and low-income households, is now free for the first two months.
• President Trump declared that all evictions and foreclosures are currently suspended through the end of April. FR Community has also put a halt on any penalty and eviction procedures. We want your family to feel secure.

We hope that these updates are helpful and can provide you with some starting points for where to receive help and guidance during this difficult time. FR Community is truly dedicated to making you feel safe, secure, and at home so please feel free to reach out to us with any concerns or questions.