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 September 14, 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.

Google has also created a one-stop resource landing page linking to Coronavirus information including updated stats, health and testing info, and mental health support guidance.

This helpful article discusses the potential timelines and decisions that could take place around another COVID relief stimulus package, and whether or not the package might pass before the general election.

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.
• The CDC has also provided a complete list and description of Coronavirus symptoms, including a Self Checker chat which helps you decide whether you need to seek testing or medical care.
• 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.
• These Printable Posters with hygiene and health reminders are helpful to post around the home or community to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

FOOD

• Read more about the USDA and other food programs that are easing regulations and making adjustments due to the coronavirus.
• On August 31 the USDA announced the extension of critical waivers which will allow the continued operation of Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option through December 31, 2020.
• A SNAP online pilot is happening in several states, with more being added as interested states’ plans are approved. Learn more about the pilot here.
• The Commodity Supplemental Food Program works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods.
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.
• Child Nutrition Meal Sites and resources for each state can be found here on this interactive map.
• 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)
  • Suspends work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the duration of the crisis

FAMILY

• The CDC released a School Decision-Making Tool for parents and caregivers who are making tough choices as kids go back to school.
• The Administration for Children and Families has program information for children, families, and communities.
• Read and share these important Tips to Avoid Coronavirus Scams to make sure you are your family are not taken advantage of during this difficult time.
• The USDA created this COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide with info on programs to support rural communities and individuals during the pandemic.

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.
• In response to the coronavirus pandemic, under the CARES Act the owners of single-family homes with federally-backed mortgages can get two types of financial help – Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium and Mortgage Forbearance – 
• Guidance for students, borrowers, and parents who have student loans during coronavirus.
• The CARES Act passed at the end of March allows states to extend benefits to self-employed and gig workers. *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 may be difficult to get customer support on the phone to answer questions.
• This helpful page from the Dept. of Treasury has info and resources about the CARES Act with specific info on economic impact payment.
• The Get My Payment web app is coming from the IRS, which will allow non-filers to request their stimulus payments easily.
• 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.
• The U.S. Department of Labor announced that states can provide unemployment benefits in situations of temporary unemployment related to the coronavirus.

VETERANS

• The Army Public Health Center developed a military-focused resource full of information and support around the coronavirus disease.
• 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

• A new federal eviction ban is in place for renters who have lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. The ban, ordered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), runs from September 4 through December 31, 2020.
• Learn about federal protections for renters under the CARES Act.
• The COVID-19 Home Safety Information Center has tons of great tips on staying safe both indoors and outdoors this summer with your family.
• The EPA has helpful guidance on effective disinfectants and water safety related to COVID-19.

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.