Updates

March 20, 2020 | Update

Coronavirus Update: 3/20

Telephone Town Hall

Next Wednesday, March 25, I'll be hosting a Telephone Town Hall, discussing updates and answering any questions you may have about Council's emergency legislation in response to COVID-19. Register by March 24th to join the call.

 

 

I’ll continue to find ways to keep in touch while practicing social-distancing. Social-distancing is one of the very few ways that we are able to control and prevent the spread of the virus, so I can’t express how important it is that we continue to avoid close contact with others. Channel your introverted side for just a little longer!

 

 

Government Assistance

In my last update, I shared with you an emergency bill that Council passed in response to COVID-19. Since then, our agencies have started implementing some of those relief efforts. We want as many people to have these resources as possible, so please share this information with your networks. As a reminder, this a quickly evolving situation, so keep checking coronavirus@dc.gov for the latest updates, news, and resources.

 

Unemployment

Here’s a quick explainer on unemployment benefits - 

 

Thanks to At-Large Councilmember Elissa Silverman’s Office & the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development for condensing this information for constituents!

Some users have had difficulties accessing the UI application on mobile -- if possible, we recommend using a laptop or desktop.

 

Small Businesses

SBA Loan

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. DC businesses can start applying now. More information: Apply Online & What You’ll Need To Apply.

Alcohol Delivery

ABC-licensed restaurants and taverns are able to sell beer, wine, and spirits for carry-out and/or delivery to DC residences. A food item must be sold. We hope this will help bars and restaurants keep business in the interim. Eligible restaurants must register with ABRA first. Register here.

Food Access

 

Students

Schools continue to provide meals for all students. The locations are updated frequently, so here’s the link to check for your nearest location.

  • Uber is partnering with the City to offer a 25% discount (up to $10) for trips taken to or from thepickup locationsstarting March 16 and ending March 31. The code will be available for use Monday - Friday during meal service times for any UberX or UberXL. To use it, enter the promo code “DCPS2020” in the Payment section of the Uber app.

Seniors

There’s been change in how DC Government will provide meals to our seniors. Beginning March 23, 2020, all meal sites will be converted to home delivery for current participants. This will allow for seniors to receive a week’s worth of meals, rather than going out to pick up meals from meal sites. 

If you or someone you know is 60+ years old and needs a meal, please call (202) 724-5626, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. 

Also, Grocery Stores are setting select shopping hours for seniors:

  • Giant: 6am-7am, daily (starting Friday)
  • Safeway: 7am-9am on Tuesday & Thursday
  • Target: 8am-9am, daily
  • Whole Foods: 7am-8am, daily 

Additional Food Resources can be found at: DC Food Project

 

Additional Resources

Volunteer

If you’re interested in volunteering, some of our Ward 1 residents have created a mutual aid group to help each other out. Register here

 

Mental Health Support

I know that this outbreak is causing some tough changes for many. Stress and anxiety are perfectly normal. Here are a few resources that may help out: 

  • Self-care: Check out this helpful guide from Moms Demand Action to help you create a self-care plan.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you're struggling, you can reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: Any victims and survivors who need support, please call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224. If you're unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. 

You can also check out this Washington City Paper article for more tips and suggestions: Local Resources Help People Deal with Stress & Anxiety

 

Don’t Forget!

The 2020 Census is happening! Now more than ever, it is important that every single person is counted. The census count determines where billions of dollars in federal funding go to – schools, infrastructure, hospitals. You can respond to the census by phone, online, or mail. More information is available at 2020 census.