How to get the help you need during covid19
Stimulus check
This application will give you information about:
- Your payment status
- Your payment type
- Whether the IRS needs more information from you, including bank account information
unemployment
Below is the link to create an account for unemployment and to complete a short application.
https://milogin.michigan.gov/uisecure/selfservice/anonymous/register
You can also contact our Social Worker: Angel Wallace at [email protected].
Below is the link to the Bartender Emergency Assistance Application:
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap
https://milogin.michigan.gov/uisecure/selfservice/anonymous/register
You can also contact our Social Worker: Angel Wallace at [email protected].
Below is the link to the Bartender Emergency Assistance Application:
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap
FOOD DISTRIBUTION UPDATES:
Pandemic EBT:
Families with children who received free, reduced-cost lunches at school qualify for new program. - there are a few resources available to help families navigate this new benefit
The attached flyer (English, Arabic, & Spanish), provides an overview on how families will receive this new benefit.
Families with children who received free, reduced-cost lunches at school qualify for new program. - there are a few resources available to help families navigate this new benefit
The attached flyer (English, Arabic, & Spanish), provides an overview on how families will receive this new benefit.
- Pandemic EBT English Flyer
- Pandemic EBT Arabic Flyer
- Pandemic EBT Spanish Flyer
- Kent County Food Access Map:Visit https://helpkent.org/ for an interactive map of food access organizations.
- The YMCA has added an additional distribution site at the Hispanic Center of West Michigan. (See attached flyer in English & Spanish)
- The YMCA has added two additional distribution sites at Oriole Park Elementary and Railtown Brewing (Dutton Elementary). (Attached is the flyer in English & Spanish)
- Beginning Monday, April 6, Buist Community Assistance Center will be moving their food pick up to an off-site warehouse (870 74th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315). Hours will be: Monday 2:00–5:30 PM, Wednesday 12:00-4:00 PM, 2nd Saturday of the Month 9:00–11:30 AM. BCAC's drive thru/curbside service tomorrow (Wednesday) from 10am-2pm will be at their current location (8306 Byron Center Ave SW, Byron Center MI 49315).
- SECOM's pantry hours have changed, going into effect on 3/30. Neighbors should wait in their car or at the bottom of the steps and call 616-452-7684. Food will be packed and placed outside the front door
- Mondays and Tuesdays 9:30am-3:45pm
- Fridays 9:30am-11:45am
|
|
|
|
|
Asian Community OUtreach:
|
|
BENEFIT CHANGES:
- SER (State Emergency Relief) Policy Changes: Effective Monday, March 30, 2020 the following SER changes will be in effect.
- A phone interview is no longer required: In instances where changes are reported or there are discrepancies that must be resolved, the worker may choose to complete an interview.
- Suspension of one-time energy assists: SER energy services will no longer be limited to one payment for the remainder of the fiscal year however, the service caps will remain the same:
- $1200 for propane and fuel oil
- $850 for all other energy types
- The non-cash asset limit will be increased to $15,000 (except burial when the deceased is the only group member).
- Elimination of the shortfall determination: DHHS will not be making a shortfall determination for any month for energy or utility services until further notice. The required payment amount for electricity, heat, water and sewer services is $0.
SNAP Benefit Changes
|
|
Help kent county
Households experiencing an increased financial hardship who meet the criteria below are eligible for $500 cash. Folks can contact [email protected] to get connected!
- Live in Kent County, MI and are 18 years or older and are head of household or main income earner(not intended for traditional college students or similar)
- Laid off or have experienced at least a 50% reduction in work hours since March 1, 2020
- Previously employed or employed by a small business (local operation with less than 250 employees)
- 2019 household income was less than or equal to $50K
grps distance learning
- Important Information / Start Date for GRPS Distance Learning Newsletter
- Download the GRPS Distance Learning Plan One-Pager
- There will be a soft launch on 4/23with an official start date of 4/27.
- Free internet is available for 2 months is available from Comcast, AT&T, and Spectrum Charter internet assist. More information can be found at: https://www.grps.org/coronavirus#internet-resources
- Families can borrow needed technology from the district if needed.
internet access resources
families
- H.O.P.E. Gardens: They are providing an online resource for children including downloadable activities as well as Youtube videos for kids and families on gardening. Visitwww.hopegardensgr.org to find the Youtube channel on our blog post and will be uploading PDF's this weekend.
- The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is also posting children's activities daily on our Facebook page if anyone else wants to share with families who are feeling cooped up. Resources:www.grcm.org/playathome, Facebook feed: https://www.facebook.com/playatgrcm, All resources are in both Spanish and English
consumers energy - covid19 response
https://www.consumersenergy.com/company/media/news-and-information/emergency-response
- Suspending shutoffs for non-pay for low-income and senior customers beginning March 16, 2020 through April 30, 2020.*
- Senior citizens and qualified low-income customers already enrolled in our Winter Protection Program have already had their end dates extended through May 3, 2020, without any additional actions required on their part.
- Consumers' encourages any customer who needs help paying their energy bill to call to discuss their assistance options. Residential customers can call 1-800-477-5050 and business customers can call 1-800-805-0490.
dte energy - covid19 response
https://www.consumersenergy.com/company/media/news-and-information/emergency-response
- Has suspended non-payment shutoffs for customers meeting income criteria, effective until April 30, 2020. This timing could be extended depending on the impact the virus has on our communities.
- Shutoff protection for customers enrolled in our Senior Winter Protection Program has been extended through May 3, 2020without additional actions required on their part. Customers of record who are 62 and older are automatically included in the Winter Protection Program.
- Customer representatives are available to help. Contact us at 800.477.4747.
Seeds/Plants:
- Kent County residents can order seeds over the phone from the KDL Seed Library at (616) 784-2007
- Stay tuned on the Farmer's Market page for information on seeds and plants for sale as well. https://www.fultonstreetmarket.org
Federal resources
- Pentagon Federal Credit Union: The Military Heroes Fund emergency financial assistance program offers financial assistance for wounded, ill, and injured post 9-11 combat veterans who are experiencing an unexpected short term (1- 3 months) financial setback. The grant amount cannot exceed the equivalent of three months of delinquent payment. The Foundation can only support one emergency financial request per household. https://penfedfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/emergency-financial-assistance/?content=on
- COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults: This CDC page provides guidance and resources for older adults.
- Federal CARES Act and Eviction Moratorium Coverage: The federal CARES Act covers some eviction moratorium coverage through the summer. It covers properties that have federal subsidies or "federally related mortgages." This second category has the capacity to cover a significant number of properties, but many don't know if they are covered. To that end, the Michigan Supreme Court issued information, guidance, and a new mandatory court form for the district courts to use to help determine if those properties are covered by the CARES Act. Additionally, the CARES Act only applies to evictions for non-payment of rent, not other evictions. The link to the press release (which then looks to the other materials) is here. Many landlords, especially the landlords who are renting single family residence may have no idea if they have a federally related mortgage (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac in particular) because the way the secondary market works for mortgages for 1-4 units many folks have no idea if their mortgage is actually a Fannie/Freddie because Fannie/Freddie don't do any of their own servicing. So landlords may think "well I pay Fifth Third so it's not a Fannie/Freddie" and be wrong if they don't take the affirmative step to look at the websites to look up their loans. To look up smaller units, you usually need the owner's Social Security Number which tenants wouldn't have. The website with the links to look up loans is here: https://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/get-answers/Pages/get-answers-find-out-mortgage.aspx
- If you hear reports of tenants are being locked out or evicted in violation of these orders, please have them call Legal Aid. While staff are not physically in the office, they are taking phone calls and can get tenants quickly connected to legal assistance. More information is available at: https://lawestmi.org/covid-19