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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 4/21/2020 - Memorandum From Lindsay Ex And Leo Escalante Re: Accessibility And Referrals To United Way Lists Of Resources During Covid-19222 Laporte Ave Fort Collins, CO 80521 970.221.6595 Social Sustainability MEMORANDUM DATE: April 14, 2020 TO: Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager Jeff Mihelich, Deputy City Manager Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager Jacqueline Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer Beth Sowder, Social Sustainability Director Amanda King, Communications & Public Involvement Director FROM: Lindsay Ex, Environmental Services Senior Manager Leo Escalante, Public Engagement Specialist RE: Accessibility and Referrals to United Way Lists of Resources During COVID-19 The purpose of this memo is to respond to a request at the April 7, 2020 Council Meeting to provide information to City Council regarding how the City is partnering with United Way and providing referrals to various information and sources for meeting community need. Due to the impact of COVID-19 in our community, City staff formed a working group to support our vulnerable and susceptible community members. As part of these efforts, staff has collaborated with United Way and other local partners to create lists of resources housed on the United Way website. Additionally, to ensure community members have access to this information, staff have taken the following actions: Dissemination of Information in the Community City staff is working closely with other departments and community partners to coordinate and ensure the information included in the United Way resource lists is shared widely. Staff has used the following communication channels to disseminate the information with the community:  City’s COVID-19 resource and information webpage (fcgov.com/coronavirus)  City’s COVID-19 newsletter – community members can sign up at website above.  City staff email signature addition Collaboration among partner agencies is taking place through weekly meetings organized by a community working group in which City staff is participating. In these meetings, participating agencies share information regarding newly available community services and resources, recently identified community needs, and organizational opportunities to share information city- wide through partner agencies' respective communication channels, such as videos, virtual meetings, virtual town halls, and word of mouth. Ensuring Accessibility and Comprehensiveness of Resource Information To ensure the United Way website is as comprehensive as possible, the working group reviewed the website, identified gaps in information, and then created an internal electronic form to capture and centralize resource information. The information is then shared with United Way, who makes sure it is added to the respective resource list. In addition, to ensure this information is accessible to our Spanish speaking families, staff has been working with community partners to translate each of the resource lists into Spanish and share them with community members. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99C3B042-7BE0-4D83-87C3-83BD092E4ED4 222 Laporte Ave Fort Collins, CO 80521 970.221.6595 Social Sustainability Clarifying City’s Role To better understand the City’s role in the many community and social support resources being developed during this time, staff created an internal tracking document that highlights key community needs and how the City is supporting these efforts (see attachment). The City is updating this document on a weekly basis, given the rapidly evolving situation and as we continue to learn about more resources available. In addition to these online resources, staff is also coordinating on a press release to share these resources in local newspapers and coordinating across departments to hand deliver fliers with critical information to our community’s most vulnerable, with an emphasis on Seniors and others that may be without internet access. Attachment: Social Community Issues and Resources – City Tracking Document DocuSign Envelope ID: 99C3B042-7BE0-4D83-87C3-83BD092E4ED4 1 Last Updated April 15, 2020 Social Community Issues and Resources This resource is updated weekly. For the most up-to-date information, please see: United Way uwaylc.org City of Fort Collins fcgov.com/coronavirus Larimer County larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19 City & Community Engagement, complete list of City engagement is under development Resource Webpage City Role Social Media (general, Recreation, Utilities, Natural Areas, Connexion) https://www.facebook.com/fortcollinsgov/ https://www.facebook.com/FCRecreator/ https://www.facebook.com/fcutilities/ https://www.facebook.com/FCNaturalAreas/ https://twitter.com/fortcollinsgov https://twitter.com/FCUtilities https://twitter.com/ConnexionFC Lead Reddit Coloradoan/City Leadership Community Q&A https://www.reddit.com/r/FortCollins/comments/fxb cv4/hi_the_coloradoan_is_here_with_fort_collins_city Collaboration Community Surveys City Survey – business and nonprofit survey; 625 NoCo responses to date; no close date set Downtown Colorado Inc – Business, Nonprofit, URA, and DDA, etc. surveys - closes April 20 Existing Partners Survey – to understand needs of existing CDBG-funded partners (17/34 have responded) Lead Informed Lead Direct Community Outreach In development: Direct mail/flyers to share community programs and UWLC info with vulnerable community members, in next two weeks Lead Websites & Resources for Businesses (see sites above too) NoCoRecovers.com (One Stop Shop for Businesses) fcgov.com/business (Business Newsletters & Info) Partner Lead Language and Accessibility Resources https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable- disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-printable-resources- additional-information https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.psdschools.org/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Response/FAQ https://citydocs.fcgov.com/?cmd=convert&vid=218&docid=344775 1&dt=MAIL+PACKET Translation Support and Overall Partner United Way Resources & Larimer County printable resources available in Spanish, CDC webpage available in Spanish and other languages. United Way resources also available in Spanish; 211 offers interpretation in multiple languages. City looking to provide Spanish language COVID updates concurrent to English. Poudre River Library District to begin weekly videos in Spanish Poudre School District is providing written materials in Spanish Chinese Korean and in Arabic. In addition, they are making Robo calls to Family’s that speak Spanish and Arabic that may not have Internet access to provide verbal guidance on COVID response. Memo 2 Last Updated April 15, 2020 Utilities Assistance Resource Webpage City Role City of Fort Collins Utilities https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/covid-19 Lead Will not disconnect services for nonpayment. Payment arrangements available. Utilities Customer Service (970-212-2900) Energy Outreach Colorado https://www.energyoutreach.org/ Partner, funding Utilities payment assistance. Call Catholic Charities (970-484-5010), La Familia (970-221-1615) or Discover Goodwill (1-888-775- 5327) for assistance. Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) https://www.discovermygoodwill.org/services/leap/ None (led by State of Colorado Dept of Human Services) LEAP Deadline extended and applications will be processed as long as funds are available. Call 1-866-432-4835 for information. Housing Assistance, mortgage support may be available directly from lenders Resource Webpage City Role Neighbor to Neighbor https://www.n2n.org/ Funding Emergency rent assistance or first month’s rent assistance call 970-488-2383. Social Sustainability Department conducting weekly check-ins with N2N to assess evolving needs. Housing Catalyst https://housingcatalyst.com/covid-19-our- commitment-to-our-community/ Quasi-government Residents may contact their property manager with issues related to COVID-19. Information for residents available on website. Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium https://www.nhlp.org/our-initiatives/cares-act- eviction-moratorium-summary/ Analyzing for local application and fund access Food Access, additional resources available at https://uwaylc.org/ Resource Webpage City Role Food Bank https://foodbanklarimer.org/ Regular funding support, actively monitor Drive-up model; receive box of pre-selected food. Walk up line available for those on foot or using public transit. Poudre School District https://www.psdschools.org/FreeMeals- SchoolClosures None Lunches available for pickup; PSD also plans to deliver meals to select mobile home communities. Meals on Wheels https://www.mealsonwheelsfc.org/ Regular funding support Delivers meals to home-bound seniors. Serve 6.8 https://serve68.org/coronavirus/ None Providing food and hygiene products Monday-Saturday, hours vary by location. Volunteers of America, Northern Colorado Branch https://www.voacolorado.org/gethelp-northernco- mow Regular funding support Delivers meals to home-bound seniors. SNAP (USDA) https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental- nutrition-assistance-program None Has temporarily waived all verifications and is automatically issuing the highest amount. Call Larimer County Department of Human Services at 970-498-6300 or apply online on Colorado PEAK (https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/). Salvation Army https://fortcollins.salvationarmy.org/ None The Salvation Army has a drive-up/walk-up window to provide breakfast, lunch and food baskets. The meals are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the location at 3901 S. Mason St. Childcare, additional family resources available at https://uwaylc.org/ Resource Webpage City Role Boys and Girls Clubs https://www.begreatlarimer.org/family-resources/ Regular funding support, additional emergency funding Childcare for healthcare staff and first responders with youth between the ages of 5 and 13 years old. City’s Human Resources 3 Last Updated April 15, 2020 Mental & Physical Health, additional resources available at https://uwaylc.org/ Resource Webpage City Role Larimer County, The Ranch site collaboration Larimer County Press Release None The Ranch is being established as alternative care site (ACS) for the northern Colorado region to handle overflow COVID-19 care and treatment as needed. Connect for Health Colorado connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help None Emergency Open Enrollment for those needing health insurance, through April 30, 2020. SummitStone Health Partners www.summitstonehealth.org/ Regular funding support Crisis Services remain open for Behavioral Health Urgent Care, Mobile Response and Crisis Stabilization. Crisis Line 970-494-4200 ext. 4 or text TALK to 38255 to receive mental health crisis support. Health District of Northern Larimer County, Mental Health Support www.healthdistrict.org/news/phone-resource-covid- mental-health-support Regular funding support Phone resource for Larimer County residents needing behavioral health support as a result of the COVID-19 situation. People experiencing anxiety, stress, or other mental health concerns can call 970-221-5551. Health District of Northern Larimer County www.healthdistrict.org/news/health-insurance- enrollment-assistance-offered None Insurance Enrollment: Free health coverage enrollment assistance to Larimer County residents who have lost their health insurance or have a change in household income due to loss of employment. Larimer County Behavioral Health Services www.larimer.org/behavioralhealth None Access to behavioral health resources; crisis line: 888-493-8255 or text 38255 Aging Clinic of the Rockies https://psychology.colostate.edu/acor/ None Transitioning to telehealth phone- and video-based therapy. Peer counseling program (for older adults) is a gap right now as peers are older adults. Looking at grant for technology to connect people. Counselors on hold. Employment, additional resources available at https://www.fcgov.com/business/ and https://uwaylc.org/ Resource Webpage City Role Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development https://www.larimer.org/ewd None Job search consultation appointments via telephone. Includes resume assistance, resume reviews, cover letter guidance, interview strategies, job search strategies, access to the daily jobs list, and access to tools for self-guided career exploration. Work in Northern Colorado workinnortherncolorado.com Partner Talent initiative & information hub for professionals and families. Partnership with Fort Collins Chamber and Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development. Language, Cultural, and Immigrant Resources Language Resources https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable- disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-printable-resources- additional-information https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.psdschools.org/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Response/FAQ Translation Larimer County printable resources available in Spanish, CDC webpage available in Spanish and other languages. United Way resources also available in Spanish; 211 offers interpretation in multiple languages. City looking to provide Spanish language COVID updates concurrent to English. Poudre River Library District to begin weekly videos in Spanish (City Contact: Leo Escalante). PSD is providing written materials in Spanish Chinese Korean and in Arabic. In addition, they are making Robo calls to Family’s that speak Spanish and Arabic that may not have Internet access to provide verbal guidance on COVID response. Fuerza Latina http://fccan.org/affiliates/fuerza-latina/ None Resource for immigrants who have questions on citizenship process updates, detainment hearings, and more. Asian/Pacific American Cultural 4 Last Updated April 15, 2020 Seniors and Medically Vulnerable Resource Webpage City Role Adopt a Neighbor https://www.fcgov.com/neighborhoodservices/adopt Coordination Fort Collins and the surrounding Growth Management Area who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and need assistance with daily tasks will be paired with a volunteer. A Little Help https://www.alittlehelp.org/ Regular funding support Volunteers will help with critical needs including trips to groceries, pharmacies, and medical facilities. Special Shopping Hours (groceries and other) https://senioraccesslarimer.colostate.edu/senior-shopping- hours/?fbclid=IwAR1UV9Yjqfi0YdZheckONY- JTT8h1CrVRfcTvBFs915m_RPy9PGifukUJHs None Safeway, King Soopers, Target, Lucky’s Market, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Natural Grocers, Big Lots, Walmart, Walgreens (55+), & Staples have designated hours for older adults (most are 60+), pregnant women & those with compromised immune conditions. Larimer County Extension & Senior Access Points https://senioraccesslarimer.colostate.edu/ None Available for older adults and caregivers with updated information on local supports and resources. Extension supports the community through research-based resources and communications. Partnership for Age Friendly Communities https://www.pafclarimer.org/ None Volunteer teams incubate and launch projects in four areas: Health & Wellness, Housing, Transportation, Culture of Aging. Volunteers of America https://www.voacolorado.org/ Regular funding support VOA has put a hold on handyman, caregiver and RSVP programs. Continuing Meals on Wheels but not taking new clients. Larimer VOA is a coalition of nongovernmental entities to collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate before, during and after an event. Internet Resources, additional resources available at https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-pai-launches-keep-americans- connected-pledge Resource Webpage City Role March 13th, 2020: Given the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society, Century Link, Comcast, Frontier, Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular, T-Mobile and AT&T pledges for the next 60 days to: (1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; (2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and (3) open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them. Connexion https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/covid-19 Lead Following the same protocol as Utilities – will not disconnect services to customers for nonpayment until further notice. Working with PSD to deploy wi-fi service to manufactured home communities; anticipated to begin work week of April 13. Comcast -Xfinity https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19 None Comcast pledges Xfinity Hotspots free for everyone. Pausing data Plans (60 days). No disconnects or late fees (creation of payment options). Internet essentials free to low-income NEW CUSTOMERS ($9.95/month for existing customers). Frontier https://frontier.com/resources/covid-19 None No data caps. Verizon Wireless https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/covid-19- faqs/#bill None Through May 13, 2020, will not charge late fees or terminate service. US Cellular https://www.uscellular.com/covid-19 None From now until the end of May, no additional charges for overages. Sprint https://www.sprint.com/en/landings/covid-19.html None Unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans. 20 GB of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable devices. Waiving per-minute charges for international long-distance calls from U.S. to CDC-defined Level 3 countries. T-Mobile t-mobile.com/brand/ongoing-updates-covid-19#customers None All current T-Mobile customers on plans that have data are provided the unlimited connectivity they need to learn and work. AT&T https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html None Waiving late payment fees for wireless or broadband small business customers. Domestic wireless plan overage charges for data, voice, or text for small business wireless customers. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99C3B042-7BE0-4D83-87C3-83BD092E4ED4 Center https://apacc.colostate.edu/ None Resources for people struggling with issues related to COVID-19, including offering support with racially biased incident and ways to connect in times of isolation and support for those whose families have been impacted abroad. La Cocina https://www.lacocinahome.org/ None Serving mental health needs of Latinx immigrants and refugees via Teletherapy and online Spanish-language services. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99C3B042-7BE0-4D83-87C3-83BD092E4ED4 Department coftc.sharepoint.com/sites/HRConnect/Childcare/For ms/AllItems.aspx; HR SharePoint site live on 4/17 Coordination & identification of childcare needs for City staff Developing childcare resources and support options for working caregivers and City employees providing essential services. Early Childhood Council for Larimer County (ECCLC) https://ecclc.org/covid-19-resources/ https://forms.gle/LHgG638mUJSufwbH9 Actively monitor, offer support as needed, regular funding support Making referrals for community workforce to available licensed spots; surveying PSD families. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99C3B042-7BE0-4D83-87C3-83BD092E4ED4 provided to Council that outlines how City resources are accessible to those with vision or hearing disabilities. Town hall in Spanish Thursday, April 23 at 4:00 pm (more information coming in the next week). Homelessness Resource Webpage City Role Northside Aztlan Shelter: Catholic Charities, Fort Collins Rescue Mission, Murphy Center & Health District collaboration Original Press Release fcgov.com/news/?id=7695 Outdoor Shelter Press Release fcgov.com/news/?id=7719 Funding, coordination, regular meetings, actively monitor Daytime and overnight shelter indoors, and designated outdoor shelter, for those experiencing homelessness will remain in place until stay at home order is lifted. Operated by Murphy Center and Catholic Charities. Women Overnight Shelter at Fort Collins Rescue Mission and Community of Christ. Meals will be served at NACC three times/day. West Myrtle Site N/A Funding, regulatory relief Still to be opened – will provide daytime and overnight shelter indoors for those experiencing symptoms or who test positive but do not need hospitalization. Operated by Murphy Center in partnership with Health District. Volunteers of America N/A None Temporarily housing asymptomatic Veterans experiencing homelessness who are 60 and older in a hotel for up to 45 days due to increased vulnerability from COVID-19. Contact Laura Meusch, 970-391-9925, lmeusch@voacolorado.org. Family Housing Network http://www.faithfamilyhospitality.org/ Funding, Rents City Building Families are being sheltered at Foothills Unitarian during the COVID-19 crisis. Volunteers can sign up for shifts to support. DocuSign Envelope ID: 99C3B042-7BE0-4D83-87C3-83BD092E4ED4