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Coronavirus Update: Donations for The Brooks, Small Business Loans, & Animal Resources
Dear Neighbors,
This has been a troubling week in the District's efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus. Not only have we experienced a new peak in the number of lives lost to coronavirus in a single day with 19 deaths reported on Wednesday, but today's influx of 335 new positive cases marks the single highest number of new cases that the District has experienced. So far, there has not been a specific explanation as to why we've seen this increase. It could be due to additional testing, hot spots, or wider community spread. Nevertheless, the trends we see in the local data underscore the need for everyone to stringently adhere to mask wearing while in public, maintaining a 6 foot distance from those outside your household, and to only venture from your residence for essential activities.
Over the past week, many have reported to me (and I have witnessed myself) an increasingly lax approach to social distancing by residents who are exercising, shopping, or enjoying outdoor spaces such as Rock Creek Park. I understand why residents may feel isolated and fatigued by the stringent social distancing protocols, but these guidelines save lives. We all have a role to play in helping to reduce exposure and limit the community spread of coronavirus, so please stay vigilant and help share this life-saving messaging from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Regards,
Mary
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Donation Opportunities for The Brooks, La Casa, & the Days Inn |
Pictured Above: (Left) The Ward 3 Democrats dropping off over 1,000 children's books to the The Brooks. Thank you to Ward 3 resident John Healey for organizing the effort, to the local businesses who contributed, and to all those who donated! (Center) Welcoming baskets arrive from the Friends & Neighbors of The Brooks group. (Right) Donated items from from Friendship Place's online wish list.
Donations for The Brooks - Since the opening of The Brooks earlier this week, numerous residents have reached out to my office asking how they may donate supplies, food, toys, games, clothing, and additional items for the families and children experiencing homelessness who have joined our community in this short-term family shelter. If you have items to donate, please reach out to Chris Rutledge at [email protected].
Donations for La Casa - Friendship Place is in need of critical pantry items for their La Casa residence for highly vulnerable adult men. For details on how to donate, please reach out to [email protected].
Donations for the Days Inn- For those looking to donate meals/food, books, masks, or other items to the staff and residents quarantining at the Days Inn, please reach out to Scott Sibley at [email protected] for information on donations and volunteering.
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Expanded Small Business Loans
Attention DC Small Businesses - The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) has expanded two programs adding $310B to the Paycheck Protection Program and $60B to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Grant.
To learn how to apply visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business.
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Wildlife & Pet Resources during COVID-19 |
City Wildlife - During the coronavirus emergency, City Wildlife is only able to accept sick, injured, or orphaned animals through Humane Rescue Alliance's animal control unit. Residents will not be permitted to drop off animals directly to the rescue center.
If a resident comes across wildlife in need, please call 202-576-6664 (24/7) for help.
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Humane Rescue Alliance - The Humane Rescue Alliance's Pet Pantry is operating (with social distancing protocols) during the coronavirus public health emergency. The Pet Pantry provides free pet food to those in need and is intended to both supplement the pet's monthly food needs and reduce the financial burden associated with pet care.
The Humane Rescue Alliance will be distributing food on:
May 2, May 12, May 15, May 16, & May 29
Visit Humane Rescue Alliance-Pet Pantry for more information, including the alternating times and locations of the Pet Pantry!
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ReOpen DC Community Surveys
General ReOpen DC Survey - Residents are encouraged to share reopening ideas and input with the ReOpen DC Advisory Group. The ReOpen DC Advisory Group assess community feedback in addition to providing recommendations, expert advice, and guideline proposals for specific industry and government sectors: General Survey.
Committee-Specific ReOpen DC Survey - This survey poses a few general questions and allows residents to share any sector-specific ideas, concerns, or specific feedback to the ReOpen DC Committees: Committee Survey.
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Open this Saturday! - The UDC Van Ness Farmer's Market is reopening this Saturday at a new location: right in front of the UDC Student Center at 4200 Connecticut Avenue. There will be physical distancing and new safety measures in place, including requirements for vendors and shoppers.
To safely access the market, residents must:
- Wear a mask
- Maintain social distancing (6' distance)
- Shop alone (no companions, including pets)
- Stay home if feeling ill
- Enter the one way shopping queue at the only entrance
- Exit the one way shopping queue at the only exit
Food waste drop-off will also resume at the market!
For more on the market's new safety protocols, please see: The Forest Hills Connection.
In Case You Missed It - It was announced earlier this week that the farmer's markets new coronavirus rules/regulations have been updated to permit vendors to sell flowers at the markets!
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Big News:
The Washington Post - "...the city has reached an agreement with the operators of George Washington University Hospital to manage a new hospital for acute-care and specialized services in Southeast Washington scheduled to open fall 2024.
The $375 million deal, which must be approved by the D.C. Council, would also include new urgent care clinics east of the Anacostia River, an area home to some of the District’s poorest and sickest residents."
Read the Full Story
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Now Hiring: Contact Trace Force |
Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
Wilson Students Celebrated by C-SPAN
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Our Office is Open!
Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.
You may continue to email the office directly or reach us via phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.
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