(Maryland DHCD) Community Services Connection Newsletter - COVID-19 Resources and Updates



COVID-19 Resources and Updates


Please note that starting May 1, 2020, DHCD will be sending out COVID-19 related updates on a bi-weekly basis. We will continue to update the COVID-19 resource page that can be found here.



Maryland took early, aggressive, and unprecedented actions to contain and slow the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to these efforts, and the incredible sacrifices of Marylanders who stayed home and practiced physical distancing, we have successfully flattened and lengthened the curve.
The "Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery" has been developed based on the recovery plans issued by the federal government, the National Governors Association, and premier institutions like Johns Hopkins and the American Enterprise Institute; shaped by the expert advice of the scientists and public health officials on Maryland's Coronavirus Response Team; and tailored to our situation here in Maryland. The result is a responsible, gradual, safe path forward for our state. Read the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery here

State and Regional Resources


Maryland Mortgage Program 

The Maryland Mortgage Program is continuing to accept and process loan reservations through their network of approved lenders. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact singlefamilyhousing.dhcd@maryland.gov.

National and Federal Resources

CARES Act Expanded Eligibility

The National Association for State Community Services Programs has created this one-pager providing information about the provisions in the CARES Act that allow for expanded CSBG eligibility, as well as considerations for states who are crafting policies around eligibility. 

New Funding Opportunities 


The Fund for Educational Excellence
 
The Fund for Educational Excellence (Fund) established the COVID-19 Food Stability Fund through the generous contributions of 11 local corporations. The purpose of the fund is to help ensure food stability for children, their families, and senior citizens in Baltimore City during this health crisis. 

As part of this initiative, the Fund is partnering with the City of Baltimore to deploy a portion of the COVID-19 Food Stability to Fund to community organizations who have the capacity to reach children and senior citizens in high-need neighborhoods.

With a maximum award of $15,000, applicants must be able to demonstrate a capacity to serve children and/or senior citizens in our focused geographic areas. More information can be found here

Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act includes assistance for nonprofits and funding for COVID-19 testing. The legislation includes an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, and $25 billion for COVID-19 testing which includes $11 billion to states, localities, territories, and tribal organizations. More information and guidance can be found here

Community Partner Spotlight

Carroll County Outreach Services Continue To End Homelessness and Provide Safe Care Through Covid 19 Crisis
Carroll County Outreach Services have successfully leased up 3 additional RRH Youth in just the past 3 weeks; they have worked very closely with their outreach team from Human Services Program Inc. In particular, they want to shout out Carly Long and Matt Thornton for all their hard work. To help with sanitation, they have stationed sanitation needs at their 2 largest encampments. Carly and Matt are routinely taking out fresh water, fresh food and hygiene products as well. The team has created a communication method to ensure the safety of Human Services Staff, signs were provided to each encampment that display either a green "go" meaning they can safely come into the site and everyone is feeling well or a red "stop" indicating someone is not feeling well and the possibility of COVID related illness. When this is discovered the outreach team works with the local health department to have healthcare workers disbursed to identify if any medical needs are required.

Continuing to Serve in Times of Crisis


In response to COVID-19, the Harford Community Action Agency (HCAA) has adopted new operating procedures but remains open for business and fully operational. As a result, hundreds of individuals and families across the county continue to be served each month. In March, HCAA processed 181 energy assistance applications, with 46 being for crisis situations.

In addition, HCAA's Food Pantry and Bank services have provided emergency food to more than 720 food insecure residents of Harford County. They have continued to work with other non-profit agencies through Retail Rescue with Feeding America and the Maryland Food Bank, TEFAP administration, SNAP benefit services and their food advocacy classes.


The True Meaning of Caring for your Community from United Communities Against Poverty

United Communities Against Poverty, Inc. (UCAP) are proud to share a story of a recipient, Rodger Key, of their Community that Cares! program. Mr. Key assists UCAP in driving seniors from their senior program for appointments and other needs as well as coordinated moves and picking up donations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Key has continued assisting his community despite his potential health risks due to his age. 

Please email CSConnection.dhcd@maryland.gov  if you would like us to include news or events related to your organization in our upcoming newsletter.