Keeping Each Other Safe

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 07/27/2020 08:45 AM EDT

JULY 2020

We hope that you and your family are safe, and you continue to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your community. In this newsletter, we have compiled information and resources about how to access different services and resources. Be sure to also check out the official District of Columbia Government Coronavirus website for updates and DC resources.

These past months have demonstrated the need for systems that are sustainable and reliable for District residents. We have been intentional about continuing to implement processes to make DC the greenest, healthiest, most livable city through the Sustainable DC 2.0 Plan. We have also continued to learn from residents, partners, and other agencies on how they are creating systems for change. One is the DC Mutual Aid Network, a coalition of DC residents working together to meet each other’s needs. We are also learning from the communities that are rising in peaceful protests to demand justice for individuals like #GeorgeFloyd and #BreonnaTaylor, and remain committed to uplifting the Black members of our community.

HOW TO ACCESS FOOD

DC RESOURCES: The District Government has many resources available to ensure everyone in our city has enough healthy food to eat. See the Food tab on the DC Coronavirus website for information on available food resources across the District.

PRODUCE PLUS DIRECT: Produce Plus Direct, a partnership between DC Health and DC Greens, provides locally grown, fresh produce to residents in areas with limited access to fresh, healthy food. The program began on July 14 and will run through September 30, 2020. Some sites still have availability, including for pickup at the Ward 8 Farmers Market and the Farm at Kelly Miller. Interested residents should register as soon as possible by calling (202) 888-4834 or registering online.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Visit this map of free meal options in DC during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency at schools, nonprofits, restaurants, etc., serving free meals to kids, adults, seniors, and even hospital workers.

HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE AT HOME

REDUCE YOUR ENERGY USE: The average U.S. household spends about $2,600 a year on utility bills according to EnergyStar.gov. The DC Sustainable Energy Utility has a virtual home energy walkthrough tool to help you identify places to reduce energy usage and save money.

GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE: There are more gardens in DC than ever before and it’s not too late to plant yours now. Plant a few seeds or seedlings in a container on your balcony, by a sunny window, or in your yard if you have space. More resources on gardening:

DPR Urban Grower Webinar Course - The DPR Urban Grower Webinar Course is a FREE online course focused on teaching people all the basics of gardening, from building a home garden to cooking and preserving your harvest.

Landscape and Garden Watering Guide - DC Water and Waterwise offer tips on how to maintain a garden and landscape with minimal water use.

EPA Growing Gardens in Urban Soils - This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resource offers tips on how to minimize risks from urban soils and maximize plant health.

EARN A CERTIFICATE: The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) has officially launched its FREE Land-Grant summer virtual courses and remote certificate programs, serving residents. For information regarding the College's course listings and registration, please visit the CAUSES Virtual Learning Center.

HOW TO STAY COOL

VISIT A COOLING CENTER: If you do not have access to air conditioning, the District has cooling centers available and you can find the most convenient one with this map. If you or someone you know needs transportation, call the hyperthermia hotline at 202-399-7093. Due to COVID-19, upon entry at cooling sites, residents will be offered a mask that they will be required to wear for the entire time they are in the cooling site.

STAY HYDRATED: Hydrating yourself is the most important first step to cooling down! Keeping a reusable water bottle filled with cold water is an easy way to make sure you are drinking enough water in hot weather. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol also helps keep you hydrated.

BE AWARE OF HEAT STROKE: Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin that may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures. Get more information on extreme heat here.

GRANTS

Rock Creek Conservancy & Pepco Sustainable Communities Grant Program:

Environmental Stewardship (awards up to $10,000) Applications due July 31, 2020

Pepco will provide $75,000 in grants from $1,000 to $10,000 each to municipalities, recreational authorities, and nonprofits for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources including adaptations to accommodate social distancing needs, and environmental conservation. Projects may include the development of recreation trails, pop-up parks, the purchase of open space, planting of trees and other vegetation. Projects should align with existing resilience and land management plans, such as Sustainable DC 2.0, Maryland Climate Action Plan, and/or plans for management of protected areas.

Community Resilience (awards up to $25,000) Applications due July 31, 2020

Pepco will provide one or two grants, totaling $50,000, to support resiliency projects that demonstrate innovation in providing a safe and reliable resource for a community during a time of emergency. The program will support a range of community resiliency efforts that help prepare a community for the impacts of more severe weather. Eligible activities may include community engagement and education regarding resiliency, the purchase of energy storage, and solar installation including mobile solar units, and open space adaptations for social distancing. Projects should align with local or regional resilience or emergency planning efforts. Visit Climate Ready DC for more information on the importance of climate adaptation and DC’s resiliency planning.

Learn more about both grant opportunities and how to submit a grant request at https://bit.ly/RCC-Pepco-Sustainable-Community-Grant

JOBS

The Environmental Law Institute, two full-time positions

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is looking for a highly organized and skilled Development & Membership Associate and Manager, Education and Membership Events to help fulfill its mission of fostering innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.

For more information and to apply, please visit eli.org/employment.

New Partners Community Solar, Executive Director

New Partners Community Solar believes that the health, environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income. New Partners is also a partner in DOEE’s Solar for All program. They are looking for an Executive Director who will ensure that the benefits of green technologies and the fast-developing green economy are shared by all community residents – regardless of income.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://bit.ly/2ZqgLdH

Power Shift Network, Communications & Development Coordinator

The Power Shift Network (PSN) mobilizes the collective power of young people to mitigate climate change and create a just, clean energy future and resilient, thriving communities for all. PSN’s new Development and Communications Coordinator will bring a keen sense of storytelling to many aspects of PSN’s work, from amplifying their network member’s campaigns, crafting fundraising campaigns and shaping their recruitment messaging for their annual convergence.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://bit.ly/2WdmLEy

Consumer Reports, Sustainability Director

Consumer Reports works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. The Sustainability Director will provide the vision, leadership, development, and coordination of strategies to influence demand, supply and policy to achieve Consumer Reports’ sustainability goals.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://bit.ly/3j01dVS

VOLUNTEER

Ward 8 Woods

Every first Saturday of the month, 10:30 am to 1:00 pm

Ft. Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie Street SE, WDC 20020

Ward 8 Woods volunteer days will resume in July. To allow for social distancing at the worksites, participation in each event is limited to 10 people. Ward 8 Woods engages residents in removing trash and cutting invasive vines. If you like to be physically active, spend time in nature, and immediately see the results of your work, you might enjoy working with them. For additional volunteer information, contact Nathan at nathan@Ward8Woods.org or click here.

Potomac Conservancy

All summer long

The Potomac Conservancy is planning a full lineup of small, safe events for the fall, to be led by their staff and new team of Volunteer Leaders. If you want to get started making a huge impact for our parks and waters right away, learn all about joining their Volunteer Leadership Team. They will be training volunteers all summer long. For additional volunteer information, click here.

We Are Family DC

Saturdays, 9:45 am to 12:30 pm

Multiple Locations

Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, We Are Family has revamped their grocery delivery processes to protect the health and safety of seniors and volunteers. For the grocery deliveries, they are staggering volunteer food pick-ups to maintain safe distancing. Sign up for a volunteer shift and help deliver much-needed resources to seniors. For additional volunteer information, click here.

DC Mutual Aid

Opportunities 24/7

All 8 Wards

COVID-19 has sparked a community-led support system called the DC Mutual Aid network in all 8 Wards. The goal is to create community systems that will foster relationships between community members to help one another. From distributing resources to lending someone tools, there are a variety of ways to help. Click here to check out their Facebook page for updates on how you can support in your neighborhood.

EVENTS

Tenants Rights Tuesdays at DC Public Library (Virtually)

Every Tuesday until August 4, 12:00 pm

Virtual Event

Are you worried about your housing situation? Wondering what will happen after the public health emergency? Are you confused about what your landlord can and cannot do? Attorneys from Neighborhood Legal Services Program will provide you with information about your rights as a tenant all the time and during the public health emergency. They will also discuss what is happening at landlord tenant court during this time. To learn more and register, click here.