District 12 eNewsletter - January 13, 2021

District 12
Rick Blackwell

Councilman Rick Blackwell
601 West Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1112
Email Rick

Liz McQuillen
Legislative Aide
(502) 574-1112
Email Liz


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In this edition...


LIHEAP Crisis Phase for Utility Assistance Now Open

LiHEAP

The program that helps prevent low income residents of Jefferson County from being disconnected from utility services began on, Monday, January 4, 2021. The Low Income Home

Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. The LIHEAP Crisis Component will run from Jan. 4 - March 31, or until available funds have been expended, whichever comes first. This year’s Crisis Program will allow residents receiving a current utility bill with a past due amount and residents receiving a disconnect notice to apply for assistance.

To apply, residents must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Applicants must be a resident of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,275.00).  Applicants must also meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Received a disconnect notice from LG&E, or
  • Received a current bill with a past due amount, or
  • Have a current payment plan with LG&E due to a past-due balance, or 
  • Received an eviction notice if utilities are included in the rent, or
  • Be within four days of running out of bulk fuel; or
  • Be within ten days of running out of pre-paid electric service.

Applicants must provide copies of the following documents.

  • Proof of all household income for the preceding month (Food Stamp award letter, Social Security Award letter, pay stubs, or proof of $0 income). Note: Zero Income forms are available at the LIHEAP Drop Box locations or by clicking here.
  • Social Security card(s) or (official documentation with Social Security Numbers) or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household; and
  • Disconnect notice or a current bill with a past due amount for metered utilities; or
  • Eviction notice and copy of lease if heating expenses are included in the rent. or 
  • Statement from utility company that shows 10 days or less of service if participating in pre-paid electric service.
  • Family Profile Form and Remote Processing Form can be downloaded at louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP or found at the LIHEAP office Drop boxes. 

Individuals who are unable to apply for this program own their own may send an authorized representative to drop off required documentation their behalf with a note including the applicant’s name, address, phone number, and the name of the designated representative. Residents who are homebound and who are unable to designate a representative to drop off documentation on their behalf may call 502/780-7937.

Copies of LIHEAP documentation, along with the downloadable Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, on the day of your appointment.  Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.

There are seven LIHEAP locations with Drop Boxes for the 2021 LIHEAP Crisis program:

  • South Central Neighborhood Place located at 4255 Hazelwood Avenue, 40215
  • Neighborhood Place Ujima located at 3610 Bohne Avenue, 40211
  • Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place located at 1411 Algonquin Parkway, 40210
  • Newburg Community Center located at 4810 Exeter Avenue, 40218
  • Cane Run Neighborhood Place, located at 3410 Lees Lane, 40216
  • Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, located at 1st floor, 40211
  • East End Drop Box, located at 2927 Goose Creek Rd., 40241

All Office of Resilience and Community Services and Neighborhood Place offices remain closed for walk-in clients in an effort to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  Staff are serving clients remotely via phone, secure drop boxes and email communication.

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.  Residents may also visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP for more details.

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, visit the website’s On-line Customer Service at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro311, tweet @LouMetro311, or download the free Mobile 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

LIHEAP is made possible by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is a pass-through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which contracts with Community Action Agencies across the state. Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services serves as the administering agency of Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership. For more information about Community Services, visit our website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services or call 574-1157 (TDD available at Metro311– 574-5000); or Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.


Subscribe to Covid-19 Health Alerts Via Email

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will allow us to worship together, reopen schools, and return to work in person. Choosing to be vaccinated helps you and your loved ones stay safe. It helps our community’s most vulnerable members to be protected against this pandemic and the social isolation that comes along with it.

Until most of us can be vaccinated, wearing a mask and keeping our distance is still essential to protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities. Even as we celebrate the development of safe and effective vaccines, these safety measures - including staying home when you may be sick - remain crucial parts of our effort to eliminate this pandemic.

The federal and state government control how much vaccine is sent to local cities and counties. Right now there are limited doses in Louisville and the first priority is vaccinating healthcare workers.  As more doses of the vaccine become available, we will share that here and with the community, including where you can go to get vaccinated.

Sign up for alerts for COVID-19 vaccine information here.

Vaccine Phases

Building Fair Districts: Redistricting Event Hosted by LIBA THIS AFTERNOON!

LIBA

TODAY, January 13, 2pm-2:45pm

Register here.

It's not a very sexy topic, but it's an important part of how our democracy works. 

Join us as we hear from the Kentucky League of Women Voters (a non partisan group) about their efforts in this area. We'll also be joined by some of our area legislators, including State Senator Morgan McGarvey, Council Members Markus Winker, Nicole George, and Paula McCraney,

After each federal census, each state must redraw boundaries for their congressional and state legislative districts. Results from the 2020 census will be released sometime in 2021, and Kentucky redistricting is likely to occur late in 2021 or early 2022. 

Over recent decades, the United States has experienced increasing political polarization. In Congress and state legislatures, it has become less common for legislators to work across party lines. In elections for those bodies, it has become more common for seats to be seen as “safe” for a single party, which means there is little chance of a competitive race in the general election.

Today, there is widespread belief that redistricting allows legislators to choose their voters and maintain that polarization. A better redistricting process can help rebuild confidence in voters’ ability to make the central decisions on who will govern them. Join us as we hear more!

Wednesday, January 13, 2pm-2:45pm

Register here.


External Agency Fund Application Orientation - Thursday, January 14

Louisville Metro Government will begin accepting External Agency Fund applications on Jan. 15, 2021 for fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022). These grants, funded through the city’s General Fund, are awarded to non-governmental or "external” agencies that contribute to the city's cultural, social and economic vitality. A summary of the application process is as follows with more details listed below:

  • Starting Jan. 8, 2021, applications guidelines may be viewed for reference at http://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund
  • All agencies wishing to apply should have at least one representative attend the virtual application orientation on Thursday, Jan. 14, via WebEx from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  The orientation will provide information about deadlines, how to access the application and other general information.
  • Following the orientation, the city will begin accepting applications. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 4, by 5 p.m.

Please register for the virtual orientation here: https://tinyurl.com/FY22EAForientation

The External Agency Funds (EAF) are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations offering programs or services in Louisville/Jefferson County that align with the Mayor's strategic goals. The competitive grants are available for Social Services programs, administered by the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, and for Arts and Creative Industries programs, administered by Louisville Forward.

For the Social Services funding program, qualified nonprofits committed to providing services that achieve meaningful outcomes for Louisville citizens in the following key areas are encouraged to apply:

  • Decreasing homelessness;
  • Increasing household financial stability;
  • Increasing youth, teen, and/or young adult engagement in quality programming; and/or
  • Increasing access to services and resources for a targeted population. 

For the Arts and Creative Industries funding program, qualified nonprofits committed to providing programs that achieve meaningful outcomes for Louisville citizens in the following focus areas are encouraged to apply:

  • Arts experiences for everyone;
  • Creative workforce; and/or
  • Creative community spaces and neighborhoods.

Applications will be reviewed by separate External Agency Fund panels, which include Metro Council members and community members, and those recommendations will be included in Mayor Greg Fischer’s recommended fiscal year 2022 budget.

Louisville Metro Government employs a competitive granting strategy and strives to award funding to agencies that demonstrate measurable positive impact in the community and are good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Successful grantees will be required to report on their success in meeting goals, outcomes and how the taxpayer dollars are spent.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 4 by 5 p.m.

For more information about EAF and to access the EAF applications and guidelines, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/external-agency-fund.


LMAS Pets of the Week - Hypeman & Hammie

hypeman

Hypeman man is a mature adult who knows how to let loose. The 5-year-old Labrador Retriever/Mastiff mix is a fun-loving, gentle giant who never tires of playing fetch, his favorite game. Throw him a ball, you’ll marvel at his athletic ability and how high he can jump to catch it. His dream job would be a ball dog at Wimbledon! When not working or playing, he enjoys trying to be a lap dog and snuggling with you. Hypeman’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. His adoption includes neuter, microchip and vaccinations. Hypeman weighs 78lbs. He prefers hanging out with adults, but can be tested with other dogs or cats by request. He’s an energetic companion who needs daily exercise. To meet Hypeman, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road) from 12-6pm daily, no appointment required. 

For more info about Hypeman, send a message to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.

hammie

New year, new cat - Hammie is ready for a fresh start in 2021 after having a broken leg amputated. But the three-year-old Tabby isn’t letting that hold him back from being a normal cat. A new home is just what the doctor ordered and lucky for Hammie, his adoption fees is waived for his purrfect adopter – thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Hammie is approximately 3-years old and weigh 12lbs. He’s already neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Meet Hammie at Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, from 12-6pm daily. For more info about Hammie, call 502-473-PETS.

To see all of the adoptable animals available at LMAS, visit their website here.


Virtual Community Garden Workshop - January 30 and February 2

community garden workshop

Join Sun Valley Ladies Golf League for 2021 Season

Sun Valley Golf

Sun Valley Ladies Golf League accepting membership payments.  Ten Saturday morning tee times 4/3 – 9/25 (8:00 a.m, - 9:03 a.m.) Teams of two playing 18 holes (hole by hole scoring). Signup with a partner or request a partner. Checks payable to Sun Valley Ladies Golf League.

       $59.00  - includes World Golf Handicap System fee of $24.00

       $35.00 – paying WGHS fee elsewhere for the 2021 golf season.

League will be full when 40 membership payments have been received.  Others may join to sub during absences of regular league players and establish eligibility to compete in the Jefferson County Ladies Golf Tournament to be held at Seneca Golf Course.

Mail completed membership form and check or pay in person at Sun Valley Golf Course 6505 Bethany Lane, Louisville, Ky

Send questions to grantsunvalley@gmail.com.


Join Webinar on Louisville Metro Land Development Code Reform - Thursday 1/14 @ 5:30 pm

LDC Reform

COVID Vaccine FRAUD ALERT Information

Vaccine Fraud Alert

Christmas Tree Drop Off Available at Metro SWMS Locations Through January 30

tree

Starting Saturday, December 26, drop-off sites will be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at four locations. The Hubbards Lane site will also instantly recycle Christmas trees into mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use. Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are dropped off or set out for collection. Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Saturday, December 26 only, and only at the Hubbards Lane site.

HOURS & LOCATIONS

Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Waste Reduction Center closes at 3 p.m. on Saturdays)

December 26 - January 30

All locations will close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 31 and will be closed Friday, January 1 and Saturday, January 16. 

  • East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane
  • Public Works Yard, 10500 Lower River Road (enter from Bethany Lane)
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue 

Financial Navigator Available to Help Residents Affected by Pandemic

LHOME Financial Navigator

In partnership with national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), Louisville Metro Government announced today the launch of a free Financial Navigators program to help residents navigate critical financial issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Navigators will be available remotely starting Nov. 23 to provide guidance over the phone to help residents access available programs and services to manage income disruptions and other financial concerns.  These experts help residents one-on-one to triage personal financial issues, identify immediate action steps to manage expenses and maximize income, and make referrals to other relevant community resources such as the Eviction Prevention Program, LIHEAP, Healthy at Home, etc. Louisville Metro Government and Bank On Louisville will offer these services in partnership with Louisville Housing and Opportunities Micro-Enterprise Community Development Loan Fund, Inc. (LHOME).

Residents can access these free, remote services by completing the online form here or calling (502) 657-6624 to sign up. The navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across Louisville can also refer clients directly to an expert.

Each session will last approximately 30 minutes. After the session, the Financial Navigator will send a follow-up email outlining next steps and referrals.

Louisville was one of more than 30 cities and counties across the nation awarded an $80,000 grant by CFE Fund to launch the Financial Navigators initiative, which also includes technical assistance and training. The Financial Navigators initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Citi Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the Wells Fargo Foundation.

For more information or to complete a referral, click here.


Louisville Metro Health Covid-19 Hotline

COVID HOTLINE

The COVID-19 Helpline - 502-912-8598 is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by our contact tracing team. There are bilingual staff available (at least 18 languages spoken) as well as translation services available.

This is the best number and quickest way to get answers and assistance if you or someone you know:

  • Have tested positive and have not heard from us yet
  • Are waiting for a test result and not sure what to do
  • Were in close contact with someone who tested positive and aren’t sure what to do
  • Have questions about safely isolating or quarantining
  • Have questions about contact tracing

For more information, visit the Louisville Metro Public Health website here.


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