We are very grateful to the Metro Snow Team for putting in the extra work to keep our streets clear. They’ve been out treating, salting and plowing the roads around the clock for several days.
To stay informed on the Snow Team’s progress, click on the METRO SNOW MAP https://www.lojic.org/snow-map
Vulnerable residents
RCS remains in constant contact with community partners, including the Coalition for the Homeless to ensure shelters across the city are available.
“It’s very challenging work, and our partners at the Coalition for the Homeless are vital,” Laird said. “I cannot express enough thanks to Executive Director Natalie Harris and her work at the Coalition for the Homeless.”
Laird also emphasized the importance of Operation White Flag for unsheltered residents. The program goes into effect when the temperature or wind chill is below 35 degrees. For more information, call the Single Point of Entry at 502-637-2337.
Shelter availability:
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Vincent de Paul, 1034 S. Jackson St., has shelter space available (for men only).
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Wayside Christian Mission, 432 E. Jefferson St., has shelter space available and is operating 24/7. Wayside is also helping to provide transportation services for those needing to reach shelters. Call 502-996-1888. Pets are accepted in the Low Barrier Shelter at Wayside. During White Flag, previously barred clients are allowed inside, except for those barred for violence against staff or other clients.
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Salvation Army, 911 S. Brook St., is operating a Healthy Day Shelter location at their campus with a 400-person capacity. No reservations are required. They also are operating a Healthy Overnight Shelter with a 70-bed capacity for men and women at the Brook Street campus. Call 502-671-4904 to check bed availability.
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The Healing Place (for men only) at 1020 W. Market St. has a 48-bed capacity. Call 502-585-4848 to check bed availability.
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Overflow Capacity: In addition, Wayside Mission, which operates Hotel Louisville, can make overflow/shelter beds available if needed. Call 502-389-9009. Transportation Available to Shelters: Wayside is also helping to provide transportation services for those needing to reach shelters. Call 502-996-1888.
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How the Community Can Assist: Ending homelessness remains a community challenge, and urge concerned residents to help with donations at https://louhomeless.org/
The city’s Meals on Wheels frozen meal deliveries today are being rescheduled and Senior Nutrition distribution sites will be closed. The homebound seniors continue to be contacted by the Office of Resilience and Community Services staff for health check-ins and to check food supply.
Drop-off locations for the Eviction Prevention, Metro Utility Assistance and the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) programs are open today, however, applicants are encouraged to use their best judgment regarding travel. Applicants with scheduled appointments the week of February 15 will be provided an extension for submitting documentation through Friday, February 26, if needed.
LMPD Due to weather conditions, LMPD is not responding to non-injury motor vehicle collisions, and instead, requests that motorists to use these links to file non-emergency/non-injury reports:
Non-injury accident: http://www.louisville-police.org/337/Report-an-Accident
How to file an incident report: www.louisville-police.org/187/File-a-Police-Report
LFD The Louisville Division of Fire reminds residents to use safety precautions when heating their homes as it the second-leading cause for house fires. LFD recommends the following safety tips:
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Candles: Flashlights and battery-operated candles are recommended for emergency lighting. If you are using real candles, be sure they are in a sturdy non-combustible container, keep them clear of combustibles and never leave them unattended. Be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the home or going to sleep.
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Generators: Do not use generators indoors or inside attached garages and remember to keep them at least 10 feet away from the home. When fueling the generator, make sure the engine is stopped, always use the recommended type of fuel and allow it to cool down for at least 15 minutes before refueling and 30 minutes after prolonged use.
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Carbon Monoxide: Never warm a vehicle in a closed garage, clear snow from outdoor vents and frequently test carbon monoxide detectors. Always use gas-burning ovens and stoves appropriately and never use them to heat a residence.
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Space heaters: Make sure it meets the industry’s testing standards and has built-in safety features, like an automatic shut off or an overheat shut off feature. Do not use if the electrical cord is damaged, always unplug when leaving the room or going to bed, and remember to keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustibles, draperies or furniture.
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Downed trees and power lines: DO NOT handle any telephone, cable, or electrical lines; as they may be electrically charged and DO NOT attempt to move or go near tree limbs on your home or near electrical lines; as they may be charged.
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When using a fireplace: Make sure it has been serviced by a certified technician and keep fires small. Always make sure the flue is in working condition and use a screen to keep embers and sparks inside the fireplace.
LouVax
The LouVax site at Broadbent Arena is back in operation today and opened at 9 a.m. Operations are expected to resume normal hours on Friday. On Saturday, the LouVax site is extending its hours for a one-time event for required second-dose appointments from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Saturday session is by appointment only.
“Our LouVax team has been a model of efficiency and a great example around the country for mass vaccinations,” the Mayor said.
TARC All TARC routes are operating on Winter Weather Detours at this time. For real-time updates, and to help plan ahead with a list of the most common detours implemented during severe winter weather, please visit the News & Events page at ridetarc.org
Sidewalks Homeowners are reminded that they are responsible to shovel the sidewalk in front of a house they own or rent in within a timely matter of 24 hours. This includes keeping the area free of all overhanging trees, shrubs, and other debris that block walkways.
Animal Services Louisville Metro Animal Services is reminding residents to contact animal control to report pets left outside without proper shelter. If you are unsure whether to place a service request, we encourage you to contact animal control to discuss your options with an officer at 502-473-PETS or by email at animals@louisvilleky.gov.
Library The Louisville Free Public Library will operate on a modified schedule for today. Library staff will contact everyone with appointments to confirm or reschedule, depending on patrons' preferences. As conditions change, please check the Library's website, LFPL.org, or social media for updates. Zoo The Louisville Zoo is open to the public today.
Click here to view the NWS’ briefing slides.
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JCPS seniors can go to college for free through a new scholarship offered by Evolve502!
The scholarship, which launched Oct. 1, allows eligible students in the Class of 2021 to begin postsecondary studies tuition-free at any Kentucky Community and Technical College school, Including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky to pursue an associate degree or career credential, or take 60 hours of credit. The Evolve502 scholarship is a last dollar scholarship, meaning Evolve502 will fund the difference between federal and state financial aid and college tuition.
The application takes about five minutes to complete online at evolve502.org/scholarship. Once applications are submitted and reviewed, applicants will receive a follow-up email with next steps including completing the federal financial aid form and applying to eligible colleges.
In addition to the scholarship, Evolve502 is offering opportunity grants to support students whose families earn less than $40,000 annually. The opportunity grants are $1,000 per semester ($2,000 maximum per year) and can be used to assist in costs outside of tuition including healthcare, transportation, books and more. The grants will automatically be given to Evolve502 Scholarship recipients who meet qualifications.
Scholarship Application | Evolve502
The deadline to apply is June 30.
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The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) is launching a series of virtual town halls to raise awareness about violence prevention and enhance civic engagement at 6 p.m. today on OSHN’s Instagram Live page.
OSHN Director Monique Williams will be the series’ first speaker who will address community building, one of the core engagement areas. The other engagement areas include health and wellness, education, economic development, and criminal and juvenile justice. Viewers will be able to ask questions in the comment box on Instagram Live.
The upcoming virtual Violence Prevention Town Hall events include:
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Community Building: One Love Youth Implementation Team, Nigel Blackburn, February 25, 6 p.m.
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Education: Jefferson County Public Schools Chief of Communications and Community Relations, Renee Murphy, March 5, 12:30 p.m.
Williams, a 2020 doctoral candidate at U of L’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences, joined the OSHN team in October with extensive experience as a public health community-based researcher and practitioner. She’s spent the last six years of her career at the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, where she was recruited to assist with growing the community-engaged research arm of the school and lead its Youth Violence Prevention Research Center (YVPRC).
To attend the Instagram Live events, please visit https://www.instagram.com/safehealthylou/ and to learn more about OSHN and how to get involved, go to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/safe-neighborhoods
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The coldest weather of the season is on its way to the Louisville area. With single-digit temperatures and sub-zero windchill predicted over the next several days, The Arrow Fund, Inc., a local animal protection group, and Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) announces a partnership to provide potentially life-saving straw for those animals that cannot be brought inside or provided with heavily insulated and/or heated shelter. The Arrow Fund purchased and donated the straw currently being distributed to the public for free until supply runs out at the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Animal Shelter located at 3528 Newburg Road.
“A dog or cat left outdoors in this extremely cold weather will suffer tremendously and most likely die without proper, well-insulated shelter. Properly placed straw can help protect both cats and dogs from hypothermia, frostbite, and death,” said Jessica Brotzge, president of The Arrow Fund.
“A simple wooden doghouse or a plastic Igloo-type house is not going to protect your pet, “she warned. “The strategic placement of straw inside a doghouse or cat shelter can make the difference between life and death.”
“Not every pet can be kept inside so it is important to provide adequate shelter with proper protection from the elements,” said Ashley Book, interim director of LMAS. “By providing straw for pet owners who need it, we are fulfilling our mission to serve the citizens of Louisville and ensure the humane treatment of domesticated animals.”
Pet owners can pick up straw Monday – Saturday from 12-6 p.m. at the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Animal Shelter (3528 Newburg Road).
Cold weather tips include:
- Do not keep pet outside for long periods of time
- Shelter floor should be off the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) with thick, dry bedding such as straw (not blankets)
- Position shelter doors away from winds
- Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire
- Heated pet mats should be used with caution because they also are capable of causing burns
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The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services via online or at select drop-off sites. The service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2020.
VITA and AARP volunteers will also help determine if residents are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable federal tax credit for low- and middle-income working individuals and families. Eligibility for the EITC is based on income, the number of family members and other criteria, such as the amount of a family’s credit. Working families who earn up to $57,400 may be eligible, with average credits last year nearly $2,500.
Last year, the VITA campaign and Louisville AARP sites processed nearly 13,000 returns, adding more than $16 million to the local economy, including nearly $3.5 million in Earned Income Tax Credits to residents.
February 12 is the first official day for filing tax returns. While free tax filing will not happen face-to-face as in past years due COVID-19 pandemic, VITA free tax assistance services are available through select drop-off sites and online methods. Individuals can visit getyourrefund.org to have their taxes prepared online, and starting Monday, February 8, may also call 502-305-0005 for more information.
The VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:
- Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
- Bates Community Development Corporation, 1228 Jackson St.
- Eastern Area Community Ministries, 9104 Westport Rd.
- Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway
- Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
- Salt and Light Community Development, 3025 Gerald Dr.
- Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
- United Crescent Hill Ministries, 150 State St.
- Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Hwy.
For more details including hours of operations at VITA locations, visit http://labcservices.org or call Metro United Way’s 211 help referral service.
Also, visit the website for information about a free service for those interested in filing their taxes online. Volunteers may visit MyFreeTaxes.com to access free software programs offered in partnership by United Way Worldwide and TaxSlayer. Eligible clients may also visit labcservices.org to access the IRS Free File Program Delivered by Turbo Tax. LABC is proud to be a member of the Tax Time Allies, and has received funding from the Intuit Freedom Foundation to increase access to VITA and free software programs.
The other service, AARP Tax-Aide, has a mission to serve any person who comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. AARP select drop-off sites in Louisville will open Feb. 15.
For future updates including online filing options AARP Tax Aide plan to offer, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org.
If you are a residential property owner in areas 2, 3, 5,and 7 you will be reassessed this year. If you are affected, you will receive a postcard in the mail on April 23. **A portion of District 12 is included in Area 5.**To see if you are in those areas, visit this map and enter your address.
If you are a commercial property owner in areas 2, 3, 5, and 7, you will be reassessed this year. If you are affected, you will receive a postcard in the mail on April 23 **A portion of District 12 is included in Area 5.** To see if you are in those areas, visit this map and enter your property address.
PVA Online Appeal Conferences Information
The 2021 PVA Online Conferences for property owners to appeal their valuation will begin April 23 at noon and continue until May 17 at 4 p.m.
For a list of tips on how to appeal a property assessment, click here. Tips include taking detailed photos and writing notes ahead of time to cut and paste into the online form.
Informational meetings are scheduled to begin in March:
Area 2 Residential - March 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 2 Commercial - March 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 3 Residential - March 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 3 Commercial - April 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 5 Residential - April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 5 Commercial - April 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 7 Residential - April 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Area 7 Commercial - April 15 at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more about residential and commercial property assessments and your right to appeal, please join us for one of our online informational meetings, please visit www.jeffersonpva.ky.gov or follow us on Facebook @jeffersonpva.
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We realize that most people have not gotten an appointment to be vaccinated yet and that this is very frustrating. We are excited that so many people want to be vaccinated and we wish there were enough doses to vaccinate everyone tomorrow. Metro Public Health & Wellness assures us that NO doses are being wasted in Jefferson County. We are currently in the early stages of Phase 1B. The Health Department and healthcare systems are making appointments for every dose we get, but there is a very limited amount of vaccine available right now and we only know how many doses we will get a few days in advance. We have approximately 100,000 people aged 70 and over in Jefferson County and it will take months to get through the entire group before we can move to phase 1c.
To get answers to frequently asked questions and stay up to date on the latest news, what phase we are in, and how to make an appointment, please visit our vaccine website and sign up for news alerts.
For Phase 1B, Individuals Age 70+
If you are an individual aged 70+, please sign up for a vaccine (or waitlist) directly with Norton, Baptist of UofL Health. If there are no appointments available, you can sign up for a waitlist on the Norton site.
Please note the following:
- Do not sign up with multiple providers. Due to available supply, appointments are limited. It may take several weeks to get an appointment.
- Individuals without internet access can have a family member or friend register them.
- If you have health insurance, including Medicare, you must bring your insurance card. There is no cost to you, regardless of your insurance status. All sites operate by appointment only and will require proof of age (such as a valid state identification) on arrival.
Dog of the Week
You'll feel like you hit a homer if you adopt laidback heartbreaker, Homer. The two-year-old Labrador Retriever-Boxer mix was the perfect gentleman during a date away from the shelter. Homer is easy to leash and doesn’t need any help getting into a vehicle for an adventure. He enjoyed a walk in the park stopping often to admire nature and picked out a new toy at the pet store. Before coming back to shelter, Homer to a volunteer home where he was happy to relax and cuddle on the couch. Homer’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. He’s already neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Home weighs 65lbs. He’s been friendly with children and can be tested by request with kids, other dogs or cats. To meet or adopt Home, visit Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Road) from 12-6pm daily.
For more info about Homer, send a message to animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.
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Cat of the Week
Sweetie is a senior shelter cat who is ready for a quiet life with someone who also enjoys calm. The approximately 8-year-old Calico spent some time in a home with kids and kittens and she’s past that stage in her life. Sweetie prefers relaxing in quiet places around the house. She’s not an overly affectionate, attention-seeking cat; she’s content to know you’re nearby in case she needs you. Sweetie’s adoption fee is waived for an approved adopter, thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. She’s already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. Sweetie weighs 9 lbs. and she’s litter trained. To meet or adopt Sweetie, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, from 12-6pm daily. For more info about Sweetie, call 502-473PETS.
To see all of the adoptable animals available at Louisville Metro Animal Services, visit their website here.
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 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.
 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.
You are receiving this message because you have had contact with our office in the past.
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