Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 02/26/2021 01:52 PM EST
COUNCILWOMAN DR. BARBARA SHANKLIN
(502) 574-1102 / 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202
Dr. Barbara Shanklin District 2 Councilwoman 601 West Jefferson Street City Hall, 1st Floor Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 574-1102 Barbara.Shanklin@louisvilleky.gov
Caleb Howard Legislative Assistant (502) 574-2787 Caleb.Howard@louisvilleky.gov
Newburg Library
***February Meeting Cancelled Due to COVID-19 pandemic***
On the third Tuesday of each month, a Community Meeting is held to give residents an opportunity to be informed, discuss ideas and share. Be part of the change we want to see for our community. Join us at 6:00PMwhen we meet with LMPD, and 6:30PM to share with Councilwoman Dr. Barbara Shanklin.
Louisville Metro Police Department 6th Division Questions? Contact Us
STAY CONNECTED:
CLICK HERE OR CALL 574-LMPD (5673) TO SUBMIT A CRIME TIP
Wishing you a Happy Black History Month from Councilwoman Shanklin and the District 2 Office!
A recording of this year's Metro Council Black History Month program, sponsored by Councilwoman Shanklin and the D-2 office, can be viewed here!
Official Team Kentucky sources for information concerning COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725
The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as we are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review the website prior to calling the hotline. Guidance is being added as it becomes available.
Click here for to visit the official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19 (updated daily).
For general inquires, email KYcovid19@ky.gov. Please be patient as we handle a high volume of emails.
COVID-19: Louisville Information
Vaccine appointment scheduling to begin for individuals age 60 and older
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 26, 2021) – Today Mayor Greg Fischer was joined by members of Louisville’s Vaccine Distribution Task Force to announce vaccine providers will begin taking appointments for individuals 60 and older beginning March 1.
“We estimate there are approximately 100,000 individuals 60 and older in our community,” said Dr. SarahBeth Hartlage, associate medical director for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and co-chair of Louisville’s vaccine distribution task force. “Vaccinating them next is the right thing to do because the majority of our hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 have been in people 60 or older.”
Hartlage said vaccinating those individuals would occur through March and April.
“By taking the vaccine and with all of us working together at LouVax and throughout Louisville, we’re getting closer to herd immunity and to the day when we can take off our masks and hug our friends and parents and our kids and grandkids, and sit side-by-side concerts, movies and ballgames,” said Mayor Fischer. “That’s our goal. We’re getting closer. And we’re about to get a whole lot closer in the coming weeks.”
Each of the city’s vaccine providers offered specifics about how appointments will be handled:
Family Health Centers, Park DuValle Community Health Center
Family Health Centers & Park DuValle Community Health Center will directly contact their patients, 60 years and older to schedule vaccine appointments. Community Health Centers are located in underserved communities and are part of both local and national efforts to get the vaccine to hard-to-reach communities. Louisville Community Health Centers do not have large vaccines supplies at this time and will continue to partner with the local hospital systems to assist in getting vaccines to our patients and underserved areas of Louisville.
Norton Healthcare
Registration is now open for vaccination appointments at four locations:
Dixie Highway near the Watterson Expressway, in the retail center off Heaton Road next to Norton Immediate Care Center - Dixie
Norton Brownsboro Hospital campus – Medical Plaza 2
Republic Bank Foundation YMCA at 18th and Broadway
St. Matthews at Dutchmans Lane and Breckinridge Lane, next to Pep Boys
Norton Healthcare has also launched a direct online link to register for the vaccine.
Those who are ages 60 and older can go to NortonHealthcare.com and click on Vaccine Eligibility in the red box.Individuals will be asked to:
Fill in birthdate
Click Waitlist
Enter contact information including an email address
When appointments are available, individuals will receive an email with a personalized scheduling link. From that link, they will be able to choose their preferred location and appointment time.
Baptist Health Louisville
Baptist Health Louisville has opened a drive-through vaccination clinic located in Parking Lot 3 at the corner of Breckenridge Lane and 4000 Kresge Way. It is the main parking lot on the right when entering the campus at Entrance 1 from Kresge Way. Normal operating hours are 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. The drive-through vaccination clinic will replace the current vaccination site within the hospital’s Education Center. Vaccinations are by appointment only. Appointments can be made atwww.scheduleyourvaccine.com
UofL Health
Registration will be available for drive-through vaccination appointments at three locations:
Downtown – corner of Brook at Liberty (499 S Brook St, Louisville, KY 40202)
South Louisville – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital (1850 Bluegrass Ave, Louisville, KY 40215)
Bullitt County – Medical Center South (1903 W Hebron Ln, Shepherdsville, KY 40165)
Appointments are limited based on availability of vaccine supply. New appointment blocks will post at uoflhealth.org on Thursday mornings, although additional openings may post as they become available.
Those who are ages 60 and older can go to uoflhealth.org and register, based on availability.
Individuals will be asked to:
Provide demographic information
Birthdate
Contact information
UofL Health is also working with community partners to host vaccine events in other areas, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. Interested partners may request an event at:uoflhealth.org/louisville-covid-19-vaccinations.
Vaccine Distribution Task Force
Louisville’s Vaccine Distribution Task Force serves to coordinate and facilitate implementation, communication, administration, and reporting vaccinations for Metro Louisville. Its primary purpose is to ensure adequate capacity to distribute available vaccines as quickly, efficiently and equitably as possible. The task force is comprised of a diverse group of medical experts, scientific advisors and community partners, including those from Louisville’s hospitals, community health centers, Kentucky Nurses Association, pharmacies, private employers, and insurers.
# # #
Louisville’s COVID-19 data, a complete list of COVID-19 testing sites, and vaccine information can be found at www.louisville.gov/covid19. The LOU HEALTH COVID19 Helpline is also available: 502- 912-8598.
*PCR is test for COVID, Serology is antibodies test
**Based on a 7-day rolling average; Switched on 10/19/2020 to electronic laboratory reports as the sole source of data for the positivity rate. Learn more about how KDPH determines the Statewide Positivity Rate. Note: Data includes cases of COVID-19 reported to KDPH.
To receive updates on Governor Beshear's and the state's response to the novel coronavirus, sign up here.
GUIDANCE
KYCOVID19.KY.GOV This website is Kentucky's central resource for all COVID-19 information and guidance. The COVID-19 Hotline – (800) 722-5725 – is a service operated by the health care professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. For general inquiries, please send an email to KyCovid19@ky.gov. KyCovid19.ky.gov also includes weekly White House Coronavirus Task Force reports for Kentucky.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE Go to KCC.ky.gov for more information and to file a claim. You can also call 1-502-875-0442 (File a Claim) or 1-877-369-5984 (Request a Payment). See other UI contact information (email and phone numbers) here.
KYNECT Website available in: Arabic (عربى); Bosnian (Bosanski); Chinese (中文); English (English); French (Français); Russian (русский); Somali (Somali); Spanish (Español); Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
Visit kynect.ky.gov to apply for health insurance; benefit programs covering food assistance (SNAP), child care assistance, financial aid for children and caregivers (KTAP) and more; and to learn more about local help with food, transportation, housing, employment, finances, physical and mental health.
UTILITY RELIEF FUND
The Kentucky Public Service Commission ended its moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment for the utilities it regulates on Oct. 20. To ensure there were protections afterwards, the Governor signed an executive order that ended the statewide moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment on Nov. 6, but takes additional steps to help Kentuckians.
The executive order designates $15 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for the Healthy at Home Utility Relief Fund. Eligible households can receive a one-time $500 benefit towards their water and or wastewater bills and $400 towards their natural gas or utility bills. Households who have an income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Line and have been economically impacted due to COVID-19 can apply.
As of Dec. 1, the Governor said there is about $11 million remaining in the fund.
Interested households should contact their local Community Action Outreach Office on how to apply. To locate a local office, call 800-456-3452.
The order will also require utilities to create a payment plan for residential customers that runs no less than six months. It will continue to waive late fees on utility bills for residential customers through Dec. 31, 2020.
VACCINE UPDATE
To learn about the state’s vaccine shipments, click here and here.
Kentuckians should also visit KYCOVID19.ky.gov to view the latest information available on the vaccine, including:
The draft Kentucky vaccination plan, which includes a draft outline of our planning phases, critical populations and vaccine provider enrollment and administration.
Latest News from Mayor Fischer and the City of Louisville
Six more local organizations will receive training through Louisville’s Trauma Resilient Community project
Additional backbone agencies will be trained to promote healing and recovery in west and south Louisville communities.
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 23, 2021) -- Six more community partners are receiving training in the Trauma Resilient Community (TRC) Model to promote resilience and equity for Louisville families and young people most affected by race-based trauma, community violence, and civil unrest in west and south Louisville. As a part of this project funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) Grant, six agencies were selected to receive training and support to implement the Trauma Resilient Community (TRC) Model within their agencies. The agencies joining the project are Backside Learning Center, Boys & Girls Haven, Change Today Change Tomorrow, Hope Collaborative, La Casita Center, and Survivor’s Corner.
The Trauma Resilient Community Project, led by Metro’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN), uses a community-based approach to build a trauma-informed system of care to better serve children and families affected by trauma. This training will help develop the knowledge and skills of people who respond to, make referrals, and provide services to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“It's important that our community partners can understand, recognize, and respond to the effects of trauma within a culture that promotes empowerment, safety, and healing for residents,” said OSHN Director Monique Williams. “As a city, we are in desperate need of healing from many recent traumatic events over this past year, so we are excited and grateful to partner with these six new agencies that will be a part of that healing process for many of the children and families across our city.”
Backbone agencies are key community partners selected to participate in the training based on their ability to demonstrate commitment, collaboration, and partnership in implementing the TRC Model within their agencies, and ultimately, the community. This project’s overarching goal is to build trauma-responsive organizations equipped to manage the detrimental effects often experienced by those who provide care to individuals who have experienced serious trauma. Many of these professionals themselves experience compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout.
Hope Collaborative Executive Director and Chief Empowerment Officer Marita Willis said she is thrilled to be one of the six agencies selected for training with the Louisville TRC Project to enhance their mission “to bring hope, unity, and healing to our community.”
“Every day we (Hope Collaborative) serve people that are living with trauma in their lives from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), violence, war, poverty, and a variety of other atrocities faced by immigrants and refugees including the process of resettlement in a new country; and the current traumas of living through a worldwide pandemic and dealing with systemic racism in our country,” Willis said. “As a backbone agency of the TRC Project, our entire staff will receive valuable education and training that will allow us to better spread hope to our community through the trauma-informed programs and services we offer.”
Over the next three years, the Louisville TRC Project’s backbone agencies will work with OSHN’s private-sector partner, the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities (CTRC), to customize an approach for each agency to move from understanding basic trauma theory to becoming a trauma-resilient organization. CTRC also provides workforce development by helping the “helpers” mitigate chronic stress and secondary trauma, building resilience and supporting leaders to implement structures for safety, self-care, and wellness.
In 2019, the Louisville TRC Project selected 12 backbone agencies, but due to COVID-19 furloughs and lack of capacity, some transitioned off the project. In October 2020, the project led another round of applications, and six were selected to join. Currently, the Louisville TRC Project has 32 certified trainers and hopes to add 30 more through this new round of backbone agencies.
The Louisville TRC Project has additional components, including a Clinical Team, housed within Seven Counties Services, Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (psychoeducation program) managed by OSHN, and the Research and Evaluation Team led by the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work. SAMHSA’s federal grant was first announced in 2018 by Mayor Greg Fischer and officials with the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work and Seven Counties Services (formerly Centerstone).
Names Monica Harmon to be Louisville Metro’s new Chief Financial Officer as Daniel Frockt moves to post at Bellarmine University
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 19, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that Daniel Frockt is leaving Louisville Metro Government (LMG) later this year for a position at Bellarmine University, and Monica L. Harmon, who is currently Metro’s Director of Finance, will be LMG’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Thanking Frockt for committing to stay with LMG during the FY21-22 budget process, Mayor Fischer praised him as a wise and committed member of his leadership team.
“With a calm yet firm hand, Daniel has helped us through economic good times and challenges, always approaching the budget process with a compassionate, systematic and creative approach,” Fischer said. “I deeply appreciate his work as our CFO over these past six years, and his willingness to help us with the current budget process. I’m also grateful for his work building a deep, talented bench at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), including Monica, who is well prepared for the top job.”
The Mayor said of Harmon: “Monica has the skills, talent and experience to guide OMB. She’s a thoughtful, well-respected leader who gets things done and done well. We are lucky to have her join the senior leadership team.”
As the Director of Finance, Harmon currently manages Metro Louisville’s daily financial operations, including accounting, and invoice processing and payments, grants management and compliance, treasury functions including cash collections, investments and billing, payroll, risk and financial systems and other related administrative functions. Harmon’s team also manages LMG’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which is a key report to residents, investors and public markets. Louisville Metro has been the recipient of Government Finance Officers Association award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for eight consecutive years for this report, which provides an essential snapshot of the city’s financial health.
Harmon has worked in various managerial roles over the past 40 years both in government and the private sector. Prior to joining Metro, she was Director of Finance and CFO for the city of Jeffersonville, IN. This was preceded by 20 years in various roles at the Regional Airport Authority of Louisville and Jefferson County, followed by 10 years in private industry as a Controller and VP of Finance.
She attended Indiana University both in Bloomington and New Albany, IN, and received her BS in Accounting.
As CFO, she will lead OMB, which is responsible for the city’s finances, including its approximately $1 billion annual operating and capital budget. OMB administers procurement, risk management, treasury, accounts payable/receivable, accounting, grants, payroll, financial systems, open records/archives, and revenue collection. In her new role, Harmon will advise the Mayor’s Office on the financial health of the city and provide routine testimony to the Metro Council and public.
Harmon said: “It is an honor to accept this new role and I look forward to continuing my service for Mayor Fischer and the city. OMB has a solid team and with their support I will maintain the sound fiscal policies and customer service that support all the city departments and programs the citizens expect from their taxes dollars.”
In his new role at Bellarmine, Frockt will be Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance.
Frockt has been CFO and director of the LMG Office of Management and Budget since 2015, after previously serving as the city’s Budget Director for 10 years. Previously he was an education policy advisor for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). He has an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Louisville native.
Frockt said: “I want to thank Mayor Fischer for giving me the opportunity to serve the city in so many distinct ways. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work alongside talented people who have the city’s best interests at heart. I especially want to thank the entire OMB team for their unwavering commitment to fiscal integrity and customer service. I am excited about the opportunity to help Bellarmine continue its growth and know that the city will thrive under Monica’s leadership.”
The city will hire a new Finance Director to replace Harmon when she moves into the top job.
METCO Board approves five loans totaling over $350,000
Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund now exhausted, helped 70 businesses
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 18, 2021) – The Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) board approved five loans today. METCO is supporting local businesses through its traditional loan products as well as the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund.
METCO loans have been awarded to the following businesses:
$200,000 gap loan to Hughes Lofts LLC for the build out of two floors of 209 East Main Street, formerly known as the Fetzer building. The 2ndfloor of 209 East Main Street will be home to the Louisville Thoroughbred Society. Other floors are shells and waiting for commercial tenant build out. METCO also supported this development with an approval of a façade loan in November 2017.
$50,000 business accelerator loan to Bailey Construction & General Contracting for rent and working capital. Bailey Construction & General Contracting is a registered Minority Business Enterprise, owned by Corey Bailey with 15 years of experience and is now transitioning his side business into a full-time operation.
$40,000 Midi loan to Garden Girl Foods, Inc. for the buildout of her food production business at 501 West Oak Street and improvement of the adjacent lot for gardening as well as purchase of equipment and working capital. Whitney Powers, owner of Garden Girl Foods, has more than 15 years of experience in restaurant management. Demand for her canned soups and vegetables is high and she has already grown out of her space in Logan Street Market. Garden Girl Foods products will soon be in some Paul’s Fruit Market and ValuMarket locations as well as Norton Commons pop-up cottages.
Two loans from the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund:
$50,000 to the La Quinta Del Sol, a new hotel on Old Henry Road
$19,226 to The Limbo, a bar, restaurant and performing arts venue at 4th & Chestnut streets
With the votes in today’s meeting, the funds in the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund have been exhausted. The Fund consisted of revolving loan funds of low-interest 66-month loans of up to $50,000. Since its creation in September of 2020, METCO has approved COVID relief loans to 70 businesses totaling over $2.9 million.
METCO administers all of Louisville Metro Government's small business loan programs, which include facade, accessibility, working capital, and gap financing loans. Because Louisville Metro is not the primary lender, the loan program allows many public-private partnerships between government and private business ventures that further neighborhood services, vitality and quality of life in the Louisville community.
The METCO board meets on the third Thursday of each month. The remaining meeting schedule for 2021 is March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21 and December 9.
Louisville Metro announcing funding opportunity for new housing, prioritizing energy efficiency
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 16, 2021) – Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Housing is dedicating nearly $3.4 million in allocated federal dollars to fund new affordable housing developments, with priority given to projects that include energy efficiency improvements.
The funding is available through the Office of Housing’s annual HOME program. The program’s goal is to offer housing choices to a range of homebuyers and renters by creating "quality of place" neighborhoods with a diverse blend of affordable housing types supported by public facilities and other amenities.
There is no maximum request amount for HOME funds. The Office of Housing also has set aside an additional $80,000 that applicants can apply for to pay specifically for energy efficiency investments such as tankless water heaters, solar panels or other upgrades. In addition to being environmentally appropriate, energy efficiency investments can also maintain a home or a unit’s affordability over time.
The Office of Housing will award funds to developments that complement existing neighborhood development and do not permanently displace existing residents, along with those that increase affordable housing for low-and moderate-income households and, where possible, repurpose vacant and abandoned real estate.
Applicants will be evaluated on housing development experience and financial and organizational capacity, with a review of past performance on projects of a similar size and complexity. A minimum of $468,400 has been set aside for certified Community Housing Development Organizations.
Applicants have until March 15 to submit questions to the Office of Housing and formal responses will be posted online on March 22. Applications must be submitted online by April 15, along with a $250 nonrefundable application fee.
Additional funds available to help residents facing eviction
Louisville Metro received another $22.9 million in federal funds through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 12, 2021) – Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Louisville Metro Government is reopening applications for eviction prevention assistance to renters following a new $22.9 million federal allocation.
Beginning Monday, February 15, the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services will start accepting new appointments for those in need of rental assistance because of financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Housing already has begun processing applications for assistance through the Court Eviction Diversion Program and will begin accepting applications from community service providers on behalf of tenants needing assistance.
Receiving prior assistance does not preclude renters from being eligible for additional assistance. As of January 31, Louisville Metro had provided a total of $20.7 million in rental assistance to more than 17,300 Louisville residents to keep them housed.
“Using an initial $21 million from the 2020 federal CARES Act, we have been successful in helping thousands of Louisvillians maintain safe and stable housing, but we know people are continuing to struggle to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why this additional federal assistance is critical to preventing a tide wave of evictions and homelessness,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I encourage everyone in need of assistance to please reach out.”
Eligible households may receive assistance for past-due rent dating back to April 2020, plus an additional three months of assistance for future rent payments if needed to ensure housing stability.
According to federal regulations, eligible households must:
Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median.
A family of four earning 80 percent of the area median income in Louisville has an annual income of $62,000.
The Court Eviction Diversion Program is made possible because of a partnership with the Legal Aid Society.
“Eviction prevention measures are needed now more than ever while so many families face dire economic circumstances and the possibility of homelessness,” said Neva-Marie Polley Scott, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society. Help is available from Legal Aid and a strong network of community agencies at www.stopmyeviction.org. Getting help now is essential for tenants who have questions about the CDC moratorium, need of financial resources, and need of legal services.”
Those facing possible eviction are encouraged to visit StopMyEviction.org to connect to assistance, or call (502) 308-3344 or visit louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace to schedule an appointment at a Neighborhood Place location. Renters with a pending court case should call 502-574-1707. The Legal Aid Society can be reached at (502) 584-1254 and www.yourlegalaid.org.
City launches $10 million COVID-19 Utility Relief Program
Eligible residents can apply for LG&E, Water and MSD bill assistance today
LOUISVILLE, KY (January 25, 2021) – Today Mayor Greg Fischer joined Louisville Metro Council members and utility partners in announcing the start of the city’s $10 million COVID-19 utility assistance program, designed to help residents who have fallen behind on LG&E, Louisville Water and Louisville MSD bills as a result of COVID-19.
The Metro COVID-19 Utility Relief Funds are designed for residents with an active LG&E, Louisville Water Company/MSD account with a past due amount. The outstanding balance must have occurred between March 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Customers will need to attest that they have had a financial hardship during the pandemic.
Customers with outstanding balances on their utility bills could receive a one-time credit for up to $500 each on LG&E and Water/MSD bills.
Funding for the utility relief program comes from Louisville Metro Government general fund dollars freed up by federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act) funding in other areas. The funds will be distributed by the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) under agreements with the utilities and the utilities’ foundations and administrative support from the Association of Community Ministries and Neighborhood Place.
“We know financial hardships related to COVID-19,whether that be job loss or reduction in hours, have created a high demand for utility assistance,” said Mayor Fischer. “The Metro COVID-19 Utility Relief Program represents a new partnership with Louisville Water Co., MSD, LG&E, and the utilities’ foundations, working together to help people get back on track in paying their utility bills. I am also grateful for Metro Council for approving this funding to help the residents of Louisville overcome this financial burden.”
To demonstrate the level of need LG&E had nearly 28,000 residential customers in arrears. And there are 15,000 residential customers in Jefferson County who are behind on their Louisville Water/MSD bill.
The application process is as follows:
Metro COVID-19 Relief LG&E Assistance:
Contact one of the following:
1) Call your local Community Ministry at www.louisvilleministries.org or call Metro United Way's 2-1-1 to locate the ministry nearest you, or
2) Schedule an appointment in advance with Neighborhood Place by calling 502-977-6636 or visit online at LGEHelp.itfrontdesk.com
Eligibility for the Metro LG&E Relief Program:
Jefferson County residency
Experienced a COVID-related economic hardship
Have a past due/delinquent LG&E electric or gas bill (arrearage must have occurred March 16 – December 31, 2020)
There are no income restrictions to receive this utility assistance, however, income documentation is required to gain entry into the LG&E program.
Documentation may include (check Community Ministry and Neighborhood Place for specifics):
Photo ID for adult(s) in the household
Social Security card(s) or official documentation with Social Security numbers for everyone living in the household (or Permanence Residence/Green Card)
Current bill with a past due balance, or a brown, disconnect notice from LG&E. (Arrearage must have occurred between March 16 through December 31, 2020).
When applying via Neighborhood Place, the LG&E Utility Assistance Application form can be downloadedhere or found at Neighborhood Place office drop boxes that include the income documentation form.
Metro COVID-19 Relief Louisville Water Company/MSD Assistance:
Customers without computer access can visit local Community Ministries, make an appointment with the Louisville Free Public Library or visit Louisville Water at 550 South Third Street.
Eligibility:
Have a residential account in Jefferson County
Have a past-due balance sometime between March 16, 2020 – December 31, 2020
Identify a COVID-19 based financial hardship
Residents can apply for both LG&E and Water/MSD bill assistance.
This Metro COVID-19 Utility Relief Funds will operate from January 25 until funding is depleted. Funding is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
“These new utility relief funds continue Metro’s commitment to public health and safety, helping residents who have been hit hardest to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic, said Councilman Bill Hollander, District 9. “Assisting families in need has been a priority for Metro Council since last March. There is much more to do but utility assistance is critical, and Metro Council enthusiastically supported these new programs.”
The federally funded LIHEAP Crisis Program is also currently operating, providing heating assistance for qualified residents who meet one of these criteria: are facing disconnection, or past due amount, or who are facing eviction if their utilities are included in their rent, or who are in danger of funning out of heating fuel such as kerosene or propane.
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is also administered through the Office of Resilience and Community Services. Check here for eligibility and how to apply.
Councilwoman Shanklin continues drive thru COVID-19 testing for the people of District 2
Testing offered on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month
COVID-19 testing is available on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at 4700 East Indian Trail on the corner of Unseld Blvd. and East Indian Trail in the church’s parking lot.
“It is important to make testing for COVID-19 available in as many places around the city as we can,” says Councilwoman Shanklin. “I hope the people of District 2 will take advantage of what is being offered. It’s convenient, easy to drive thru, and no appointment is necessary.”
The medical team administering the tests has been approved by Louisville Metro Government. This COVID-19 drive thru testing location is in partnership with Councilwoman Shanklin and the Newburg Church of Christ.
Mayor Fischer, community leaders announce free tax preparation service for eligible Louisville residents
LOUISVILLE, KY (February 4, 2021) - Mayor Greg Fischer and other community leaders today announced the opening of free federal and state income tax preparation for eligible residents.
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.
"Now more than ever, tax refunds provide a critical boost to the household budget for many Louisville families,” the Mayor said. “For many working families, free help with taxes and guidance in qualifying for the EITC can be a game-changer. That’s money that could be used to start a savings account, buy a car, get braces for a child, pay books and college tuition, or start a college fund for their children."
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.
To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:
Picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
Copy of 2019 tax return with all attachments and schedules
W-2s and 1099s from your employers
Other 1099s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income
Form 1099-G for any unemployment compensation received during the year
1095-A for health insurance
1098 for education credit, plus a detailed financial statement from the school
Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit as well as savings account number (if applicable)
Childcare information, including Provider ID and actual amounts paid
Summarized list of other income/expenses for those who itemize or are self-employed
Additional tax information that may be required
Volunteers are key to the VITA and AARP programs’ success. Last year, more than 200 volunteers dedicated more than 5,600 hours to offer free tax preparation services.
This year, partners at LHOME will also be assisting our community throughout the tax filing season through their Financial Navigators program. Financial Navigators can help residents address their financial concerns, answer common tax questions, and provide structured guidance and referrals to other services regarding their financial needs. Schedule a free telephone session by visiting https://finnav.org/lou; email navigator@lhomeky.org; or call 502/657-6624.
The work of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and the AARP Tax Assistance Program is made possible by Metro United Way, Louisville Metro Government, the IRS, the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation and dozens of other partners.
Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) students will return to in-person classes on a rolling schedule beginning March 17. The Jefferson County Board of Education voted last night to approve an amended recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio to reopen JCPS schools.
Under the revised reopening plan, all students except those in Exceptional Child Education (ECE) programs would resume in-person classes on a hybrid schedule. Students on the hybrid schedule would go to school buildings two days a week and learn virtually three days a week, with Wednesday being a remote learning day. The board voted to have all K-5 ECE students attend in-person classes five days a week.
Students would resume in-person classes on the following schedule:
All kindergarten through second-grade students would begin in-person learning on Wednesday, March 17
Students in third through fifth grade start in-person learning Thursday, March 18.
Early childhood would begin in-person classes on Monday, March 22.
Middle and high schools would resume in-person classes on Monday, April 5,
Students will be grouped into two sections based on their last name. Students whose last names start with A-K would go to school in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, and students whose last name begins with L-Z would go to school on Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday would be a remote learning day for all students on the hybrid schedule.
Students also have the option of continuing their coursework through the Virtual Academy.
Teachers will have time to set up classrooms before students are welcomed back into buildings. Elementary and early childhood teachers would have work days/set up days on March 15 and 16, while middle and high school teachers will have March 25 and 26 to set up rooms.
For complete details on your school’s reopening plan, please click here.
The district will employ additional initiatives to support a return to in-person classes, according to Dr. Pollio:
Non-school based certified staff will be deployed to schools with high populations of returning students to support teachers and students.
The district will work with its Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs) to provide thermometers for families who need them, since parents are being asked to check their child’s temperature before they leave home in the morning.
JCPS is working to install ventilation devices at certain schools to improve airflow in classrooms.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS for League of Women Voters Citizen Award
The League of Women Voters of Louisville (LWVL) invites individual volunteers and organizations to submit nominees for its 2021 The Presidents’ Citizen Award to be presented at the League’s annual meeting in June to a volunteer individual or organization for an exceptional contribution in terms of community service, significant impact, and/or demonstrated leadership within the Greater Louisville Geographic Area. You can link to the full award nomination packet by using this link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f2Hn-H775BZJHUuaxedQJaazvQuVjCXk/view?usp=sharing.
The deadline to submit an application is April 1. If you have questions, please contact the LWVL office by calling 502-895-5218 or email: lwvlouisville@gmail.com
Black Love Matters
Join Rus Funk and Dr. Armon Perry in this lively and un-scripted conversation about Dr. Perry’s new book Black Love Matters: Authentic Men’s Voices on Marriages & Romantic Relationships (Routledge Press, 2020)
Black men have lots to say about love, relationships and marriage; but their voices have not often been heard. Dr. Perry’s valuable new book tracks men’s voices on sex, trials and trauma, relationship changes, and “love and manhood”. These authentic voices expose an important contribution to our efforts to both meaningfully reach men; and our efforts to promote and support healthy, respectful and equitable relationships.
Black Love Matters
A Conversation with Dr. Armon Perry about
Men’s Voices on Marriage and Romantic Relationships
You are cordially invited to our newly created BLOCS Sister Circle beginning March 10 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. via Zoom. This group is a safe and supportive environment for Black women who work with youth to come together and have dialogue as a means of self-care and healing.
As Black women we have our own set of unique challenges that requires a greater level of support. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness, hopelessness and feeling like everything is an effort. Despite the needs, only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it (National Alliance on Mental Health).
We have contracted with Janee’ White, LCPA to provide group therapy as a way to assist you in dealing with a persistent, work-related state of mind. Our goal is to aid in increasing satisfaction on a personal level, as well as provide aid on relational and organizational (i.e., workplace environment) levels. This group will provide a safe atmosphere where members may choose to fully process their experiences leading up to and going through burnout, create goals for moving past the experience and developing preventative measures that increase their resilience from further incidences.
Please attend our first session for more information and we will meet weekly thereafter.
TreesLouisville’s Community Canopy Program is back thanks to a generous donation from The LG&E and KU Foundation! We have partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide Louisville residents with over 650 FREE 1 gallon trees. There are a variety of large and small species to choose from depending on the space you have available, but don’t wait to register, these trees won’t last long! Register online at www.arborday.org/treeslouisville; your tree will be delivered straight to your home between March and May 2021.
If you need assistance registering or would like to request help planting your tree once it arrives, join TreesLouisville at Change Today Change Tomorrow’s “Healthy Change” Event taking place on Saturday Feb. 27th between 2pm-5pm at St. George’s Community Center (1205 S 26th St. 40210).
Additional Details
Species Available: Black Tupelo, Eastern Redbud, Swamp White Oak, Sweetbay Magnolia, Sweetgum, & Tulip Poplar.
All trees will be delivered in 1 gallon containers.
If you live in an area with low canopy coverage you can request more than one tree. Don’t know if that's you? The website will let you know when you try to sign up for a second tree.
This event will run from February 19th until all the trees have been registered for.
For more information about how to care for and plant your tree, visit www.treeslouisville.org.
To request tree planting assistance, participants must attend the Healthy Change event on 2/27/21.
The Arbor Day Foundation’s online tool will help you maximize energy savings by showing you the best place in your yard to plant a tree.
Having issues with high grass, illegal parking, street repairs, or other Code Enforcement concerns in the community? Contact 311!
Only service requests for the past 30 days will be accessible in the new system. If you need information on an older request, please call Metro 311 for status.
Anything submitted in the old reporting system (prior to June 19, 2019) will not show in the new system. It is still being processed however. Please call Metro311 for status.
To receive email notifications of the status of your service request you must have an account and you must have included your email address when you created your account. You can create a new account and report a new issue with Metro 311 by following this link.
Not all issues you put a service request in for require you to login. Some issues may be submitted anonymously, such as reporting a pothole and property maintenance cases, for instance. But having an account will allow you to track the progress and status of the request.
If you do not see a category which corresponds to your issue, please call Metro 311 at 311.
Waste Management News
The Waste Reduction Center at 636 Meriwether Avenue is open. This is a popular disposal site for large loads of unbagged yard waste, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, construction debris, and large household items. (Fees may apply.) Residents can dispose of up to four tires, up to three electronic items, and up to three large household items for FREE! Details can be found on the website. Open Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Batteries, light bulbs, oil-based paint, varnishes, stains, and other household hazardous waste (take to Haz Bin)
Tree trunks
Boats, hot tubs
Items from businesses
Trailers greater than 10 feet in length (larger loads can be taken to the Waste Reduction Center)
COVID-19 Policies: Staff will wear personal protective equipment, including face coverings, and will stay at least 6 feet away from citizens. Citizens should remain in their vehicle if possible and must wear a face covering if exiting their vehicle.
If you see a streetlight out in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Louisville), please note the address and report it to LG&E for repair. Click here to fill out the online form to report broken or malfunctioning streetlights. We always recommend adding your contact information to the request, so a technician who has questions can contact you. LG&E makes repairs during the day. Make sure you follow up if the streetlight hasn’t been repaired within seven (7) days.
LMPD News
LMPD reminder: Please secure your property and stay vigilant!
The city has seen an increase of illegal activity, including vandalism, vehicle thefts, items stolen from vehicles, and gun shots reported over the past year. Here are several tips from LMPD that may seem simple but could be very effective in preventing crime in our neighborhoods!
Immediately report any suspicious person, activity (gunshots), or vehicles to (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-TIPS. This is not just for vehicle vandalism but drug activity, home/garage vandalism, gun shots - ANY suspicious activity! Make a police report!
- Never leave anything of value in your vehicle; this includes laptops, purses, GPS devices, and even loose change. - Always lock your vehicle doors. - Remove garage door openers from vehicles usually parked outside. - Do not leave your keys in your vehicle. Do not warm up your vehicles without you in them! - Do not leave the windows of you vehicle open, or partially open. - Consider additional lighting around your property; try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area. - Never leave a firearm unprotected in your vehicle.
Louisville Parks and Recreation News
NRPA Podcast Featuring Jefferson Memorial Forest Team
"We are excited to share the recent National Recreation and Park Association podcast featuring our very own Jocari Beattie and Dashaune Jones, along with Kenyetta Johnson from our partner organization YouthBuild Louisville. This follows a recent article in NRPA that highlighted our efforts to address systemic racism in our field of conservation. Tune in to the full episode to hear more on increasing representation in the environmental field and addressing systematic racism as it relates to accessing the outdoors." - Statement from ECHO
Louisville ECHO (Engaging Children Outdoors) is managed by Jefferson Memorial Forest, with the mission of creating cradle to career equitable access to nature. ECHO provides environmental education and recreation programming for youth and families in West and South Louisville. ECHO is the programming component of the larger West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative.
Golf Passes Available to Purchase for 2021 Season
Golf passes are now on sale for the 2021 season! You can purchase them by appointment only by calling the Joe Creason Park golf office at (502) 574-7275 or by clicking here. Reminder, courses are currently open and operating with COVID-19 protocols during the winter. And it's never too early to start thinking ahead to the spring!
Lifeguards Needed for Summer 2021
Louisville Parks and Recreation is seeking lifeguards for the 2021 swim season! The next training session begins Feb. 7 at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center. It's the perfect summer job for a college student home for the summer or a high school student looking for some work experience. And for those who work at one of our outdoor pools, training sessions are FREE! For more information, please click here.
Get Involved and volunteer!
Ready to get started as a volunteer? Join us for a one on one virtual orientation. Learn what volunteers do, ask questions, and find out how to get involved!
Serving households in the 40213, 40218 & 40219 Zip Codes Only
First Come, First Served Basis
Picture ID & proof of residency required!
Sponsored By:
Peace Presbyterian Church
4210 East Indian Trail
Louisville, KY 40213
Upcoming Events at Newburg Library!
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The Newburg, St. Matthews, and Shawnee libraries are open for in-person public computer use by appointment. These three locations joined the Main Library and Northeast, South Central, and Southwest regionals in offering in-person computer use and limited free printing and faxing services by appointment. Computer access islimited to one 90 minute session per day. To make an appointment, patrons should call their preferred participating location at the numbers listed below.
Main: (502) 574-1616
Newburg: (502) 479-6160
Northeast: (502) 574-1751
St. Matthews: (502) 574-1772
Shawnee: (502) 574-1722
Southwest: (502) 933-0029
South Central: (502) 964-3515
In order to reopen safely to in-person visits, library spaces and computer stations have been reconfigured to ensure safe physical distancing can be maintained. Enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and masks and temperature checks are required to enter library facilities. The Library will have masks available for patrons who arrive without them. The browsing of books and other materials is also not permitted at this time.
More information on computers by appointment can be found at LFPL.org/appointment.
Report a Litterer!
Get directly involved in making Louisville a more litter-free community through the Report-A-Litterer program aimed at motorists who throw fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, soda bottles, or any type of litter out of their car window.
Louisville non-profits have launched a new website to help connect people in need of food, shelter, and more. Metro United Way and the Family Scholar House partnered to create LouieConnect, modeling it on a similar site created in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When someone uses LouieConnect, the web-based app asks for basic information and then lists applicable resources nearby — from food pantries to shelters to career centers to financial literacy programs.
***Important Metro Services Phone Numbers***
Air Pollution: (502) 574-6000
Animal Services: (502) 363-6609 or (502) 361-1318
Brightside: (502) 574-2613
Community Services & Revitalization: (502) 574-4377
Congressman John Yarmuth: (502) 582-5129
IPL (Code Enforcement): (502) 574-3321
Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254
LG&E Business: (502) 627-3313 or (800)- 331-7370
LG&E Residential: (502) 589-1444 or (800) 331-7370
LMPD 6th Division: (502) 574-2187
LMPD Anonymous Tipline: (502) 574-LMPD (5673)
LMPD: (Non Emergency): (502) 574-7111 or (502) 574-2111
