Dear Friends,
It is no surprise that this crisis is hitting our most vulnerable residents the hardest. To help them get through these trying weeks, we have developed the Emergency Assistance Relief Payment (EARP) program.
When we first announced that we were going to use $6 million out of our financial reserves to assist people in need during this crisis, I knew it would not be enough based on the magnitude of this situation. However, I believe this is an important step.
EARP was designed to provide a hand up to people who might not otherwise qualify for other kinds of assistance. COVID-19 continues to take a toll on our economy, and this program is one way to help stabilize families that are fighting to survive.
Also last week, I signed the Renter Relief Act. This act prohibits landlords from raising rents by more than 2.6 percent while we are in this health emergency.
I want to thank the Council for its partnership as we work together to support all the residents and businesses in Montgomery County. I also want to recognize the tremendous acts of kindness by so many people who are volunteering and working to uplift their neighbors and our community.
As always, I thank you all for supporting each other as we go through this crisis. We will get through this, together.
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 Marc Elrich, County Executive
 Emergency financial assistance will soon be available for Montgomery County residents through the new Emergency Assistance Relief Payment program.
Families with incomes less than 50% of the federal poverty level* who are not eligible for Federal COVID-19 stimulus checks or State benefits will begin receiving a one-time emergency assistance check from the County early next week.
Eligible families will receive $1,000 for a family with one child (plus $150 for each additional child up to a maximum of $1,450 per family) early next week.
Approximately $2.5 million will be given out to residents by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and another $2.5 million will be intended for individuals and families served by nonprofit organizations in the community.
*Families with incomes less than 50% of the federal poverty level who are not eligible for Federal COVID-19 stimulus checks or State benefits will begin receiving a one-time emergency assistance check from the County early next week.
On April 24, County Executive Elrich signed the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act which prohibits landlords from increasing existing rent by more than 2.6 percent during the COVID-19 health emergency.
The Renter Relief Act took effect immediately and applies to all licensed residential rental units in Montgomery County.
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 In the video below Montgomery County Health and Human Services Director, Dr. Raymond Crowel reminds us of how to take advantage of the free crisis hotlines available to help people with mental health needs:
- The EveryMind Hotline: 301-424-0656
- Montgomery County Crisis Center: 240-777-4000
 A new COVID-19 testing site is now open in Germantown. It is located at the Upcounty Regional Services Center at 12900 Middlebrook Road.
Testing continues at the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program site in White Oak at 2121 Industrial Parkway. Since April 7, 350 people have been tested. Testing takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Montgomery County Health and Human Services is also providing testing at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center at 11701 Georgia Avenue.
Testing at all County sites is by appointment only. For more information on the testing program, visit the Maryland Department of Health website.
When Master Firefighter (MFF) Joe Simpson stopped into Sam’s Club in Gaithersburg, he had a few things on his shopping list. But when Club Manager Rosa Gibboney spotted him in the checkout line, she had some bonus items in mind to add to his cart: disinfectant wipes and cleaning supplies that the store wanted to donate to first responders at Germantown Station 29.
“It was an unexpected kind gesture to give us supplies that so many wanted to get their hands on,” MFF Simpson said.
Thank you to Ms. Gibboney and her staff at the Gaithersburg Sam’s Club for their thoughtful, spontaneous donation.
For more information on how you or your business can donate supplies, please visit our donations page for more information, and thank you!
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On Friday morning, MCPD officers led a parade of 30 cruisers past Holy Cross Hospital to show their appreciation and support for the front line healthcare workers who are working tirelessly to help patients and fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you to all our healthcare workers!
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