Each holiday season presents us with an opportunity to reflect. This year has been an incredibly trying time and while I know we're all eager to turn the page to 2021, before we do, I just wanted to acknowledge how we've come together and supported each other during this unprecedented crisis. In such a dark moment, the light of our community has shined through the generosity and ingenuity of our residents. From the energetic high school students organizing grocery deliveries to seniors and other vulnerable residents, businesses changing their operations overnight to assist in producing and acquiring PPE, residents making homemade masks for our hospitals, and frontline health care workers and first responders risking their own lives to protect ours, our community has stepped up to meet the unimaginable health, financial, and human needs during this pandemic.
This public health emergency has created new issues and exacerbated many existing ones, bringing into focus issues which had previously stood in the shadows. It has shown the depth and magnitude of our challenges and the capacity of our community’s willingness and ability to meet them. Our shared resolve continues to be tested, but never has it been more evident that our community’s long-term possibilities far outweigh these significant near-term problems.
With the vaccine now being delivered to health care workers, long-term care facilities, and first responders, there is finally some light at the end of this dark Covid tunnel. But we must do what we can in the meantime – individually and collectively – to ensure we can safely make it through to the other end.
Our holiday celebrations will and must be different this year. But the holiday spirit continues and is as needed as ever. As we put 2020 behind us and look towards a brighter 2021, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a safe and healthy new year.
We will emerge from this crisis together, ever stronger, and even better.
Sincerely,
How You Can Help
-
Volunteer Opportunities: The County has compiled a list on how you can to help. If you are a medical or public health professional willing to assist, the state has a site for specialized volunteers.
-
Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to bolster nonprofits working to help low-income hourly workers, gig workers, small business owners, families in need of childcare services, homeless individuals and many more who will continue to be severely impacted during this public health emergency. In particular, the County is looking for private matching funds for food security under the Food Security Fund.
-
Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
-
Donate Blood: American Red Cross has faced blood shortages due to the ongoing pandemic and hospital demand for convalescent plasma has gone up. Sign up for an appointment now.
If You Need Support
-
Domestic Violence: There is support available during this time and all services are free of charge. If you know someone that may need help, the County has a guide on how best to assist them.
- Contact the Family Justice Center by calling 240-773-0444 or emailing safe@montgomerycountymd.gov
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours) can be reached at 800-799-7233
- There are many organizations available to assist including:
-
Internet: Low income families and older adults can get Home Internet Access for as little as $9.95 per month. Click here for additional information.
-
Food Assistance: Call 311 and you will be connected to our new food call center or you can look at Montgomery County Food Council's Resource Directory, which includes information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
-
Taxi Delivery: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. This program is for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- For Individuals with Disabilities: The State and other partners are collaborating to supplement existing programs for people with disabilities who may be experiencing food insecurity during this pandemic. To connect with these feeding opportunities, constituents should call 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 call specialist will connect the caller to a variety of statewide program options.
- My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Participants receive get eight pounds of free, fresh produce every month. Please call the Grocery Plus main line at 202-921-7471 or email mg2g@capitalareafoodbank.org for more information. The Capital Area Food Bank's website on this program is here.
-
Senior Nutrition Program: Frozen meal packs are available to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program. Partners and volunteers are operating “grab and go” locations and are making a limited number of home deliveries to the County’s senior population. To be eligible, most people must be 60 years of age or older. Spouses of participants or a person with a disability living with a participant, are also eligible. To register for the meal program contact the Senior Center closest to you. D1 Locations:
-
Health Care: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace, Maryland has a special enrollment period if you have recently lost your job. You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage.
-
Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
-
Housing Issues: If you are behind on your rent, please click here. You can also apply for county rent relief if you are below certain income limits. If you are facing eviction, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
-
Seniors: You can sign up now for a new free program called Senior Call Check by calling toll-free to 866-502-0560 or by registering online. Under the program, participants receive an automated call every day. If the participant does not answer, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified in order for them to check in on the participant.
*Additional resources listed at InfoMontgomery
|
