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Dear Friend,
When the pandemic hit last year, Montgomery County relocated 150 individuals from our homeless shelters into the Long Branch and Gwendolyn Coffield recreation centers as an emergency measure on a temporary basis.
But nearly a year and a half later, both recreation centers are still serving as shelters. That's a problem for two reasons: 1) it warehouses our most vulnerable county residents in a facility not designed for housing, and 2) it leaves two historically underserved, mostly Black and Brown communities without the resources and community space that they count on from their recreation centers, including the mental and physical health outlets that our residents need, particularly our youth and seniors.
I sent a letter to the County Executive in July requesting that the recreation centers be reopened for their intended purpose and suggested alternative locations for a shelter, which have all been ignored or rejected. Then a few weeks ago, I heard directly from many clients at the Coffield Center who reported poor conditions including a lack of hot water, as well as mice, green and black mold, and a leaky roof that allows bedding and personal items to get rain-soaked.
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Even with this news of the deteriorating conditions, we’re being told that the county is not interested in making urgent structural repairs because the facility is scheduled to be upgraded early next year after the shelter has moved.
I’ve even reached out to my own network to identify a company or organization who would be able to take on this project quickly and at a low cost. Ultimately, though, this will still require approval from the Executive’s team, and I hope he will recognize the urgency of this matter and act immediately instead of waiting until January.
Thanks to Interfaith Works, a non-profit community partner who operates the shelter at Coffield and is doing the best they can in the situation they’re stuck with. I’m grateful to their team for their work and for the community members who have continuously advocated for humane and legal treatment of our residents facing homelessness and returning recreation centers to two underserved communities with few other alternatives that need them badly.
Read more from the Washington Post here. And stay tuned for more updates as this evolves.
As always, stay safe and stay in close touch.
Sincerely,
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Tom Hucker Montgomery County Council President
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Back to School
Montgomery County students are back to school this week! Like most MCPS parents, I share our community’s excitement, along with some nervousness about the new school year. I want to assure all our families that the Council will continue to work closely with our school system to support protocols to keep all our kids and school staff as safe as possible.
Health and safety are our top priority. We are grateful that MCPS is requiring the use of masks in all schools, will have enhanced sanitation, improved ventilation, and require all staff to be vaccinated or tested weekly for COVID-19, among other measures. MCPS will provide COVID-19 testing for pre-k through Grade 6 students. Families will need to opt-in for this testing, so I urge you to contact your child’s school and sign up now. The more students who participate in this testing, the safer all classrooms will be. I have also urged MCPS to take additional safety measures, including adopting a formal outdoor school lunch plan, requiring all staff to be vaccinated unless they have an exemption and more. You can find the latest on MCPS reopening guidelines here and email ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org for questions.
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Flooding in Rockville Apartments
Remnants of Hurricane Ida brought heavy rain and flooding to Montgomery County early Wednesday morning, displacing 150 residents from two Rockville apartments and tragically killing 19-year-old Melkin Daniel Parada Cedillo. My deepest condolences go to his family, loved ones and friends as they mourn his loss from this tragic event.
The Department of Health and Human Services has set up a shelter at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center for residents in need of temporary housing. The County is investigating the cause of the fatal flooding and will take steps to make sure this does not happen again. The County will also be helping impacted residents find stable housing as the apartments are repaired. I'm committed to understanding the causes of the flooding to implement better stormwater and climate policies to prepare for future flooding and weather emergencies as the effects of climate change impact Montgomery County and disproportionately affect some of our most vulnerable residents. You can find flood safety tips and emergency preparedness plans here.
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Local relief efforts to Haiti and Support for Afghan refugees
On August 14, Haiti was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, followed by Tropical Storm Grace. This is a very difficult time for Montgomery County’s Haitian community, many of whom have loved ones that were impacted by the earthquake and tropical storm and who still recall the deadly aftereffects of the 2010 earthquake. We’ve received questions about how residents can help and get involved with local recovery efforts.
We have also received requests from residents on ways to get involved in light of current events in Afghanistan and the arrival of Afghan refugees to the States. We appreciate the State’s support in welcoming Afghan refugees and standing ready and willing to accept more. Montgomery County will continue to foster a welcoming and neighborly environment for Afghan refugees if they settle in the County.
The Office of Community Partnerships has compiled a few ways to get involved and resources available for impacted residents. You can view the ways to get involved here.
Donation information is changing rapidly, so for the most up-to-date info, people should visit the organizations' websites or contact them directly.
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My MCM: County earns AAA bond rating for 49th consecutive year
In announcing the top rating, all three agencies stressed Montgomery County’s large and diverse tax base; proximity to Washington, D.C.; growing commercial and residential development, particularly in Bethesda; and the county’s fiscal management policies.
Added Council President Tom Hucker in a news release, “The County Council’s commitment to fiscal oversight has paid off for our residents.”
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Alert Montgomery
With the heavy rains, flash flooding and tornados in the region earlier this week, it’s important to be weather-aware and ready to act when a severe weather warning is issued in Montgomery County. Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive critical severe weather notifications.
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COVID-19 Vaccinations
As cases increase nationwide, we urge all residents who haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccines to make their first-dose appointments at County clinics as soon as possible to protect their loved ones and their communities. Clinic dates, times, and vaccine types are all listed on the County website. The vaccination schedule is updated daily. Residents can also walk into a County-run vaccine clinic without an appointment.
If you need help making your first or second dose appointment, email c19vaccination@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-2982
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Food Distribution
Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Silver Spring, Rockville, Bethesda, Montgomery Village, Olney and Gaithersburg. To find distribution events or food near you, click here. The website also has more information about food resources in multiple languages. For help with getting food, please call the Food Access Call Center at MC311.
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East County Regional Job Fair
The next East County Regional Job Fair will be held on Monday, September 13 at the East County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Registration for employers can be found here and for job seekers here.
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Fall Registration
Registration is now open for fall classes and programs for the Montgomery County Department Recreation and Montgomery County Department of Parks. The offerings over the next few months include aquatics, fitness, sports, visual and performing arts, therapeutic recreation, adult-centered programming, and more! The full guide can be viewed here. Register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org
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“Clear the Shelters” Event
Through September 19, the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center will be participating in the nationwide “Clear the Shelters Adoption Event.” This means that “hidden gem” animals that have been in the shelter for more than 30 days will have their adoption fees completely waived, and all other adoption fees will be half-priced. Check out their website for a list of adoptable pets that also lists out which are hidden gems, as well as simplified information for residents on the adoption process.
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