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Community Action Agency e-newsletter - January 2023

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 01/27/2023 02:00 PM EST

E-Newsletter: January 2023

Montgomery County
Community Action Agency

Today is National EITC Awareness Day!

Community Action Kicks Off the VITA Season

EITC event with Comptroller Lierman and County Councilmember Sayles

In celebration of National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, low-to-moderate income County residents are reminded that they may be eligible for valuable tax credits, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits, and County’s Working Families Income Supplement. These tax credits can provide thousands of dollars in tax refunds.

To help residents access these credits, the County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Partnership hosts free tax sites around the County serving residents with household incomes of $60,000 or less. The Community Action VITA site is now offering in-person appointments in Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Wheaton, along with virtual appointments. VITA free tax help is also available at sites hosted by AARP, CASA, the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, and the Equity Center. All VITA programs serve tax filers who already have an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). The VITA programs at Community Action and CASA also assist taxpayers filing with new or renewal ITIN applications.

“Recent historic expansions of the Maryland EITC and County's matching Working Families Income Supplement have resulted in larger credits helping more people, including ITIN and single filers,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Those larger refunds are so important to our neighbors and have been a lifeline as they face rising rents and grocery prices.”

To kick off the tax season and promote these tax credits on January 20, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles joined with community leaders at the Equity Center at Lakeforest Mall. The Comptroller and Councilmember Sayles are pictured above with Community Action Board members Lisette Orellana Engel, Dr. Jeffery Johnson, and Pamela Luckett, and Community Action's Executive Director, Sharon Strauss.

"We know that extensive research links the EITC to numerous positive impacts well beyond the financial component. These include reductions in health disparities and improved educational outcomes for children," said Dr. Johnson, Community Action Board Chair. "The EITC is also a racial equity tool as research has shown its greater impact on reducing poverty for households of color."

The CAB strongly supported expanding the Maryland EITC so that both individuals and families, including ITIN taxpayers, would receive a much larger credit. The CAB also advocated for the local Working Families Income Supplement, which matches the state EITC.

Dr. Johnson thanked the members of the Montgomery County Council and the County Executive for the ongoing support of the WFIS. "But our work is not done yet! The expansions of the state’s EITC are scheduled to end after this tax season. We will therefore be joining the CASH Campaign of Maryland, along with our VITA partners and advocacy colleagues, to ask the General Assembly to support making these expansions permanent."

Wayne Ford, Taunya Johnson, Tracey Walker-Carter, Lillie Williams

In Wheaton on January 26, Tracey Walker-Carter, Director of Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) with the IRS, joined Community Action and its partners at WorkSource Montgomery to recognize VITA's important role in helping people across the country become more economically secure.

Pictured above, Wayne Ford, Director of Senior Operations at SPEC, stands with Taunya Johnson, Community Action's VITA Program Specialist, Ms. Walker-Carter, and Lillie Williams of the IRS. Joining Mr. Ford and Ms. Walker-Carter in the below photo are Eduardo Mendez, Community Action's VITA Program Specialist, Stephanie Crane of United Way, and Ms. Strauss.

FREE TAX HELP IS AVAILABLE! Community Action's VITA offers FREE income tax preparation to Montgomery County residents with incomes of $60,000 or less. By appointment, IRS-certified preparers assist residents in claiming refunds and credits for the 2022 tax year. Appointments are in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton, and online. Appointment scheduling is open!

montgomerycountymd.gov/cashback or call 240-777-1123.

English and Spanish fliers are now available for download on the CASHBACK website. Fliers in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese will soon be available as well. To request printed fliers, please contact VITA at VITA@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or call 240-777-1123.

Pictured below is VITA volunteer David Lee preparing taxes and providing interpretation in Mandarin for VITA clients in Wheaton.

National Poverty Awareness Month

Did you know that more than 4 in 10 U.S. households do not have the resources to afford basic necessities? Or that more than half of U.S. adults can’t afford a $1,000 emergency?

In honor of National Poverty Awareness Month, the National Community Action Partnership has compiled resources that dispel stereotypes by illustrating the challenges for individuals and families who live in poverty.

Maryland Department of Human Services Honors Montgomery County with Mass Care Achievement Award

The Maryland Department of Human Services has awarded Montgomery County for its achievements and excellence in disaster mass care services. Community Action's Navigation team, colleagues in the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and community partners, were honored to receive this recognition of their dedication to the community.

The Navigation team facilitates access to County benefits and programs and provides ongoing services to households affected by emergencies until those individuals and families are stabilized. In 2022, the Navigation team has responded to nine events such as fires and floods, helping 235 families from the moment of their displacement through their rehousing. Community Action is very proud of the Navigation team's work as members of the DHHS Mass Care team led by Patrick Campbell, Emergency Planner, and including Mario Wawrzusin of Aging and Disability Services.

Pictured above is the Navigation team at a Disaster Assistance Center in December, where they worked alongside therapy dogs, the Housing Initiative Partnership, Mt. Rose, and Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) to offer assistance and services to clients. Community Action congratulates the Navigation team for their efforts in the Mass Care team!

Community Action Board Kicks Off 2023 with Workshops and Advocacy

The Community Action Board (CAB) had a busy month, including two Community Advocacy Institute (CAI) workshops and the start of the Maryland legislative session. On January 7, a CAI workshop focused on using storytelling and conducting research for advocacy. Former Board member Mary Bennett facilitated the session, with Hillery Tsumba from the Primary Care Coalition and Lisa Peters from RESULTS joining as guest speakers. Action in Montgomery led a well-attended CAI alumni workshop on January 19. The workshop focused on AIM’s approach to advocacy, which includes one-on-one discussions to build trust and coalition building. Participants were invited to attend AIM’s next “Action” on March 12.

On January 11, Community Action Board Chair Dr. Jeffery Johnson testified before the Board of Education at the annual operating budget hearing. The CAB’s testimony focused on early care and education in the County, implementing a mixed delivery system that includes private child care providers, and the need for full-day Head Start/Pre-Kindergarten classes.

During the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day session, which started on January 11, the CAB will be tracking numerous bills that impact lower-income residents. Key legislative priorities for the CAB this year include economic opportunity, affordable housing, responsive human services, increasing food security, and early childhood education. The CAB also joins the Maryland Community Action Partnership (MCAP) in advocating for the Community Action Fund to End Poverty. The proposal would add funding to the state budget for Community Action Agencies across Maryland, helping these programs increase services. On February 7, CAB members and staff will participate in MCAP’s Advocacy Day, meeting with members of the Montgomery County Delegation to discuss key priorities, including the Fund.

Head Start registration for School Year 2023 – 2024 Begins on March 1!

Applications are accepted online via https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org and at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, Maryland, 20852, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

From March 1 – 31, Head Start registration is also available at the following locations:

Up County Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road., 3rd Floor, Germantown, MD 20874. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Extended hours on Wednesdays until 7:00 p.m.
White Oak Community Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Wednesdays 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center, 2450 Lyttonsville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 7 through March 30, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Head Start eligibility is based on family income (up to 100% of the federal poverty level). There is also a County and State-funded pre-kindergarten program that is available for families at different income levels. The registration process for both HS and pre-kindergarten is the same, and both have half-day and full-day classes.

Head Start/Pre-K registration fliers are available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, French, and Portuguese.

Fliers in English and Spanish direct parents and guardians to one link if they are new to MCPS, and another if they already have a child attending MCPS.

Do you have questions about Head Start? Check out the Common Questions online.

Montgomery County
Community Action Agency
1401 Rockville Pike, 3rd Floor
Rockville, MD 20852
240-777-1697

Community Action Partner Spotlight: Nonprofit Advocacy

A drawing of a heart surrounded by helping hands.

Advocacy can mean many different things in the nonprofit world. Fundamentally, advocacy is about speaking out and making a case for something important to bring about change. At the Community Action Agency’s CAI (Community Advocacy Institute) participants learn and utilize basic advocacy skills. Advocacy is the method to get these voices heard. Some of the program participants end up in advocacy roles on non-profit boards and/or County advisory committees.

Nonprofits advance their mission, increase their funding sources, and solve community and societal challenges using advocacy. Many nonprofit organizations’ missions address the needs and inadequacies of individuals and communities, and even help individuals and communities aspire and dream for a better quality of life.

Advocacy allows nonprofits to advance the issues they care about and helps bring about lasting change for the people and communities they serve.

It is very important for nonprofits to understand the differences between the various activities associated with advocacy as well as what is and what is not allowed for a specific type of tax-exempt organization. The IRS defines what is legal and recommended within the limits.

See Links below for more information on nonprofit advocacy:

https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/why-should-your-nonprofit-advocate

Lobbying | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).

Green Tip: Testing Your Home for Radon

The following is reprinted from My Green Montgomery:

During the month of January, Montgomery County joins a nationwide effort to educate homeowners and renters on the dangers of radon gas and the importance of testing every home. Radon Action Month focuses on the steps everyone can take to help ensure their home is radon free.

According to the EPA, radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths each year. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.

January is an especially good time to test homes for radon because windows and doors are closed tightly and people spend more time indoors. Testing typically happens in the lowest occupied level of a building since radon enters through cracks and other openings in the foundation. Radon tests are different from carbon monoxide and home smoke detectors.

Councilmember Craig Rice, the lead sponsor of the County law requiring a radon test when a single-family home is sold, is an advocate for radon education.

“Due to the geology beneath us, Montgomery County is prone to higher levels of radon,” said Councilmember Rice. “Radon is a silent killer and our residents need to know about potential dangers in their homes so they can make smart decisions to protect their families. Being informed about radon starts by picking up, and using, a testing device.”

Radon testing devices can be purchased at local home improvement stores, online or directly from radon testing companies. Many are priced under $25 and can provide short-term or long-term readings.

Everyone should test their home for Radon! In January 2023 (check their websites for ongoing availability) the Maryland Department of Health is offering radon test kits for $3, one per address! Learn more!

The readings are provided in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). If your test results come back as 4 pCi/L or higher, then you should consult a qualified radon mitigation contractor.

For more information on radon, testing and finding a radon mitigation contractor, visit the DEP radon website at montgomerycountymd.gov/radon.

For low-income households, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has home repair loans that can assist with paying for radon abatement: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/SpecialLoans.aspx.

Resources:

Office of Community Affairs, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services:

Community Action Agency’s combined FY20 and FY21 annual report

Asian American Health Initiative

Latino Health Initiative

African American Health Program

Health:

Montgomery County COVID-19 information: Vaccines for adults and children ages six months and up.

Montgomery County COVID-19 hotline in English: 240-777-1755, and in Spanish: 301-270-8432.

Resource Directories:

Get Help page, Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, Montgomery County, MD https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist/get-help/

WorkSource Montgomery’s Community Assets Map

Evictions and eviction prevention:

Landlord-Tenant Affairs, Department of Housing and Community Affairs: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/housing/landlordtenant/evictions.html

Sheriff’s Office, Evictions office: 240-777-7130 https://montgomerycountymd.gov/sheriff/sections/eviction-section.html

Safety and Emergency Preparedness:

Montgomery County flooding website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flooding/. Information on frequently flooded roads, steps residents can take to prepare for potential flooding, and the availability of Flood Insurance available to all properties in the County and a survey on flooding in your neighborhood.

Alert Montgomery: Sign up to receive accurate and immediate notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child's school, or any other Montgomery County locations. Alerts can be sent via text, email, or voice message.

OEMHS website: Tips on preparing for severe storms.

Winter Storm Information Portal

The Montgomery County Family Justice Center helps people in domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse situations. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fjc/

Montgomery County Family Violence Awareness and Prevention

The Montgomery County Crisis Center specializes in serving people with behavioral health (mental health) crises. Information about the Crisis Center and other crisis intervention services:

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs/programindex/crisisservicesindex.html

Food and Household items:

How to protect SNAP benefits from fraud: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Fraud - Maryland Department of Human Services

Food assistance resources and programs (information available in English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean)

Food Assistance Resource Map - https://mocofoodcouncil.org/map/

Diaper distribution

Financial empowerment:

My Green Montgomery: How to lower your energy costs and much more! https://mygreenmontgomery.org/projects/energy/

CASHBACK – VITA Services and tax credit information

Free Financial Counseling: Financial Empowerment Center at WorkSource Montgomery.

Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund: Assistance with mortgage payments or other housing costs due to COVID-19 related financial hardships. MHAF application assistance: Latino Economic Development Corporation and Housing Initiatives Partnership.

Ban the Box, or the Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Law, assists in the successful reintegration of people with criminal records into the workforce by removing barriers to employment and housing. Find out more from the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights.

CFPB Your Money, Your Goals

CFPB Financial Education Tools in Multiple Languages

Protecting Immigrant Families: Immigrant eligibility for public programs.

Unemployment Insurance

Office of Home Energy Programs: Utilities assistance.

WSSC water & sewer bill assistance in English and Spanish. Call Center Advisors: 301-206-4001.

Water bill assistance flier in English and Spanish

Transit:

Ride-On Reimagined is campaign to assess the bus network for significant changes. Go to the link to see opportunities for Public Forums and Community Engagement events. Ride On Reimagined - Montgomery County Division of Transit Services (montgomerycountymd.gov).

The Community Action Agency is part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Affairs.

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