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COVID-19 Resources and Updates
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Support for Residents and Families
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Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the following actions to provide relief to individuals and families affected by the coronavirus:
Prohibition on Evictions: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can show that their failure to pay rent was the result of COVID-19. Examples might include lost or reduced unemployment, caring for a school-aged child, or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. Read the Governor's executive order.
Prohibition on utility shutoffs: Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order that prohibits electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer's service, or charging any residential late fees. Read the Governor's executive order.
Expansion of available school meals: State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced that the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) applied for a federal waiver and beginning today, has the capability to provide three meals a day, and a snack, to students impacted by the statewide closure of schools. MSDE has 138 meal distribution centers across the state, which can be found at mdsummerschools.org.
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The Department of Aging is issuing additional information on the Senior Call Check program as a free resource to MD residents over 65+ and recommending all seniors use the program as a resource during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Senior Call Check phone lines are open M-F 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm. During these hours, seniors can call toll-free 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-0560) and register. Registration is also available online at aging.maryland.gov.
Attorney General Brian Frosh is warning Maryland residents to be on guard against scams involving COVID-19. Scams include websites selling fake health products claiming to prevent or cure the virus. Scams can be reported to the Consumer Protection Division by calling 410-528-8662 or by filing a report with WHO or the FTC. Read more here.
The Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a single point of entry for individuals seeking support services. The MAP provides an online resource directory to serve the public and professionals in identifying, connecting and accessing private and public resources. More information can be found on their website.
Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders. The coronavirus emergency special enrollment period will began Monday, March 16 and will end April 15.
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Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
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National and Federal Resources
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The National Council of State Housing Agencies has complied a resource page providing updates from State specific responses to COVID-19 along with national and Federal resources.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days. The foreclosure and eviction suspension applies to homeowners with an Enterprise-backed single-family mortgage. More information can be found here. The FHFA also announced that hardship forbearance is an option for borrowers unable to make their mortgage payment. Borrowers are encouraged to reach out to their servicer for more information.
HUD's Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs is holding an Office Hours session for homeless assistance providers and their partners to discuss COVID-19 planning and response on March 20, 2020 from 2:30 - 4:00 PM EDT. Click here for more information and a link to join the session. |
Updates on Supplemental Funding
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Congress is currently considering a supplemental funding bill to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Alliance to End Homelessless is working with Congress to include funds that would meet the needs of homeless people and support the organizations and community structures that help them. Please complete this survey to provide the Alliance your feedback.
The National Community Action Foundation has reported that three supplemental bills are in the works and there's a possibility for a fourth. The total funding that will become available is somewhere around $45 billion. Assistance to Community Action Agencies could range between $250 million and $1 billion.
Also, news reports indicate the Maryland General Assembly passed an Emergency bill giving the Governor more authority if he declares a "catastrophic health emergency." The bill addresses unemployment benefits, job protections, and costs of testing, among other issues. For a comprehensive list of legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly most relevant to the coronavirus, click here.
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| As we work together during and through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important to manage anxiety and stress. Here are some helpful tips provided by the CDC. |
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