IMPORTANT: 

Local Help is Available during the Covid-19 Social Distancing Initiative

Garfield NEIGHBORS IN NEED FUND– A fund to help individuals & families facing a hardship. Typical grants average $0-$500. Bloomfield Garfield Corporation: 412-426-5329 or email PAM@bloomfield-garfield.org

APPLY ONLINE Garfield Neighbors in Need Crisis Fund Online Application: 

https://tinyurl.com/GarfieldCrisisFund.

Donate to the East End Neighbors in Need Crisis Fund! This fund exists to give financial assistance to people in our community who are going through an unexpected crisis.Want to DONATE to this fund?: click here and CHOOSE NEIGHBORS IN NEED

GARFIELD FOOD RESOURCES:

Care Packages Delivered: A volunteer service delivering packaged meals to those in need in Garfield. Garfield Jubilee: 412-277-4616

Free Meals for Pick up– Everyday’s a Sunday has partnered with BGC using 412FoodRescue donations to provide free meals to those in need in the community. 4919 Penn Ave Pittsburgh PA 15224, Available for Pick Up Wed-Fri 11am to 2pm, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 6pm to supplies run out.

Receive ‘Grab n Go’ Meal Bags on your doorstep Mon/Fri between 2:30 – 4:00Local non-profit located on the corner of Friendship Ave. and S. Pacific Ave delivering daily lunches door to door. Must contact to fill out distribution form EVO FOOD DELIVERY Waiver. Marilyn Chaney at Earthen Vessels Outreach Call: 412 – 214-0862 or email: earthenvessels98@gmail.com

GARFIELD Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank Distribution Site-3rd weekend (Sat) April at 9am Morningside Church of God in Christ-5173 Dearborn St, Pittsburgh PA 15224. Residents of GARFIELD (15224, 15206) can be issued food boxes at this church location and must bring proof of residence and source of financial income to register. 

GARFIELD Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank Distribution Site – Friday April 3rd at 11am. Valley View Presbyterian Church- 601 N Aiken Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Stay in your car and volunteers will place bosses in their cars.  If you cannot drive then they will deliver to your doorstep. Must call ahead 412-708-6158 Please include your Name and address if need delivery, and how many live in home. No documents needed. Additionally the last three Thursday’s of the month Valley View offers delivery of food. call 412-708-6158

BUDDY PROGRAM– 

A City wide Buddy program is organized by Pittsburgh Cares. If you would like to sign up to be a “buddy” for someone, or are looking to find a “buddy”, email info@pittsburghcares.org, or call 412-471-2114 x200 and someone will get back to you.

A “Buddy” program to match Lawrenceville, Bloomfield & Garfield volunteers with seniors and others at high risk for phone calls / check-ins, grocery/prescription runs, meal deliveries, etc. To sign up for a buddy or be a buddy go to  https://tinyurl.com/CovidBuddy

To sign up for a buddy’s help call: Bloomfield Garfield Corporation: 412-426-5329, Lawrenceville United: 412-802-7220, or Bloomfield Development Corporation: (412) 681-8800

RENT AND MORTGAGE HELP

Rent and Mortgage Relief Fund
Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief NOW OPEN https://www.phfa.org/pacares/

RENT & UTILITIES-Housing Stabilization Program  The Housing Stabilization Program (HSP) is a housing crisis intervention program that provides one-time or short term (up to 4 months) financial assistance to renters who are facing a temporary, non-reoccurring housing crisis. CALL 412-227-4163

HEALTH INFORMATION- What we know:

    • The new Coronavirus, or COVID-19*, was identified in December 2019
    • It produces flu-like symptoms–fever, cough, shortness of breath, but is more contagious.
    • In about 15% of cases, it can lead to severe respiratory illness, such as pneumonia
    • There is no vaccine and no antiviral treatment at this time.
    • The virus is fatal in about 2% of reported cases–more than the seasonal flu.
    • If you are experiencing symptoms or believe you may be at risk for COVID-19, please call your doctor’s office or 24/7 Nurse line first before going to be seen by a Doctor.
    • You can also contact one of the following sources with questions:
      • Allegheny County Health Department at (412) 687-2243
      • PA State Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258.
    • For answers on Coronavirus, the flu, or any health-related questions, call your doctor.
    • Call 24/7 Nurse Line for help in understanding your condition
      • In the Pittsburgh area call (412) NURSE-4-U
    • If you don’t have a doctor, find a doctor now, call (412) DOCTORS or (814) SAMEDAY
    • If you are in a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
    • All Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP recipients will have testing and treatment covered.’
  • UPMC, Highmark, and Aetna will waive applicable deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing when ordered by a member’s treating medical provider.
  • Uninsured:  Metro Health Clinic (sliding scale); iHealth Clinic in East Liberty ($35 flat fee)

ACCESS TO INFO & UPDATES:

  • In order to best serve residents with questions and concerns about COVID-19, Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has partnered with United Way 211 to offer a 24/7 hotline. Please call 888-856-2774 to speak with a representative.
  • We are working hard to ensure that you have the best and most current information. Stay up to date by signing up for Allegheny Alerts (www.alleghenycounty.us/alerts) and subscribing to COVID-19, follow the Health Department on Facebook (@AlleghenyCountyHealth) and Twitter (@HealthAllegheny), and visit www.alleghenycounty.us/coronavirus.
  • FOR ANY GENERAL ASSISTANCE: United Way helpline (help connecting to all kinds of resources), call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 or visit PA211sw.org

SAFE LIVING CONDITIONS:

  • People experiencing abuse in their homes during the pandemic are encouraged to read this resource guide for victims of domestic violence. The comprehensive guide identifies common abuse types and offers tips on emergency planning, tech safety, and how to maintain safe living conditions. It also lists support programs for housing, immigration, and financial independence.

Pharmacy delivery services:

    • Wilson’s Pharmacy (412.621.6471) offers free delivery typically 4:30-7 p.m. Call ahead. 
  • Shop N Save Pharmacy (412.784.8600) offers free delivery during regular hours (9a-7p weekdays, 9a-2p weekends). Call ahead. Can order over-the-counter medications that are out of stock and include that for delivery with day’s notice.
  • The Rite Aids in Lawrenceville (412.682.6970) and Bloomfield (412.621.9987) offer delivery of prescriptions on weekdays in the later afternoon. Call ahead. There may be $3 delivery fee. Possibly will include over-the-counter meds with prescription.

Food donations: 

  • Meals on Wheels: 412.350.5460 or 412.350.4234
  • Garfield Jubilee- delivering care packages to Garfield residents: 412-277-4616
  • People’s Indian Restaurant- those with out can pick up an individual meal CALL 412-661-3160 | 5147 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224
  • Receive ‘Grab n Go’ Meal Bags on your doorstep Monday – Friday between 2:30 – 4:00 Marilyn Chaney at Earthen Vessels Outreach Call: 412 – 214-0862 or email: earthenvessels98@gmail.com
  • Lawrenceville Healthy Active Living (Senior) Center: 100 pre-packaged meals given out 11a-1p on M/W/F to seniors who are registered with the program.
  • Pittsburgh Community Services Inc: 412.904.4700.
  • Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – (412) 460-3663
  • Food Bank Locator and Grab N Go Sites https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/get-help/
  • East End Cooperative Ministry community lunch – EECM’s daily community lunch from 12:15-1:15 pm will not be served in their dining room but rather as take-out only. Clients can pick up take-out bagged hot lunches and other food items at Entrance G of EECM’s building.
  • 412 Food Rescue- Food donation inquiries: (412) 277-3831
    • Local distribution sites:
        • Garfield Jubilee: 412-277-4616
        • Fridays: Lawrenceville United. Call (412) 802-7220 before noon.
        • Lawrenceville Family Care Connection: (412) 784-8683
        • IW Abel: (412) 687-7120
    • Just Harvest– Over-the-phone COMPASS applications: (412) 431-8960
  • Food Pantries
      • St. Mary’s Lyceum (Lawrenceville): 412.682.3877 – M & Tu 11a-12:30p
      • East End Cooperative Ministries: 412-345-7149.- M-F
      • Morningside Church of God in Christ 3rd weekend (Sat) April at 9am
      • Valley View Presbyterian Church Must call ahead 412-708-6158 Friday April 3rd at 11am  

Utilities/Internet/Phone: Contact each provider

Childcare- Circles – Greater Pittsburgh

If you need a babysitter in order to go to work, please contact Tammy Thompson via email: tthompson@Circlespgh.org.
Please provide the following: 1. Number of children you need care for    2. Age of child/children   3. The hours that you need care for them   4. Name of Employer 5. Community you live in

Older adults

VOTING: Absentee and Mail-in Ballots: https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx

MENTAL HEALTH & PEER SUPPORT:

  • A Peer Support and Advocacy Network is available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 1-866-661-9726 | Crisis Services available 24/7 call 1-888-796-8226
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website. The agency’s Disaster Distress Hotline is 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990

EDUCATION RESOURCES-

  • The PA Housing Alliance is keeping an updated list of housing resources that includes mortgage loss mitigation and financial bridge loans, among other information.

FACE_lunchbox_project_flyer

HEN Meeting Report, 3.26.202

  • FREE COMPUTER– Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are aware that many students will be completing their schooling online for the foreseeable future, and not every student may have access to a computer at home. We are giving out desktop computers to families that may not have one so that students can continue to be successful in their education. In order to receive a computer, we are asking that you, the teacher/administrator, PLEASE FORWARD ALONG THE GOOGLE FORM LINK BELOW.  An adult family member of your student/s must fill out the Google Form in order to receive the computer (IDs will be required at desktop takeout location at Computer Reach located at 1 DRV Drive, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnqIwqfNqgyFWQG9G8C_S7CKbTS9z2wA3ZR6Hkw3lhMsubdg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Supplies are limited and at this moment the first 200 families that respond will be guaranteed a desktop computer. Following requests will be fulfilled as soon as feasible.Thank you for supporting this coordinated effort to ensure your students a successful end of the school year, The Education Partnership Computer Reach The Fisher Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation

Small business and service industry support

UPDATE!

PA Small Business Assistance AVAILABLE NOW!!! GRANTS!

Requirements:
* Be a PA business
* Annual revenue of $1 million or less prior to COVID-19
* 25 or less full-time employees prior to February 15, 2020.
* Business in operation on February 15, 2020 and if required, paid income taxes to the state and federal government, as reported on individual or business tax returns
* COVID-19 has had an adverse economic impact and makes this grant request necessary
* The grant will be used cover COVID-19 related costs
* During the period beginning on June 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020, the applicant has not and will not receive another grant under THIS state program

The following list of items will be needed to apply. Additional items may be specified later:
1. Government Issued Photo ID
2. Business financial information:
* Revenue from March 1st to May 31st for 2019 and 2020
* Most recently submitted Federal Tax Return. 2018 or 2019 business and personal tax returns including Schedule C
* If startup between January 1-February 15, 2020, Internal Profit & Loss Statement
3. Proof of Business Registration with PA Dept of State, as applicable:
* Articles of Incorporation (for corporations and LLCs); or
* Fictitious Name Registration/“DBA” (Sole Proprietors); or
* Business License (if applicable).
4. Bank Account Information

Here’s a list of the Western PA CDFIs facilitating applications:

The Progress Fund
https://www.progressfund.org/grants-for-small-businesses/

Bridgeway Capital
https://www.bridgewaycapital.org/smallbusinessassistancegr…/

Northside Community Development Fund
https://northsidecomm.pacdfinetwork.mylendistry.com/login

Reinvestment Fund
https://www.reinvestment.com/pasmallbusinessgrants/

 

 
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SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance
Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and
Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S.
Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
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PA 30 Day Fund is a volunteer-powered nonprofit with all funds raised going directly to small businesses in desperate need to protect jobs NOW. 
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Extend your area to the sidewalk or parking space!
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OTHER SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
  • Life Sustaining Business FAQs 5.7(1)
  • CARE ACT: https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/cares-act-small-business-guide
  • Borrowers can receive a $10,000 emergency grant cash advance that can be forgiven if spent on paid leave, maintaining payroll, increased costs due to supply chain disruption, mortgage or lease payments or repaying obligations that cannot be met due to revenue losses.
  • The Paycheck Protection Program offers loans for small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, select types of businesses with fewer than 1,500 employees, 501(c)(3) non-profits with fewer than 500 workers and some 501(c)(19) veteran organizations. Additionally, the self-employed, sole proprietors, and freelance and gig economy workers are also eligible to apply. Businesses, even without a personal guarantee or collateral, can get a loan as long as they were operational on February 15, 2020.
  • THE CARE ACT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THE SBA disaster loan program (Please note: SBA Advises that you apply using THESE FORMS. The online portal is overwhelmed and doing a physical application will end in a faster result)
    MAILING ADDRESS:
    US Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center
    14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155
    FORMS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RhpbtFu2J9B8MANFLF_IuGx8Q08OE5ro?usp=sharing

OTHER SMALL BUSINESS INFO:

 General Links

Policy

  • Gov. Tom Wolf has requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration implement a disaster declaration to provide assistance to small business and non-profits in the form of loans. The application process is to-be-announced.
  • National Updates and Resources for Housing/Homelessness Advocates
  • Organizations in the city, who have joined this outreach effort: Bloomfield-Garfield Corp, Morningside Church of Christ in God, Garfield Jubilee, Valley View Presbyterian Church, Brothers and Sisters Emerging, Boom Concepts, Earthen Vessels Outreach, Lawrenceville United, Garfield Community Farm, Assemble, Bloomfield Development Corporation, Thomas Merton Center, Action-Housing.