UPO is responding to our community’s needs during the COVID pandemic, as we do in each crisis faced by our beloved city.
Our COVID-19 Emergency Fund is helping families with immediate needs such as rent, food, living expenses, transportation, and safety gear. And our frontline heroes continue to provide high-quality direct services, as seen in these photos.
Federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding from the CARES Act brought these efforts to life. To meet the District’s urgent needs, Team UPO went above and beyond what we’ve done before.
We have also deepened our partnerships and express our appreciation. to so many organizations, including the Bainum Family Foundation, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, Greater Washington Community Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Martha’s Table, Washington National Cathedral, American University, George Washington University’s School of Medicine, Greater Washington Urban League, and many more.
Bringing food, water, socks, blankets, and other comfort items to people experiencing homelessness.
Using telehealth visits to help patients manage their treatment for opioid addiction.
Preparing hot meals and bags of groceries, then delivering them to families, seniors, and other residents.
Distributing laptops to families who need them for schoolwork
Giving diapers, food, and supermarket gift cards to families
UPO Board Member Lafayette Barnes shares his story about why getting vaccinated is so important. He tells you why he was hesitant at first and what persuaded him to take the vaccine. As he says:
“We love life and we want to live.”
Find a vaccine close to you! Visit:
VaccineFinder.org
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
COVID-19 TESTING SITES
For latest updates of DC Testing Sites, please visit:
NEW LAWS that protect you & your family:
What YOU NEED TO KNOW
during the Coronavirus Crisis
The DC Council passed emergency laws to help you. Here are the key ones.
- NO EVICTIONS: Housing providers are prohibited from evicting any residential or commercial tenant, charging a late fee, or raising the rent during the emergency.
- TENANT RIGHTS DEADLINE EXTENSION: Tenant and tenant association deadlines under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and the Rental Housing Act are extended until 30 days after the end of the emergency.
- NO UTILITY DISCONNECTION: Gas, water, electric, cable, and internet companies cannot disconnect services during this emergency.
- NO FORECLOSURES: DC Superior Court has suspended all foreclosure and eviction proceedings. All Housing Court and Landlord and Tenant Court hearings are postponed.
- MORTGAGE PAYMENTS: This law creates an option to develop a deferment program that grants at least a 90-day deferment for mortgage payments. (Local lenders are required to defer payments for 90 days without added fees if borrowers can demonstrate financial hardships related to the pandemic.) Homeowners with loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may be eligible to defer payments for up to a year. Renters can call the Office of the Tenant Advocate at (202) 719-6560 for additional support, including legal help.
- NO NEW DEBT COLLECTIONS: During the public health emergency and for 60 days after it’s over, no creditor or debt collector will be able to file new collection lawsuits.
- UNEMPLOYMENT: This law allows for flexibility to add additional unemployment benefits from the federal government and the ability to waive some requirements. To file for UI benefits, go to DCnetworks.org; if you don’t have internet access, call (202) 724-7000.
- GRADUATION: This law addresses some of the concerns by giving a waiver opportunity for seniors who would have graduated except for not meeting certain requirements.
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS: You can get help! You can still file for temporary protection orders with DC Courts. Call or text the 24/7 hotline, (844) 4HELPDC for crisis housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and medical forensic care. If you’re afraid or unable to talk to a 911 operator, text to 911.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton suggests the following resources during the coronavirus pandemic.
- DC Government’s updated list of food distribution and other crisis-related resources: CLICK HERE
- For the CARES Act (the Stimulus Bill), including resources on filing for unemployment, please visit the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee website
- For details on the economic impact payment (stimulus checks), please visit the IRS website
- Assistance for small businesses loans, please visit the SBA website
- Nonprofits and small businesses, please visit the House Committee on Small Business website
- Emergency Paid Leave, please visit the Department of Labor website
- Temporary Relief on Student Loans, please visit the Federal Student Aid website
- SNAP Benefits and Food Assistance, please check the House Committee on Agriculture Document 1 & Document 2
