Coronavirus: Meeting Basic Needs in Dane County

By
Brenda Konkel
-
dane county basic needs guide

Being homeless, one paycheck away from being evicted or not being able to put food on the table in good times is still hard in Dane County.  Coronavirus is shutting down programs and suspending supports for those in need. 

NOTE:  AT THIS POINT THIS INFORMATION IS OUT OF DATE AND ITS TOO HARD TO KEEP UP WITH THE EVER CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Last updated: March 20 1:52 p.m.

This guide is by no means complete, but it is a start and its definitely work in progress. Hopefully it will start you on your way to finding what you need. Things are changing rapidly, so follow the links provided in case there are more updates.  Sadly, at the moment, this guide has more services that are shut down than have started up.  If you have something you think should be added, please feel free to let me know at forwardlookout@gmail.com.  I will continue to update this as I receive more information and find a solution to make the information easier to navigate.

News articles will be collected each day on the Konkel Round Up and added to this guide at the end of the day or sooner when possible.

HOUSING, INCOME, UTILITY SHUT OFFS & PRICE GOUGING

FEDERAL BAN ON FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS THROUGH APRIL

FHA Suspends Foreclosures and Evictions Amid COVID-19 National Emergency

Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published Mortgagee Letter 2020-04, “Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium in Connection with the Presidentially-Declared COVID-19 National Emergency,” which announces an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all FHA-insured single family mortgages for a 60-day period. Read today’sPress Release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the subject.

The Secretary of HUD authorized these moratoriums as a result of the national emergency declared by the President of the United States. They are part of a broader federal government effort to address impacts to the financial well-being of individuals, families, and businesses, and to ensure families are not displaced during this critical period.

Updates to Single Family’s COVID-19 Q&A Available: FHA has developed and is maintaining a Q&A document to provide stakeholders with the latest information about FHA’s response to the Presidentially-declared COVID-19 national emergency. An updated version of the FHA Single Family COVID-19 Q&A is now posted.

Please direct all COVID-19 housing counseling questions to: housing.counseling@hud.govor to your housing counseling agency’s HUD Point Of Contact (POC).

DANE COUNTY EVICTION CASES

Dane County Small Claims Court has been shut down by order from March 16, 2020 until April 17, 2020 or upon further notice of the court.  Our understanding is that eviction hearings are all cancelled and you should watch your mail for the rescheduled date.  They are rescheduling for dates in May.  The sheriff may still be evicting people who have already been to court.  More information here.

This means that now they also suspended and eviction orders that have been ordered by the court, but not yet carried out by the sheriff.  So people who lost an eviction case or didn’t show up – but haven’t been evicted by the sheriff yet can stay til the emergency is over.

UNEMPLOYMENT

From 3/18/20

Gov. Evers Waives Work Search and Modifies Availability Requirements for Unemployment Benefits
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today issued Emergency Order #7 waiving work search requirements and modifying the availability requirements for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19.  The order is available here. 

Emergency Order #7 waives the requirement that UI claimants conduct at least four weekly work search actions during the COVID-19 emergency. This section of the order is retroactively effective to March 12, 2020. This order also ensures that claimants who are otherwise eligible but out of work due to COVID-19 are considered available for work and therefore eligible for benefits.

The order goes into effect immediately and will remain in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“This emergency order follows the federal guidance related to administering unemployment insurance benefit claims during the pandemic period and allows the program to support our workers who have been affected,” said Gov. Evers. “Many Wisconsin workers are facing financial burden and stress due to the COVID-19 outbreak and this order will help them access some additional support. My Administration plans to continue to work with state legislators and our federal partners on initiatives to help impacted workers.”

On Thurs., March 12, 2020, the governor signed Executive Order #72 that directs DHS to take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent and respond to incidences of COVID-19. It allows DHS to purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or other health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency. It also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs related to isolation and quarantine, as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.

Decisions about the implementation of other community measures will be made by state and local officials based on CDC and DHS guidance, as well as the scope of the outbreak.

People should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

  • Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
  • Covering coughs and sneezes;
  • Avoiding touching your face;
  • Staying home when sick.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

 

VIRTUAL TIP JAR

Please share with anyone in the food service sector who is now worried about their livelihood.
UTILITIES

On March 13th the Wisconsin Service Commission directed water, electric and natural gas utilities to cease disconnecting residential services and reconnect those who have been disconnected.  Here’s the Press Release – PSC Tells Wisconsin Utilities to Suspend Disconnections for Nonpayment During Public Health Emergency.  However “Once the public health emergency is lifted, the utility may disconnect service to a property that was reconnected during this period without further notice if an appropriate payment or payment arrangement has not been established.”  Plus the April 15th winter moratorium on disconnections of water, electric and natural gas will continue as long as the public health emergency is in effect.  Governor Evers’ Executive Order 72 can be found here.

PRICE GOUGING

The Governor’s order 72 also includes declares it a “period of abnormal economic disruption” and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections to enforce all laws against price gouging as follows:

100.305  Prohibited selling practices during periods of abnormal economic disruption.
(1)  Definitions. In this section:
(a) “Consumer goods or services” means goods or services that are used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
(b) “Emergency” includes any of the following:
1. A tornado, flood, fire, storm, or other destructive act of nature.
2. A disruption of energy supplies to the degree that a serious risk is posed to the economic well-being, health, or welfare of the public.
3. Hostile action.
4. A strike or civil disorder.
(c) “Hostile action” means an act of violence against a person or property in the United States by a foreign power or by a foreign or domestic terrorist.
(d) “Period of abnormal economic disruption” means a period of time during which normal business transactions in the state or a part of the state are disrupted, or are threatened to be disrupted, due to an emergency.
(e) “Seller” means a manufacturer, producer, supplier, wholesaler, distributor, or retailer.
(2) Prohibition. No seller may sell, or offer to sell, in this state at wholesale or at retail, consumer goods or services at unreasonably excessive prices if the governor, by executive order, has certified that the state or a part of the state is in a period of abnormal economic disruption.
(3) Rules. The department shall promulgate rules to establish formulas or other standards to be used in determining whether a wholesale or retail price is unreasonably excessive.
(4m) Enforcement; penalty. If a seller violates sub. (2), the department or, after consulting with the department, the department of justice, may do any of the following:
(a) Issue to the seller a warning notice specifying the action that the seller is required to take in order not to be in violation of sub. (2).
(b) Commence an action against the seller in the name of the state to recover a civil forfeiture of not more $10,000 or to temporarily or permanently restrain or enjoin the seller from violating sub. (2), or both.
History: 2005 a. 450.
Cross-reference: See also ch. ATCP 106, Wis. adm. code.
If you see this happening, report it to the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection on line or by calling 1-800-422-7128
CDA HOUSING

In light of the current COVID-19 concerns, the Community Development Authority (CDA) will be closed to the public effective 8am Wednesday morning, 3/18/2020. At this time, staff will still be working in the office or remotely. What this means to our applicants, clients and agency partners:

  • All CDA offices and community spaces are closed to the public. Section 8 walk-in hours have been cancelled.
  • Staff will still be answering phone calls and emails but please be patient as response time may be a little longer than usual due to the influx of calls and emails but we will respond as quickly as we can.

o   Applicants will still continue to contact our central office at 608-266-4675 and press 0 to speak to the receptionist or via the housing@cityofmadison.com email.

o   Section 8 clients will still continue to reach out directly to their assigned caseworker via phone or email.

o   Public Housing and Multi-Family residents will still continue to contact their site office via phone or email.

  • Paperwork with due dates will need to be mailed or placed in the drop-box outside of our central office in the Madison Municipal Building (building hours at 8am-4:30pm). If extensions are needed to allow for extra time for mailing, please contact us. (paperwork with due dates at site offices need to be mailed, there is no drop box available).
  • We are looking at available options to continue to offer Section 8 briefings but are still unsure at this time what that will look like. Stay tuned for more information on that.
  • Section 8 housing assistance payments to landlords will still be processed.
  • CDA maintenance staff will only be responding to emergency maintenance calls and may call a resident to troubleshoot work order requests via phone. CDA staff are disinfecting common areas and all high touch surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons, and mailboxes daily.
  • Section 8 inspectors will only be conducting move in and emergency inspections.
  • CDA residents and Section 8 voucher holders should contact their property manager or Section 8 caseworker via phone or email as soon as possible if they are experiencing a decrease in income that may affect their ability to pay rent.

More information can be found on the CDA website:  https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/housing/covid-19-response/3387/

We apologize for the inconvenience that might result from these changes.  We strive to continue to operate with the least amount of impact on our applicants, clients and residents.

This continues to be a fluid process so I will send out updates if anything changes. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Stay home, stay healthy,

Kim Kennedy

BROADBAND RESOURCES

Information forwarded by City of Madison Neighborhood Resource Team Staff.

Charter Communications: Will offer free access to broadband for 60 days to households with K-12 and / or college students

AT&T: Removing data caps associated with their wireless and wired connections (see “Customer Offers”)

Comcast:  Increases access and speeds to their Internet Essentials Program ($10 / month broadband); new families get 60 days free

T-mobile:  Hotspot loan programs made available to K-12 districts ($20 / month for unlimited data; $0 device).  No link yet but confirmed by T-mobile Gov’t account manager.

SERVICE CLOSURES/MODIFICATIONS TO SERVICES

HOMELESS SERVICES

Dane County Homeless Services Consortium offers resources here.

PORCHLIGHT 3-16-20

Dear Porchlight Friends,
 
As you know, the Coronavirus has reached ‘pandemic’ status according to the World Health Organization. I want to take a moment to provide you with the latest update on our response at Porchlight to help ensure the safety of our clients, staff, volunteers, and the community.
 
·         Men’s Drop-In Shelter. We are washing guest blankets daily. We have hired a professional cleaning company to clean and sanitize weekly, on top of our regular daily custodial services. Guests will utilize hand sanitizer upon entering shelter and prior to meals. Meal volunteers have been given the option of dropping off prepared meals and having staff serve. We are identifying homeless guests who are elderly and/or have compromised immune systems and working with Dane County to transfer these guests to hotels for 1-2 months.
 
·         We are looking into extending time at Shelter 3 past winter hours and not enforcing 90 night limit with guests.
 
·         Our leadership team is developing protocols for staff in essential services and we are working with City/County/Public Health to develop strategies for outbreaks affecting staff and guests including cross training staff to fill in at other programs. 
 
·         Our family case manager is working with the 34 families that live in Porchlight housing to make sure they have adequate food and resources while children are home from school.
 
·         All outside programming coming into Brooks Street to assist our residents has been canceled at this time for health and safety reasons.
 
·         We are coordinating efforts with the CDC, City of Madison, Dept of Health, UW Health Systems and FEMA to ensure we meet the needs of the community, staff, volunteers and partnering organizations.
 
 
For the latest updates from Porchlight please check out our website at https://porchlightinc.org/ our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/porchlightmadison/?ref=bookmarks
 
To make a donation to assist in our efforts, please click on the below link: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E343331&id=1
 
Take good care! We will get through this!
 
Best, Karla Thennes
Executive Director
Porchlight

SALVATION ARMY

Update 3-18

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to provide an update as to what The Salvation’s response is to continue ensure the safety of all guests, staff, volunteers as well as the greater community

  • Our leadership team is working closely with other shelter partners as well as the City of Madison, Dane County, Public Health and other medical professionals to develop protocols and strategies to minimize exposure and prevent outbreaks.
  • Public access to the building is being restricted to only guests utilizing services.
  • Our current Day services are being suspended at this time in the building. Case management support services are still being offered, via phone or other technological devices.
  • The housing case managers are working with families and individuals currently in housing to make sure they have resources, such as food, rental assistance and resources for the children.
  • Shelter diversion service staff are working in overdrive to assist in securing safe alternative locations beyond shelter
  • Shelter alternations have been implemented to try to prevent outbreaks
    • Women’s shelter has implemented social distancing in bed placements.
    • Families are being placed in the same room they utilized the night before as much as
      possible
  • Increased janitorial services to sanitize the building. Addition of 9 hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the building
  • Separate spacing of meal times for families and Single women
  • The After School Program has suspended services until further notice

Donations can be brought to 3030 Darbo Drive in Madison on weekdays between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Online donations accepted at SalvationArmyDaneCounty.org

BRIARPATCH YOUTH SHELTER

3/18/20 – Please be advised that our youth shelter is closed from March 18th through March 29th.   This became necessary when several of our shelter staff were advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.  Our current plan is to reopen the shelter at 9:00 a.m. on Monday March 30, 2020.  Our RHY 24 hour help-line remains operational (608-251-1126) and a counselor will be on-call 24/7 during the period our shelter is closed.  Our on-call staff will assist homeless and runaway youth with finding safe alternatives to shelter until we are able to reopen.

BEACON

From email on March 13

We have decided, for the safety of everyone, to strongly suggest that partner agency hours/access at The Beacon be suspended until further notice. Though we understand that your services are needed and we appreciate all that you do, your coming to The Beacon exposes you to a large group of people in a close contact environment. We do not want to add to your risk of being exposed to the coronavirus. We also must think about the population that we serve. They are vulnerable and need The Beacon to remain open through the coronavirus pandemic. We want to limit the exposure that both our guests and staff have to outside sources in hopes that everyone can remain healthy and our doors can remain open.

We appreciate your cooperation through this trying time and hope that all of you and your loved ones remain healthy.

Partner agencies include:

  • 4C
  • ARC Community Services/Project Respect
  • BadgerCare
  • Briarpatch Youth Services
  • Care Wisconsin
  • Community Justice
  • Coordinated Entry System
  • Diversified Personnel Services (DPS)
  • Familia Dental
  • Forward Service Corporation Employment & Training
  • iCare
  • MACH OneHealth
  • Madison Area Urban Ministry
  • MEDiC Mental Health
  • Meriter UnityPoint Health Outreach
  • MMSD Play and Learn
  • Operation Fresh Start
  • Porchlight
  • Project Babies
  • Sankofa Behavioral & Community Health
  • Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Tellurian
  • Urban League of Greater Madison
  • Veterans Affairs Homeless Outreach

And they also sent this email about Coordinated Entry (the primary housing service for homeless persons)

Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health emergency and to mitigate the potential impact on the vulnerable people we serve, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, Coordinated Entry (CE) staff will not be meeting with participants at The Beacon.  CE screening and assessments, including VI-SPDAT assessments, will be conducted over the phone.

To contact Coordinated Entry, call (608) 826-8019 and leave a message or complete the Coordinated Entry Form on the Homeless Services Consortium website:www.danecountyhomeless.org/cecontactform.

CE staff will be monitoring messages and returning phone calls within 24 business hours.  CE hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30a – 4pm.

Please note that Coordinated Entry partner agencies (ICA, Porchlight, The Salvation Army and Tenant Resource Center) are currently working to determine continuity of services for CE assessments at emergency shelter and Eviction Prevention Coordinated Entry services at Tenant Resource Center.  We will provide updates as available.

HOPE’S HOME MINISTRIES

BETHEL HOMELESS SERVICES

Bethel will continue to provide a hot lunch for our homeless guests each Tuesday and Thursday but will suspend our other services and resources until further notice.  Our church is  closed to worship services but staff will remain to handle telephone calls, etc.  Our food pantry is operating, but has altered how the food is dispensed.  Please call the church to register for the pantry and with any pertinent questions such as the times of service (608)257-3577.

Our lunches will be served in the parking lot where we will encourage our guests to pick up take-out meals.    Our regular hours of operation were 8:30-4:30 Tuesdays/Thursdays however, we will only be available for the noon meal and for subsequent mail dispensation. 

For those who receive their U.S. mail from Bethel, we will provide mail in the same manner as we have always done.

OFF THE SQUARE CLUB

from 3/19/20

Hello All:

We just found out that one of our staff is being quarantined for 14 days who was at work not feeling well last week.  We have also learned that 2 people where some members visit have been tested for the COVID-19 and are awaiting results.  In light of this new information we have decided to close OTSC and re-evaluate next week.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards and stay healthy,  Linda

LINDA COLE – PROGRAM MANAGER|Day Resource Centers

VA HOMELESS PROGRAM

3/17/20 – 12:39pm

The Madison VA Homeless Program is temporarily relocating HCHV Outreach Services to the Main VA Hospital Campus at 2500 Overlook Terrace effective 3/18/20 until further notice.  We remain available by telephone, and encourage Veterans and community partners to reach out to us by phone at 608-280-2095.  In the event that a Veteran is unable to reach us by phone, and needs walk-in assistance during our HCHV Outreach Hours of 8am-10am, they can enter the hospital via the main lobby and will be directed to the Social Work Department in room A45.

FRIENDS OF THE STATE STREET FAMILY

3/19/20

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Friends of the State Street Family has decided to suspend our traditional street outreach program.  We are working in collaboration with area day programs as well as the shelters to identify ways we can support the work they are doing to keep our friends experiencing homelessness safe and healthy.

  • FSSF is working to purchase and secure donations for snacks, hygiene items, and symptom treatment supplies to share with area agencies serving our friends.
  • FSSF will host outdoor distribution of essential items at set locations, Schedule TBA.
  • The FSSF Communications Line continues to operate.  We will do our best to connect essential survival gear to our friends.

We are so thankful to all organizations and individuals working to provide services to our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Please let us know how we can help your efforts.

In friendship,

FSSF Board of Directors

TENANT RESOURCE CENTER

Our main office and campus office will be closed for walk in’s effective immediately. We will be continuing to provide community support and assistance through housing counseling, financial assistance, mediation and care management. Please know that we do not make this decision lightly. We are here as we’ve always been. All calls will be returned as quickly as possible – we want everyone to be safe and healthy. In solidarity to housing justice!

DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES

Beginning Tuesday, March 17th, the DAIS business offices will be closed to the public. Scheduled appointments should report to the 24/7 security entrance. DAIS will not be able to provide any walk-in services for the foreseeable future. Those needing services should contact our 24-hour Help Line at (608) 251-4445. Please note that call volumes may be higher during this time. We appreciate your patience.

Because we wish to respond proactively to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, and to do our part in controlling the virus’ spread, we are adjusting or suspending several aspects of our typical programs and practices until further notice. DAIS leadership staff will revisit these measures daily and assess the need for maintaining or modifying them based on any new information or directives we receive from public health officials at the local, state, and federal levels.

  • We are temporarily suspending in-person educational presentations to community groups, as well as hosting informational tables at community events. We hope to resume our Public Education Program May 1st but will make that decision based on conditions and public health department recommendations at that time.
  • We are also suspending all school-based and community-based prevention activities effective immediately, including our MENS (Men Encouraging Non-violent Strength) Clubs. We will follow the lead of our educational partners as to when it would be most appropriate to re-institute these initiatives.
  • We are temporarily suspending in-person participation in community meetings and task forces. When feasible, we will use remote methods to participate in discussions. We will reevaluate conditions in mid-April.
  • To limit non-essential visits to our facility, we are cancelling in-person meetings hosted by DAIS until further notice.
  • We will not be accepting donations of any used items until further notice. Donations of new, needed items as identified on our Wishlist (cleaning products, paper towels, hand soap and hand sanitizer, baby wipes, large trash bags, unexpired food, non-perishable food, etc.) will still be accepted. Deliveries of donations must be arranged in advance by calling (608) 338-0065 or emailing at inkind@abuseintervention.org
  • We are cancelling all support groups and children’s programming until at least the week ofApril 6th.
  • We will not be able to accommodate any walk-in appointments until further notice
  • All case management services will be provided over the phone. Limited in-person
    appointments may be offered based on the request. In person appointments are not guaranteed.
  • We are suspending our Legal Clinic at the Dane County Courthouse until further notice.
  • Legal Advocacy services will be primarily provided over the phone. Court accompaniments may be possible based on Legal Advocate availability. If the courthouse closes, our legal advocacy services will revert to exclusively phone-based services.
  • Additional health and safety precautions will be taken for the limited in-person client meetings with DAIS staff and volunteers that may be available (such as increasing the physical distance between individuals during face-to-face appointments).

In addition to these adjustments to DAIS programming, DAIS is fully committed to following the CDC’s general recommendations for homeless shelters, places of employment, and the community at large. For example, employees will be expected to stay home when they are sick. Employees who arrive at work while ill will be sent home immediately. All employees are expected to wash hands regularly, and frequently contacted surfaces will be disinfected multiple times daily to promote a clean, healthy
environment.

While DAIS will take every necessary measure (as recommended by the CDC and local public health agency to reduce the spread of infect, we will also strive to balance any precautionary steps with the need to ensure continued access to our supportive services for victims and survivors, especially those who are members of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

While we greatly hoped to avoid any interruptions in our services, we have chosen to be as proactive as possible as we begin to understand the true scope of the situation in Dane County. Based on the research we have done, we believe that these steps will help protect DAIS clients, staff and volunteers, as well as any persons at increased risk of severe illness, and will help us return to full functionality as quickly as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

MESSAGE FROM THE DA’S OFFICE

From: DVCCR of Dane County <danecountydvccr@gmail.com>
Date: March 17, 2020 at 9:36:31 PM CDT
To: Dane County DVCCR <danecountydvccr@gmail.com>
Subject: Important Update from the DA’s OfficeGreetings, Please be aware that domestic violence victims will be facing an increased risk during the pandemic as a result of social distancing. The following article has more information.https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-03-16/social-distancing-coronavirus-domestic-violence
We have been asked to forward the following update from the District Attorney’s office regarding the COVID-19 situation.STATEMENT FROM DA’S OFFICE GOING OUT TODAY: PLEASE BE SURE TO FORWARDCrime victims, especially those who are impacted by domestic violence and intimate partner violence may feel even more isolated during this Coronavirus crisis.  We want to remind you that the Crime Response Program (CRP) of the District Attorney’s Office operates 24/7/365. If you or someone you know might benefit from a phone call from one of our Trauma Response Specialists whether they need to talk about their victimization or have immediate needs related to the crime we are available.Victim service providers are working from home and available to assist Dane County crime victims.  On-call Trauma Response Specialists are available after standard working hours.  Our Victim/Witness Program will continue to provide services to victims who have pending court cases.  Due to additional delays and case postponements, victims may have questions and concerns about their cases.   We have Victim/Witness staff available remotely to respond to incoming calls. Our programs can be reach the following ways:Crime Response Program daytime phone:  608 284-6908Crime Response Program 24-hour phone:  608 376-0164Victim Witness Unit can be reached at 608 266-9003

FOOD/PANTRIES/COMMUNITY CENTERS

RIVER FOOD PANTRY

The River has been closely monitoring growing concerns in Madison and Dane County regarding COVID-19. As of today, March 12, 2020, the following will take effect until further notice:

    • The River is ceasing hot meals and clothing distribution.
    • We will be halting our Senior distribution session on Wednesdays from 11:00am–1:45pm.
    • We will be limiting shoppers inside The River to 25 at a time. We encourage our clients to limit shopping to the Head of Household or one family member only.
    • All volunteer groups will be canceled, and there will be revised volunteer opportunities available.
    • We will not be providing rides on Friday market sessions. We will offer MUNCH on Friday market sessions.
    • Our market hours on Tuesday and Thursday are now extended to 10:00am- 5:00pm.
    • Our market hours on Friday are extended to 2:00pm-7:00pm.
    • We will no longer be accepting donations of clothing or housewares. We still welcome food and hygiene product donations.
    • Our annual Breakfast with the Bunny event on April 4, 2020 is now canceled.
    • Our fifth annual Feed the Need event on March 29, 2020 is being postponed. Further details and a later date to be provided.
    • Our upcoming volunteer appreciation event on April 8, 2020 is being postponed. Further details and a later date to be provided.

The health and safety of everyone who comes through our doors is our number one concern. We are taking all precautions necessary to keep our clients, volunteers and staff safe until further notice. If you are a client or volunteer of The River, we urge you to stay home if you are feeling sick. As a source for nutrition for many vulnerable populations, we often have hundreds of individuals inside our facility at a time. We work with older adult populations as well as immunocompromised and chronically ill populations and urge you to consider the health of those in your community as well as your own during this time. The CDC recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

    • Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
    • Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Stay home when sick.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates through our website, social media, and voicemail system as necessary. Thank you for your support and understanding during this time.

Questions and concerns can be directed to info@riverfoodpantry.org, or 608-442-8815

GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER

Check here for updates.  This was their message to the community:

In all the conversations we’ve had about the coronavirus pandemic, here’s the question we keep asking:
How do we build community in the midst of social distancing and quarantines?
Because that’s why we’re here. There’s so much we can’t control these days, but as the spread of the virus progresses, we are committed to helping the people in our community who are the most vulnerable, the most impacted — and those who lack the resources and social support to navigate this scary, uncharted territory. And we’re going to need your help.
As of Monday, March 16, here’s what’s changing at Goodman*:
    • New hours of operation for our Ironworks building will be weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Center-based older adult programming is cancelled but we will continue supporting our seniors.
    • Food: we will offer drive-through groceries for seniors or deliver groceries to those without transportation.
    • Check-ins by phone: Staff will talk with our seniors daily to make sure they are okay, offer help with urgent needs, and let them know when we will reopen.
    • Food pantry services will shift to a drive-through delivery method.
    • Fitness center will be closed.
    • Events hosted by the community have been cancelled through March 29, or until we are safe to resume.
    • Children’s programming: At this time, we plan to have early childhood programs remain open if MMSD closes.
    • Elementary programs will expand hours. We will encourage families who are able to make alternative arrangement for care to NOT attend since spots will be limited.
    • We will seek to serve families who are vulnerable to job loss.
*Information is changing rapidly. Goodman will be constantly reassessing how we can help and will update our policies on our website regularly at: goodmancenter.org
Just the increase in demand for food will be a challenge, and we are going to face cuts in our resources as we increase our availability. But this is exactly why the Goodman Community Center is here: for the greater good of all, particularly in challenging circumstances.
Could you join your neighbors and help the most vulnerable in our community stay connected and get the vital resources they need? Make a gift today.

CATHOLIC MULTICULTURAL CENTER

The Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St, Madison (608-661-3512) will be implementing the following program suspensions and changes starting Monday, March 16 until further notice:

    • All classes (ESL, Citizenship, Spanish language, computer, etc.) are cancelled.
    • Shower and laundry services for homeless are suspended.
    • All drop-in employment search services are suspended.
    • Computer lab will be closed.
    • All CMC support groups (FUNNE, cancer support, etc.) are suspended.
    • NA and AA meetings will be allowed to meet with restrictions. All other facility use group meetings are cancelled or suspended.
    • Free Meal Program: Carry out food will be provided in the parking lot. Guests will be asked to grab-and-go. There will be no dining area provided. Food will be served 4 – 5pm M – F; and 11am – 12pm Sat & Sun.
    • Food Pantry and Personal Essentials Pantry: Food and personal essentials will be distributed through our garage door area. Guests will complete a selection list and volunteers/staff will bag/box up the selections and bring them out  to guests. Food pantry hours: 2 – 4pm Tuesday; and 10:30am – 12pm Thursday. PEP hours: 2 – 4pm Tuesday. There will be no pre-registration.
    • Immigration Legal Services will be provided by appointment only. No walk-in clients or inquiries will be seen. Appointment slots will be limited. Call 441-0114 to make an appointment.

The statement they have also says:

Effective start on Monday March 16th, the Catholic Multicultural Center will only offer the following services at their regularly scheduled times:

      • Daily free meal weekdays 4 to 5pm and weekends 11am to 12pm
      • Food pantry Tuesdays 2:00 to 4:00pm and Thursdays 10:30 to 12:00pm
        • Personal Essential pantry 2:00 to 3:30pm Tuesdays during food pantry
      • Immigration Legal services – by appointment only 9am to 5pm weekdays

All other programs, events, and meetings at the CMC are postponed. In addition, the CMC building will not be open to the public

VERA COURT, BRIDGE LAKE POINT, LATINO ACADEMY

3/17 – During this time as concerns about COVID-19 continue to escalate, please know that our agency is working hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our community members. As a precaution, Vera Court and BLW Center have suspended all center programming until April 6th. Latino Academy has suspended all center programming until March 30th. 

Our organizations are in the process of determining how to best serve our respective communities.

Vera Court Neighborhood Center

At this time, Vera Court Neighborhood is closed to the public and all programming is cancelled until further notice. However, feel free to call us at Vera Court Neighborhood Center (608-246-8372) from 10am-4pm Monday-Friday for questions, information on accessing resources, etc. This week, we will be distributing meals to youth program participants outside in front of the neighborhood center on March 17th – March 20th from 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm.

BLW Center

BLW Center will be closed to the public until April 6th. However, feel free to call us at BLW Center (608-441-6991) from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday for questions, information on accessing resources, etc.

BLW’s monthly Food Pantry will be held on March 18th and 19th. It will be drive-thru/pickup at the door by appointment only. Please call 608-441-6991 to make an appointment. Pick-up times are as follows:

    • March 18th: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • March 19th: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

The Latino Academy

The Latino Academy is closed to the public until Monday, March 30. Please note that all of Latino Academy classes are cancelled until Monday, March 30. Latino Academy’s staff will be working remotely from home and they will continue to provide academic case management and employment placement support via phone and through video calls. Please note that even though our offices are closed, we are available via phone, email, text, and Facebook. We will update our Facebook page with information and community resources daily.

To all of our students, families, program partners, and supporters, let’s remember that, though we are expected to practice “social distancing” at this time, there are many ways for us to stay connected. We are, at the heart of things, a community. Please know you can call or email your community center at anytime:

We also invite you to visit our facebook page where we will posting frequently. By liking, commenting, and sharing posts, we can keep the community alive, even at afar.

Sincerely,
Thomas R. Solyst
Executive Director

DANE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES

Update for Wednesday, March 18, 2020 – please view future updates at:https://danecountyhumanservices.org/

Dane County Department of Human Services continues to monitor the community response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and is adjusting our approach to delivery of services in Dane County as new information and updated public health guidance is made available.

The following list is information about the current availability of services from DCDHS and our valued community partners as of 4:00 p.m. on 3/17/2020. This information will be updated as we learn more:

Dane County Department of Human Services Available Services

**All DCDHS Offices are closed to the public until further notice. DCDHS is, however, offering all essential services through online or telecommunications methods.

Dane County Job Center

  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dane County Department of Human Services will not be available at the Dane County Job Center Office (JCO) to the public as of March 18, 2020. The building will remain open to other job center partner services, however, for the time being.
  • Benefit applicants are encouraged to apply for FoodShare, health care, or Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy benefits using the ACCESS website. Customers can also access services by phone by calling (888) 794-5556 (voice)or 711 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Members can check the status of programs and benefits they are enrolled in, get reminders about actions they need to take, submit and track documents, by using the simple and convenient MyACCESS mobile app. The app can be downloaded for free on the App Storeor Google Play Store.
  • Customers can continue faxing documents for processing. Documents can be faxed to the Centralized Document Processing Unit (CDPU) at (855) 293-1822(with a document tracking sheet).
  • Applicants/Members are strongly encouraged to use the MyACCESS app to upload documents when possible.
  • Documents can also be mailed to:

Centralized Document Processing Unit (CDPU)
P.O. Box 5234
Janesville, WI 53547-5234

EATA:

Staff will be working remotely, but will be accessible by phone and e-mail. For individuals interested in enrolling in programs, they can leave a message for:

For individuals that are involved in a layoff, e-mail dsaba@worksmart.org or rcephas@worksmart.org.

For more information about all of our programs and services, they refer to the website: www.eata.org.

Child Protective Services

Concerns about Child Abuse and Neglect should continue to be reported to our Child Abuse Reporting Line: (608) 261-5437. Child Protective Services staff will respond to these calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Here’s the link directly to the reporting area on the website: danecountyhumanservices.org/ProtectiveServices/Child/reporting_child_abuse_and_neglect.aspx.

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dane County

Walk-in appointments are not available at this time. Phone calls and emails only. Long-term care options counseling and enrollment continue to be provided.

Information and Assistance:

Dane County Adult Protective Services

Walk-In appointments are not available at this time.

Helpline: (608) 261-9933

Dane County Transportation Call Center

(608) 242-6489

TransportationCallCenter@countyofdane.com

Comprehensive Community Services (CCS)

Intake Line (two-day response): (608) 242-6415

DCDHS Community Partner Available Services

Local recovery groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery) are working to create virtual meetings to support people’s sobriety.

Journey Mental Health Crisis Line

(608) 280-2600

National Suicide Prevention Line

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433): Veterans Press 1, En Español Oprima El 2

Madison Metropolitan School District Meal Distribution Sites

Site Pickup Location Daily Pickup Times
East High School (Outside) 4th Street Entrance-Welcome Center 1:00 to 1:45
La Follette High School (Outside) Main Entrance-Welcome Center 12:00 to 12:45
Memorial High School (Outside) Main Entrance-Welcome Center 11:00 to 11:45
Leopold Elementary Upper Parking Lot Near Main Entrance 11:00 to 11:45
Sherman/Shabazz Elementary Parking Lot off Ruskin Street 12:00 to 12:45
Cherokee Middle Sidewalk Near Front Door 12:00 to 12:45
Toki/Orchard Ridge Bump Out on Whitney Way 1:00 to 1:45
Hawthorne Elementary Circle Drive Near Front Office 1:00 to 1:45
Lake View Elementary Circle Driveway 11:00 to 11:45
Allied Drive – Boys and Girls Club Parking Lot 4619 Jenewein Rd 12:00 to 12:45
Lincoln Elementary Parking Lot 1:00 to 1:45
Badger Rock Middle School Main Entrance 11:00 to 11:45

Community Partners – Supplies and Additional Food Availability

Partner Agency Service Location Pick Up Times
Lussier Community Education Center Food pantry will be accessible to the public. 55 S Gammon Rd, Madison, WI 53717 Weds 7-8pm and Sat 12-1pm (changes and updates will be available at www.lcecmadison.org/eat/)
Goodman Community Center Pre-packaged food pantry bags (mostly non-perishable items) will be available for drive-thru or walk-up distribution in the Ironworks driveway circle. 149 Waubesa St, Madison, WI 53704 Tuesday 9:30 a.m.– noon
Wednesday 6 p.m.– 8 p.m.
Thursday 12:30 p.m.– 3 p.m.
Wilmar Community Center Meal and food pantry. 953 Jenifer St, Madison, WI 53703 Saturday meal- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday food pantry from 1:00-3:00
Bayview Community Center Food pantry will be accessible for Bayview residents. 601 Bay View, Madison, WI 53715 Timing to be announced
Boys & Girls Club Allied and Taft Will offer bagged snacks/lunches during weekdays. 4619 Jenewein Rd.
2001 Taft St.		 Timing to be announced
Vera Court Neighborhood Center Will offer one bagged lunch a day for Vera Court students. 614 Vera Ct, Madison, WI 53704 3:00-3:30 Tuesday – Friday. Only for members.
East YMCA Brown Bag Meals 711 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI 53716.
Currently considering expanding to West location as well Tuesdays and Thursday		 5pm-7pm
Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center Wednesday food pantry
Daily bagged meal for neighbors		 1917 Lake Point Dr., Madison, WI 53713 Food pantry by appointment only, bagged meals timing to be determined
East Madison Community Center Will be a site for MMSD food distribution. 8 Straubel Ct, Madison, WI 53704 Shortly after Hawthorne

Rape Crisis Center (RCC)

RCC Helpline is 606-251-7273 (English and other languages through Language Line)

La Linea is 608-258-2567

General email of info@thercc.org will be checked daily Monday through Friday.

Wisconsin Unemployment

Casey Slaughter Becker
Division Administrator – Housing Access & Affordability
Dane County Department of Human Services

MADISON METRO

A Message From Metro Transit

RE: Metro Transit Service and COVID-19

For many of our community’s most vulnerable resident’s Metro Transit service is their only way to access essential goods and services such as groceries, employment, medical appointments and pharmacies.  For this reason, transit agencies around the country are striving to maintain service. Metro Transit will join them in continuing to provide this essential public service, while also working to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers.

Safety and Social Distancing

After consultation with Public Health, we have determined that several steps should be taken to reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19 and increase the ability for riders and employees to follow social distancing guidelines.

  • Beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, capacity on Metro Transit buses will be limited to 15 passengers plus the driver.
  • We ask that Metro Transit be used only for essential trips such as travel to employment, medical appointments, grocery stores, etc.
  • Please use alternative forms of transportation if they are available to you.
  • Exit the bus through the rear doors.
  • Other than brief periods during boarding, you should maintain a distance of 6 feet from the driver and your fellow passengers.

It is particularly important for riders who are at a high risk of severe illness, including paratransit riders, to avoid public transit. High risk individuals include:

  • People 60 years or older
  • People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
  • People who have a weakened immune system
  • Women who are pregnant

Changes in Service

After careful consideration, Metro Transit will be reducing service and following Saturday schedules all seven days of the week beginning on Monday, March 23.

In addition, we will continue to provide regular weekday (Monday – Friday) commuter service to Verona/Epic (55 & 75), Fitchburg (44, 48 & 49), Sun Prairie (23) and Middleton (72). The University of Wisconsin Campus routes are exempt and will operate regular stand weekday service Monday through Friday and standard weekend service on Saturday and Sundays.

This modified service will continue until such time the City begins to return to a more normal function.

Paratransit service will remain unchanged; however, we strongly encourage paratransit riders who are at high risk of severe illness to protect themselves and stay home if possible.

We will also be selectively increasing the number of buses on routes with high ridership in order to meet the demand while still maintaining the maximum capacity of 15 riders per bus.

Madison Metropolitan School District Food Distribution

Free Healthy Meals for Kids

Schools are closed but MMSD will be providing free, nutritious meals for kids daily at sites around Madison. A take-home breakfast and lunch will be provided in pre-packaged paper bags at each drop-off site, once per day. Sites and times are listed below.

Given that our school buildings are closed, meals will be distributed at these sites to children from a food truck stationed outside of the school building. We strongly encourage practicing social distancing when picking up meals and thorough hand-washing with soap and water before eating the take-home meals.

We will be posting additional information here shortly on other opportunities to access meals through community partners throughout Madison.

Click here for a map of sites

Site

Pickup Location

Daily Pickup Times
East High School 4th Street Entrance-Welcome Center 12:00 to 12:45
La Follette High School Main Entrance-Welcome Center 11:00 to 11:45
Memorial High School Main Entrance-Welcome Center 11:00 to 11:45
Leopold Elementary Main Entrance-Welcome Center 11:00 to 11:45
Sherman Middle/Shabazz High Main Entrance-Sherman 11:00 to 11:45
Cherokee Heights Middle Main Entrance-Welcome Center 1:00 to 1:45
Toki/Orchard Ridge Orchard Ridge Entrance 12:00 to 12:45
Hawthorne Elementary Main Entrance-Large Lower Lot 1:00 to 1:45
Lake View Elementary Main Entrance-Main Office Entrance 12:00 to 12:45
Allied Drive – Boys and Girls Club 4619 Jenewein Rd 12:00 to 12:45
Lincoln Elementary Main Entrance 1:00 to 1:45
Badger Rock Middle School Main Entrance 11:00 to 11:45

Menu

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Breakfast

 Muffin

Craisins

String Cheese

Milk

 Bagel & Cream Cheese

Applesauce Cup

String Cheese

Milk

 Granola Bar

Apple Slices

String Cheese

Milk

 Cereal

Orange

String Cheese

Milk

Lunch

 Grab & Go with String Cheese,

Yogurt, & Mini Loaf

Pineapple

Carrots/Celery

Milk

 Soybutter & Jelly

Sandwich

Crackers

Banana

Milk

 Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich

Fresh Vegetable

Juice

Milk

 Taco Salad

Tortilla Chips

Banana

Milk

 Bento Box with Hardboiled Egg,

Cheese Cubes,

Baby Carrots &

Crackers

Milk

OTHER SERVICES

MADISON URBAN MINISTRY

Find more updates on facebook

Update for Monday 3/16/2020. MUM’s reentry programs out of S. Park St. are open and operating. All current participants are being contacted by phone, text and email to schedule their appointments virtually. We are shifting funds normally spent on bus tickets to help with phone minutes so participants can stay in touch with us and any other organizations they need to communicate with. Our prison in-reach is happening via mail as DOC and jail visits are cancelled. People are still being released from prison and jail and most are homeless which is why we believe it is important to have our doors open. We have put in place social distancing protocols and an initial screening tool to assess for illness and a plan for anyone presenting symptoms similar to those of Covid. Our Mentoring Connections staff are working from home and in-person volunteer trainings are on hold, new volunteers can begin their training with our on-line process and training videos. Family and Reading Connections trips are cancelled until DOC lifts the visitation bans. Healing House is operating with enhanced safety protocols. Just Bakery is now providing remote learning for students and our storefront is closed but we will take orders for food delivery through the website. Students are still learning, but they are learning from home and the additional peer support and trauma services they receive are also happening via phone, email and text. Case management is happening via skype. Circles of Support will continue to provide services with program staff checking in with participants and conference call Circle meetings happening.

Our Partners for Change Luncheon scheduled for April 30th has been cancelled.

The monthly Reentry Service Fairs for March and April have been cancelled.

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL

Statement from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Madison https://svdpmadison.org/coronavirus-what-we-do/ and guidance for the Food Pantry https://svdpmadison.org/need-help/food-pantry/.

We at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul council serving Dane County have been closely monitoring the situation regarding spread of the coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness it causes. The health and safety of the neighbors in need we serve and of our customers, members, volunteers and employees are what matter most to us.

Despite the challenging circumstances for public health, the many services we offer local households coping with poverty remain crucial – even all the more needed now. Also still important are the efforts of the seven Dane County thrift stores we operate as a center of goods distribution to people in need, as a place for all to shop for needed goods at thrift prices, and as a source of the net revenue that supports our broader mission. To the extent possible, we are putting plans in place to continue our provision of services and our retail operations. This growing health crisis is fluid, and we will continue to adapt and make changes to our standard operating procedures as needed and provide updates on this page.

Some actions we’re taking apply across our areas of operation:

  • Encouraging clients customers, members, volunteers and employees to stay home if ill
  • Promoting proper hygiene (see CDC recommendations below*) among clients, customers, volunteers, and staff – and encouraging all to stay home if feeling sick
  • Frequent sanitizing of door handles, carts, keyboards, work surfaces, tables and other items commonly exposed to touch

Other actions specific to our particular areas of focus are noted below:

  • Food Pantry:We are maintaining normal hours of operation. Click here for the latest on updates specific to how our food pantry’s services are being offered.
  • Food Donations:We are continuing to accept food donations for the pantry per our usual practice.  Click here for more information.
  • Charitable Pharmacy:We are maintaining our regular hours for existing patients. On a case-by-case basis, we may take steps to increase the period of supply (multiple months) and/or change the means of delivery for the maintenance medications of existing patients. NOTE: At this time we are not accepting potential new patients for certification and provision of prescription medications.
  • Vinny’s Lockers:We are maintaining normal operation and hours for now.
  • Housing Programs: The structure and assistance we provide through Port St. Vincent de Paul and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton House program allows dozens of men and women and their children to find a safe and secure place to call home that offers guidance and support for taking the next steps toward key life goals, including permanent housing. These programs continue to operate and to prioritize maintaining the health of program participants.
  • Thrift Stores:We are maintaining normal operation and hours for now at our seven Dane County thrift stores. As noted above, we are taking actions to promote proper hygiene and ensure frequent sanitizing to help protect the health of our customers and staff.
  • Goods Donations:We voucher clothing, furniture and housewares directly out of the inventory of our seven stores to local people in need, and we sell donated goods at attractive prices to provide the net revenue that funds much of the service we offer. You can continue to drop off items you wish to donate at our seven stores during their hours of business, or call (608) 278-2920 to inquire about scheduling a home pick-up of goods we accept for donation.  Click here for more information.
  • Member Activities & Events: Please see communication directly from St. Vincent de Paul staff for the latest information, or contact a leader of your conference (local member group) about its plans.
  • Home Visits: Our 18 member groups around Dane County go in pairs to visit the homes of people who have requested certain kinds of assistance, including help with furniture or utilities. Our member groups are taking under consideration on a day-by-day basis the feasibility of these visits given the current public-health crisis. Visit this page again for updates, or call (608) 257-0919 for more information.
  • Volunteering:Help (from healthy individuals, of course) is always needed. Click here for more information. Current volunteers, please see communication directly from St. Vincent de Paul staff for the latest information about pantry and pharmacy volunteer efforts and scheduling.
  • Financial Donations: Your help is needed now more than ever, and funds allow us to direct the help to the most crucial areas of need at any given time. Please click hereto donate now. Thank you!

*Please note that the CDC recommends the following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Frequent washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and — if soap and water are not readily available — use of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
  • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or using the inside of the elbow
  • Cleaning frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • Staying home when sick

Stay up to date on the latest local news from the Public Health Madison & Dane County website regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19: https://www.publichealthmdc.com/health-services/partners-providers/resources-by-disease/coronavirus

Coronavirus Update to the Food Pantry

Staff members at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Madison have been closely monitoring the situation regarding spread of the coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness it causes. The health and safety of everyone who visits our service center is our primary concern. We are taking precautions necessary to keep our clients, volunteers and staff safe. Despite these circumstances, food scarcity remains a major issue for local households coping with poverty, and we are determined to help meet that need in the safest ways possible. This is a fluid situation, and we will continue to adapt and make changes to our standard operating procedures as needed.

Our current food pantry protocols include (as of March 16, 2020):

  • Food pantry hoursthat remain unchanged (see above)
  • Food pantry clients no longer allowed into the building to shop
  • Food packed in boxes, provided in the pantry lot, and typically loaded into vehicles.
  • Proper hygiene promoted (see below) among volunteers and staff involved in food distribution – and all encouraged to stay home if feeling sick
  • Gloves and hand-sanitizer readily accessible to volunteers and staff, and appropriate, frequent hand-washing and related hygiene required
  • Disinfection of commonly touched areas of pantry equipment, surfaces, etc.
  • An existing partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin and other suppliers to ensure we can continue to access food needed for the households we serve

ABC FOR HEALTH

What is ABC Doing?
Our health benefits advocates, counselors & attorneys continue to serve our clients, partners and their patients via remote assistance. Clients and client referrals can still call our office at (608)261-6939 or email us. Our team will triage the contact and reply as soon as possible.
As the Wisconsin economy falters and people lose existing health coverage due to loss of employment, we expect our call volume to increase. We appreciate your patience and support.
Who Does ABC Serve?
Consider referring individuals & families to ABC for Health if they:
  • Are having trouble paying medical bills
  • Have lost or will lose health coverage
  • Are recently out of work, have reduced hours, or fluctuating income
  • Have large medical debt or uncovered medical expenses
  • Are Spanish-speaking families
  • Have questions about BadgerCare Plus eligibility or rules
  • Private insurance denials or out-of-network denials
  • Need help determining health coverage options

 

UW HEALTH

3/20 – Patients are not required to pay in advance for COVID-19 testing, treatment or follow-up care at a UW Health facility. While patients may be billed for these services later, UW Health does not want anyone who is recommended for testing to postpone having the test or any treatment due to concerns about cost. COVID-19 testing and follow-up care will qualify for the UW Health Financial Assistance Program.

Any patient with COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) should call their primary care clinic if they have one or the UW Health COVID-19 Hotline at (608) 720-5300.

LITERACY NETWORK

UPDATE: 3/16/20

Literacy Network is closing to the public today (Monday, March 16) at 5:00 pm, until Monday, March 30 in response to escalating concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
I met today with our staff members to discuss working remotely and the continuation of support of students through this period.
Students will receive information directly from our staff about programs and other resources in the community.
We are currently planning alternative modes of instruction that do not require face-to-face sessions beginning March 30.

From email on March 13

To protect the health of our community, Literacy Network is cancelling programs until March 30.
Our office will be open Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and Fri 8:30 am – 1:00 pm during this time, and staff will be available if you have any questions or concerns. We have created plans in case we need to work remotely.
We will continue monitoring developments and will provide updates as necessary.
Coronavirus is challenging our community and our team is committed to providing a high level of support for our students and ensure the safety of our Literacy Network community – students, volunteers and staff.
Literacy Network is well connected to resources that can provide support for students.
While colleges and universities are planning to move classes online, it is not an option for our programs because students often don’t have computers, high speed internet, or technology skills.
Our staff will create education packets that our students can work on at home — we would have them pick up or we could mail to them.
Staff also will students navigate community resources, and we will be identifying ways to leverage our networks to provide them support.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF DANE COUNTY

URBAN LEAGUE

Latest update, March 16, 3:30 PM
    • On premises programming at 2222 S. Park Street and 1233 McKenna Blvd. will be postponed through Friday, March 27. More details about our plans to resume onsite programming will provided closer to the 27th.
    • All events and room rentals at 2222 S. Park Street and 1233 McKenna Blvd. are likewise cancelled until March 27. We will also NOT be taking new facility use reservations until after the 27th.
    • The Dane County Economic Support Specialists stationed at the Southwest Employment Center has also cancelled all on-site programming and in-person meetings. For information about Dane County Economic Support services such as FoodShare, please call (608) 665-9846 or email cyang@ulgm.org.
    • We are continuing to develop plans to provide training and coaching services remotely. We will be sharing those updates over the coming days.

– – – – – –  –

As you know, the Coronavirus has reached ‘pandemic’ status according to the World Health Organization. I want to take a moment to provide you with the latest update on our response at the Urban League of Greater Madison to help ensure the safety of our clients, staff, volunteers, and the community.
      • All large gatherings including the Teen Summer Job Fair, My Brother’s Keeper Gaming & Coding Day, Economic Development & Diversity Summit, and weekly employment services information sessions have been cancelled or postponed.
      • I have directed many of our staff to begin telecommuting beginning on Monday. Our Management Team will be developing a more detailed plan on Monday to support our clients and our community. In the meantime, all of ULGM’s ON-PREMISES programming at 2222 S. Park Street and 1233 McKenna Blvd. will be postponed until further notice. Our staff are working on plans to help our clients navigate community resources using remote systems.
      • With today’s closure of schools, our school-based programming is also suspended until school resumes. We will be assessing ways that our team can support schools and students remotely.
      • If you are a Schools of Hope volunteer, please note that schools are closed until at least April 6. We will keep in touch as we get closer and more information is available about the return to school
I advise you to follow the advice and guidance of Public Health Madison & Dane County. Click here to read their latest updates.
For the latest updates from the Urban League of Greater Madison, please check out website at https://ulgm.org/COVID19 or our Facebook page.
Ruben Anthony Jr.
CANOPY CENTER
Dane County CASA: As our direct services are provided by volunteers, we are instructing them not to visit their assigned child face-to-face for the next 3-4 weeks. During this time, volunteers will be encouraged to check in on their assigned child by phone/video chat in coordination with the guardian/foster parent. Staff will be available to volunteers by phone and email as needed. Staff will attend court hearings by phone as we work to ensure we attend all court hearings for our assigned kids. As possible, with adequate technology, staff and volunteers may attend team meetings by phone.
Parent to Child: For the next three weeks, the program will not be able to provide supervised visits. The program will assist as needed to facilitate phone visits.
Oasis: For the next three weeks, the program will not provide face-to-face therapy or groups. Therapists will check in with clients weekly and be available for crisis counseling by phone or over other HIPAA-compliant technology.
The agency will continue to operate, and staff will be reachable by phone and email to handle emerging issues. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we move through this time of uncertainty. We will continue to monitor this pandemic and the health and welfare of our clients and staff and will make ongoing decisions to maintain their safety.

WHERE TO HELP

COVID 19 FUND

More info here.  This is only the fundraising appeal at the moment, they are still coming up with the plan to access the services.

From WKOW

Johnson said the money will be allocated to serve five purposes:

  • Medical supplies to those impacted by the virus
  • Meals for kids affected by school closures
  • Funds for local shelters
  • Temporary housing and meals for college students
  • Meals, transportation and medical assistance for senior citizens
OTHER RESOURCES
From Madison Activist Calendar

Helpful COVID-19 Advise from the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice (WNPJS) – if you ever thought there was a moment for cooperation, mutual aid, and solidarity now is it!

Times that are potentially scary require us to better support one another. In the same way that we bring casseroles to grieving families and baby clothes to celebrate newborns, we can come together as a community to help each other through this difficult time as well. An essential part of stopping the spread of coronavirus from overwhelming our hospital systems is voluntary self-isolation. However, isolation can be difficult without the support of your neighbors. This information will help us provide support to each other! http://www.wnpj.org/node/11556

MADISON

From March 19th at 8:15

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