Dear Ward 8 Residents,

During this public health emergency, it is of great importance to my team and I that we bring food resources to the residents of Ward 8. We have a responsibility to take care of our seniors and individuals who may be considered high risk due to COVID-19.

Our office is committed to meal and produce delivery services to our high-risk populations and those with a disability. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact our constituent service team at 202-724-8045 to get on the list for food resources.

I ask that you continue to seek information from the DC Health's website
coronavirus.dc.gov ([link removed]) and tune in daily to the Mayor's press conference each morning at 11:00 am. We will get through this together.

Regards,

Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
FOOD RESOURCES ()
Martha's Table has expanded their programming efforts to further support our community. In partnership with the Greater DC Diaper Bank, families will now be able to receive diapers (sizes 1-6) Mondays and Fridays from 11am - 3pm. Caregivers must bring proof of child's age (daycare verification, birth certificate, pediatrician documentation). To receive updates on our response strategy and opportunities to give back, visit: [link removed] ([link removed])


** Food Resources For Seniors
------------------------------------------------------------

Use the chart below to see what retailers have prioritized shopping hours for seniors and vulnerable populations.


** Additional Food Resources
------------------------------------------------------------

There are a range of services for DC residents who need food resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have created a map of these resources ([link removed]) that will be updated each evening.

Please consider the following:
* If you have food at home, please stay home. DC Health is prioritizing social distancing and self-quarantine to limit the spread and impact of the coronavirus. Those who have food and other resources at home should use those resources first and maintain social distancing.
* Consider home delivery. Currently, the District is providing home-delivered meals for seniors in need (see below). Many grocery stores and local farms also provide home delivery.
* Seek out food if necessary. See the range of resources on this map. Notably, meals for children under 18 years old are provided at DCPS sites and charter school sites. Meals for seniors are being delivered to seniors in their homes.

If you’re providing a service not covered below, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) with:
* Name of business/organization
* Service being provided
* Hours/location
* Point of contact information


** Grocery Stores
------------------------------------------------------------

Grocery stores are reporting no disruptions in their supply chains. If you observe empty shelves at your local stores, this is due to increased demand, but the stores are still getting new shipments on regular schedules. Ask a store manager when a product will be available. We are monitoring the situation closely and supporting grocers and distributors to ensure continuity of service.


** Farmers Markets
------------------------------------------------------------

We encourage you to continue purchasing food at farmers markets located in the District of Columbia. Farmers markets are essential food sources for residents in all eight Wards, and continue to operate throughout the District. Vendors and their employees are taking precautions to limit the spread of infections like regularly washing their hands, cleaning facilities and vendor areas more frequently, and reducing close contact with each other. They are also taking steps to ensure customers have a safe shopping environment. These steps include providing hand sanitizer; frequently disinfecting surfaces; and suspending the offering of samples. Farmers markets are a great way to support local farmers in this period of economic uncertainty, and your support can help decrease the high demand currently placed on grocery store stocks.


** Healthy Corners
------------------------------------------------------------

To ensure that nutritious food is available in all DC neighborhoods, DC Central Kitchen's Healthy Corners program is continuing operations and discounting fresh, whole fruits and vegetables up to 50%. You can find a full list of participating stores here ([link removed]) .


** Eastern Market
------------------------------------------------------------

The outdoor farmers market and indoor food merchants at Eastern Market remain open, so residents can access fresh, healthy foods. Please see hours of operation below:

Indoor merchants
* Monday: Closed
* Tuesday-Friday: 7am-7pm
* Saturday: 7am-6pm
* Sunday: 9am-5pm

The following indoor merchants are providing takeout as an added amenity:
* Calomiris Fruits and Vegetables: 202-544-5442
* Canales Deli: 202-547-4471
* Canales Quality Meats: 202-547-0542
* Eastern Market Grocery: 202-544-2112
* Union Meat: 202-547-2626
* Market Lunch: 202-547-8444

Outdoor farmers market vendors
* Tuesday: 3pm-7pm
* Saturday: 9am-5pm
* Sunday: 9am-5pm


** Nearby Resources
------------------------------------------------------------

Do you live in a neighboring jurisdiction? Our partners have resources in Montgomery County ([link removed]) and Prince George’s County ([link removed]) .
FEEDING SITES ()
DCPS Feeding Sites in Ward 8
For a complete list of feeding sites for students please click HERE ([link removed])
REDUCED METRO ROUTES ()

For immediate release: March 26, 2020

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, Metro will operate significantly reduced rail and bus service this weekend, maintaining a core network of 26 “lifeline” bus routes and providing twice-hourly rail service for our region’s essential travel needs. Essential travel includes medical providers and hospital staff, first responders, critical government functions, individuals involved in helping the community respond to COVID-19, grocery and pharmacy trips, among others.

• Please follow urgent guidance from state and local officials: Stay at home.

• Metro is intended for essential trips only. Do not take Metro to view cherry blossoms or other non-essential trips.

• If you are not feeling well, do not take public transportation. Call your healthcare provider before you leave your home and follow their guidance.

Metro has closed 19 of the system’s 91 rail stations until further notice ([link removed]) . The closure list includes stations near the Tidal Basin to discourage anyone from using Metro to visit the cherry blossoms this year.

On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, Metro will provide lifeline service between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11 p.m. as follows:

Metrorail: Trains will operate on all lines, serving all open stations. Take note of 19 stations that are closed (no alternate transportation provided). Customers should expect wait times of up to 30 minutes between trains.

Metrobus: Service will operate on a limited schedule only on the 26 routes listed below. Routes that are not listed will not operate. Customers should expect wait times of up to 30 minutes between buses. The hours that buses operate will vary by route but will generally align with the start and end of service on a Sunday schedule. Please be aware that bus operators may bypass stops if necessary to maintain proper social distancing aboard the vehicle. Please use the rear door of the bus only.

• 54 – 14th Street ([link removed]) Line

• S4 – 16th Street Line

• 70 – Georgia Avenue ([link removed]) – 7th Street Line

• 83 – College Park Line

• 90 – U Street ([link removed]) – Garfield Line

• C4 – Greenbelt – Twinbrook Line

• X2 – Benning Road – H Street Line

• 16C – Columbia Pike Line

• 28A – Leesburg Pike Line

• 29K – Alexandria – Fairfax Line

• 29N – Alexandria – Fairfax Line

• 30N – Friendship Heights – Southeast Line

• 30S – Friendship Heights – Southeast Line

• A6 – Anacostia – Congress Heights Line

• B2 – Bladensburg Road – Anacostia Line

• D12 - Oxon Hill-Suitland Line

• F4 - New Carrollton-Silver Spring Line

• H4 – Crosstown Line

• J2 – Bethesda – Silver Spring Line

• K6 – New Hampshire Avenue – Maryland Line

• P12 – Eastover – Addison Road Line

• REX – Richmond Highway Express

• V4 - Capitol Heights-Minnesota Avenue Line

• W4 – Deanwood – Alabama Avenue Line

• Y2 – Georgia Avenue – Maryland Line

• Z8 – Fairland

New shuttles available to all customers but using MetroAccess vans will connect three rail stations with hospitals from 8am through 11pm to match the rail schedule.

Sibley Hospital

Shuttle from: Friendship Heights Station

Transfer location: Bus Bay G, Stop #2001506

Georgetown University Hospital

Shuttle from: Dupont Metro (Q Street)

Transfer location: Bus Stop #1003746

Prince George’s Hospital

New Carrollton (South Side)

Bus Bay A, Stop #3003032

MetroAccess: Service will continue to operate during the same hours as rail and bus services. Metro continues to emphasize that customers must not use MetroAccess to travel to healthcare appointments if they are showing signs of illness for the safety of our employees and other passengers. If you are ill, call your healthcare provider and make transportation arrangements that do not involve public transportation. In addition, the MetroAccess Eligibility Center is closed until further notice.

Metro is operating at the highest response level of its Pandemic Response Plan (Phase 3), and the transit authority’s Pandemic Task Force is actively monitoring developments and acting when necessary to protect employees, customers, and the community. During Phase 3, the public is reminded emergency service changes may be necessary. While Metro will always make every effort to give its customers as much notice as possible, please understand emergency adjustments during Phase 3 may occur at any time, with little or no advance notice.

To stay informed:

Sign up for MetroAlerts ([link removed])

Metro’s COVID-19 News Feed ([link removed])

Metro’s COVID-19 Statistics ([link removed])

Current Service Alerts & Advisories ([link removed])

On Twitter: @wmata ([link removed]) @metrorailinfo ([link removed]) @metrobusinfo ([link removed])
HOW TO FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS ()
[link removed]
Watch this video with detailed instructions on how to file an unemployment insurance claim with the District of Columbia.
Follow the step by step guide to file your claim.

Step One: Using Internet Explorer, go to dcnetworks.org ([link removed]) to being filing for their unemployment benefits.

Step Two: Select Unemployement Benefits ([link removed])

Step Three: Select File For Benefits ([link removed])

Step Four: Scroll to the bottom of the page and select File Your Claim Online ([link removed])

Step Five: Fill out the form with accurate information in order to complete the claim filing.
NOT SURE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT? USE THIS CHART FOR COMMON SCENARIOS BELOW
INFORMATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND/OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS ()


** DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants
------------------------------------------------------------

Mayor Bowser and the Council of the District of Columbia are investing $25 million in the COVID-19 Recovery Effort and the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants Program, which will be housed in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

Pursuant to the “COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020” effective March 17, 2020 (D.C. Act 23-247), the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants Program will offer grants to small, local businesses, independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and nonprofits to meet their short-term financial needs. The grant can cover employee wages and benefits (including fringe benefits associated with employment, such as health insurance), accounts payable, fixed costs, inventory, rent, and utilities.

**Application closes at 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 31st**

Determine If Are You Eligible


** Here's How to Apply
------------------------------------------------------------
Please use the Application Instructions & FAQ Document ([link removed]) to walk you through every step of the application process.
* Small Business, Independent Contractor, & Self-Employed | Apply Here ([link removed])
* Non-profits | Apply Here ([link removed])


** Have questions or need assistance?
------------------------------------------------------------
* For questions about the application or required documentation, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
* For technical assistance with the application system, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
* For all other general inquiries, please contact us through the COVID-19 Business Inquiry Form ([link removed])


CHECK CORONAVIRUS.DC.GOV EVERYDAY ()
Please visit [link removed] ([link removed]) daily for the most reliable
citywide updates.

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
Copyright © 2020 Council of the District of Columbia, All rights reserved.
Ward 8 Outreach

Our mailing address is:
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]