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Friend --
April was hard. On many levels. We’ve watched the daily counter of
lives lost to COVID continually tick up higher and higher. We’ve had
to tell our kids - like Jordi and I did the other week - they won’t be
returning to their school, their teachers, and their friends this
spring and try to reassure them through that disappointment. And we’ve
witnessed firsthand how gaps and inequities in our city (and country)
have left some neighbors more vulnerable and isolated, and with
devastating results.
In my office over the last few weeks, we’ve continued working to
solve the everyday problems we all still have, while also focusing on
urgent situations like a son who lost his mother to coronavirus and
now faces eviction from the apartment they shared. We are supporting a
family that lost their grandmother, who was the rock of their home. We
are working to help a spouse who reached out just to please ask that
their husband's passing be remembered amidst all this loss. These
aren’t stories from faraway places. These are your Ward 6 neighbors -
in pain, in loss, and in despair. And I know every household is
experiencing this crisis in different ways. So even as the weeks feel
like they're dragging on and our patience with following the Stay At
Home orders can wear thin, these are some of the stories and neighbors
that remind me why we’re all in this together and why we’re all being
asked to make these sacrifices. And I hope it is also a reminder to
have a little extra compassion and patience right now.
Of course, as the calendar turns to May, I know there’s hope. I see
it every day in the actions both big and small by you and our
neighbors. Whether it's pitching in to help a local business survive,
or supporting an older neighbor with chores and errands, or just a
kind gesture on the sidewalk when you see someone. I get asked a lot,
“When will we reopen? When will things start getting back to normal?”
Last week, I joined several of the Mayor’s ReOpen DC Committee
meetings to talk through how our city will start coming back. And
while much of the news is sobering, there is a lot of thought going
into how we reopen schools, businesses, parks, and more. The
challenges are numerous, and as I’ve said before, the data we see
daily - which continues to show significant community spread - lags
two to three weeks behind the interventions we’ve all taken. So our
actions today won’t show up in the testing results and more somber
fatality reports for two to four weeks. We expect to have the Mayor
share updated plans on the emergency and more specifics on many of
these fronts by May 15th (next week), so please stay tuned.
In the meantime, please wear a mask when you head outside, minimize
your trips, and give a wide berth to those around you.
Quick Links: Council Passes Fourth
COVID Response Bill | Business Interruption
Insurance Effort Stalls | Small Business
Grants | Shared Work Program Alternative to
Layoffs | ReOpen DC Survey | Free Counseling "Warm Line" | | How to Vote By Mail | Ward 6 Hits
53% in Census | Volunteer With Neighborhood
Groups | Diapers Help | Groceries Help | Neighborhood
Gems
 Council Passes Next Emergency Legislation:
Yesterday, the Council met (full
video here) and passed another emergency bill via virtual meeting
(it's still weird to me) as we continue to respond to the fallout from
the coronavirus. A few of the highlights in the bill:
Rent Re-Payment Program: Previously, the Council banned
evictions during the public health emergency. No one should lose their
home because they couldn't earn money due to precautions around
slowing the spread of the virus. Yesterday, the Council further
mandated that landlords with five or more tenants must work to create
re-payment plans over the course of a year. We can't have a situation
where the public health emergency ends and tenants suddenly owe a
massive lump sum.
Evictions Cannot Be
Filed: Additionally, this legislation takes the further step of
banning landlords from filing a notice in Court for eviction until 30
days after the end of the public health crisis.
Capping Third-Party Delivery Fees: The Council also
imposed a cap of 15% on fees third-party delivery services can charge
restaurants for picking up and delivering food orders.
Stronger Oversight of DC Jail: The Council passed into law
the requirement that the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety,
which I chair, receive weekly updates on progress to improve
conditions at DC Jail in slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus
and steps taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you want
to understand what's happening in our DC Jail, I've
got a tweet thread (and link to an op-ed from two community leaders)
that runs through the major issues.
Amend Petitions Process To Get On the November Ballot: I
led the effort to think through changing our petition process to get
on the November ballot. Typically candidates or petition gathers are
able to spend time at markets, door knocking, or other face-to-face
opportunities to collect enough signatures to get on a ballot. That's
obviously not safe or really possible right now. Just like many states
around the country, the Council lowered the total needed signatures
and expanded ways to collect those signatures electronically. Check
with the Board of Elections soon for updates to that process. This
includes those seeking to run for Council, ANC, or to have a ballot
initiative appear on this November's ballot.
Small Business Microgrants Aren't Taxable: If your
business received a microgrant from the District government, it won't
be treated as taxable income next year. Good to know, right?
Separately, the Council also passed emergency legislation to freeze
foreclosures during and up to 60 days after the public health
emergency - thanks to Councilmember Brianne Nadeau for leading the
effort. Remember, last emergency bill, the Council authorized mortgage
servicers to permit deferred payments for homeowners who fall behind
on their mortgage during this public health crisis.
Finally, yesterday's Council hearing also approved a long-stalled
project at 8th and O St., NW to move a project forward that will bring
85 new homes, with 24 priced affordably and multi-bedroom, to Shaw!
Many thanks to ANC 6E for diligently working with me to get this
project to this point.
So, Are Business Insurers Just Going to Sit This One Out?
I'd like to talk for a moment about one aspect of yesterday's
bill that ultimately was removed. Many small businesses pay for
business interruption insurance policies, which is exactly what it
sounds like -- protection against lost revenue when businesses cannot
operate for reasons outside of their control. According to the
insurance industry, DC businesses pay more than $16 million in monthly
premiums for this coverage. But we're already hearing from local
businesses that their claims for lost business after non-essential
businesses largely closed down are being denied. Last week and over
the weekend, I worked with Chairman Phil Mendelson and DC's Attorney
General Karl Racine on language to help ensure legitimate business
interruption insurance claims are paid out in a timely manner to our
small and local businesses. Unfortunately, the provision was pulled
from the emergency bill we passed on Tuesday. A number of my
colleagues were concerned that the insurance industry will challenge
the constitutionality of the Council’s action. We think we have a very
strong argument that our action would be consistent with the
Constitution, but a legal battle is always unpredictable.
Nationally and locally, we’ve seen insurance companies denying
nearly all claims for business losses during COVID-19-related
closures. Some insurance policies may have language that could be read
to exclude this pandemic from coverage, but many experts I spoke with
think the insurance industry is overstating how many policies would be
excluded. Large corporations can afford to hire attorneys who will
battle and get them a payment. But small businesses can’t, and their
doors will be long shuttered by the time courts rule. That's why the
proposal created a fund to pay claims on the front end, even if there
was a legal challenge that will need to be sorted out in court.
Despite the setback, I will continue to work with my colleagues to
see if there is more we can do to help our small businesses who have
legitimate claims for relief. I am very grateful to Chairman Mendelson
for his partnership and work on this complicated issue, even if we
couldn't get it sorted out this time. As a city, we must urgently try
every possible avenue. Insurance companies are not disinterested
parties here. They've been happily collecting premiums ($16
million a month!) for years from small businesses, with the
promise of being there when a business needs them. So where are they
now? Here's
a recap of the debate from the Washington City Paper.
DC Small Business Microgrant Awardees Being Notified Now
Until May 8: Through this Friday, DMPED will be notifying
small businesses and nonprofits who applied for some of the $25
million to help cover costs and lost revenue during this public health
emergency. Last week the Mayor announced she was allocating an
additional $8 million toward the fund. Here's
a write-up by the Washington City Paper, including an update on
funding at the top.
Related: More than 6,000 applications in DC have been
approved already as part of the second
round of the Federal Small Business Administration's Paycheck
Protection Program.
Take the ReOpen DC Survey: Mayor Bowser and her
team want to hear your feedback on what concerns, hopes, and
priorities you have for re-opening the District of Columbia. Here's
the link.
Dept of Employment Services Offering Shared Work
Program: One idea gaining momentum nationally and locally is
the federal shared work program. This is a little-used program locally
that allows an employer to keep employees on the payroll by reducing
hours for everyone. The federal government (within a range of
acceptable reductions) makes up the difference in the employees'
paychecks via DC's Department of Employment Services. If this sounds
like it could work for your business, here's some more information
on the program for employers. And here's the landing
page to learn more.
Unemployment Application for 1099 and Independent
Contractors Now Open: DC's Department of Employment Services
is now processing applications for individuals who are self-employed
or independent contractors. This comes following the Federal CARES
act, which made the change to allow DC to provide unemployment
insurance to this group of workers. Still, while the website has
launched, it has some steps in the application that are causing
confusion. A heads-up on a few issues we've seen:
- As a matter of process, you need to fill out first DC's Unemployment
Insurance form and then the PUA
(Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) application. Please note, while
DC's form will say you are ineligible -- your application will still
be processed!
- You will need to provide documentation of any 2019/2020 wages,
which is a federal requirement. You can submit a 1099, tax return, or
pay stub.
- If you previously applied and were denied, you will need to
re-apply.
-
PUA is effective January 27, 2020 through December 31,
2020.
- There's a technical glitch in the DC application when uploading
Weekly Certificate Forms as part of enrolling in backpay. It seems
like a good workaround is to print-to-PDF each form and upload each
week's form as a PDF.
-
Individuals who are typically ineligible for regular UI
(i.e. independent contractors, gig workers, those with
insufficient work history) who cannot work due to COVID-19 are
eligible for a maximum of 39 weeks of benefits, which includes $600 in
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
 Feeling Stressed, Anxious, And Need to
Talk? Talk with a clinician anytime in DC by calling
1-888-7WE-HELP (1-888-793-4397). It's hard right now. Even if you're
staying in and working, it's hard. If you've lost a loved one or a
friend or a job, it's hard. Talking it out helps. Here's information
on how you can reach someone. This is a free service, considered a
"warm line," meaning it's available just to help with stuff that might
not rise to the level of an emergency, but it's certainly bothering
you. It's okay to call and talk with someone who can offer a
sympathetic ear and sound advice.
 Ballots Are Being Mailed Out for June 2. Have
you Requested Yours? The District has a Presidential and
Local Primary Election coming up on June 2. We've dramatically shifted
how DC residents can still vote. You can request a mail-in ballot and
vote from your couch! There have been a few glitches that the Board of
Elections is working to fix, but I'll flag them here so you know:
- Most people are not receiving an email confirmation after
requesting an absentee ballot. Your request has still been received. I
recommend taking a screenshot of the confirmation page that does pop
up after submitting your request.
- The Vote 4 DC App works much better on iPhones than Android
phones. Unfortunately, I don't think that's something that will be
fixed in time for this Primary Election.
- The Track My Ballot feature generally works, but it often takes a
week or longer before it is updated with new requests.
- The Board of Elections has repeatedly assured residents their
applications are being received.
- Did I mention that ballots are being mailed out? You could be
voting soon from your kitchen table!
- You must be a registered voter to receive a mail-in ballot. Here's
where you can register: https://www.vote4dc.com/ApplyInstructions/Register
- If you have an issue, there are a few ways to engage BOE. On
Twitter, tag @Vote4DC.
Over phone, you can call 202-741-5283. Over email, send a
note to [email protected]. Of
course, let me and my team know if you're having issues.
Ward 6 Is Now at 53% Census
Response: This is good news! We're seeing more and more folks
participate in the US Census. Some of our biggest increases were in
Southwest at Greenleaf and The Wharf. But there's still work to be
done. This week, we need to see higher participation rates from the
Capital Riverfront/ Navy Yard neighborhood, and Truxton Circle and the
northeastern parts of Shaw. Here's
how you can fill out the Census, which only takes about 10
minutes, from your home.
 COVID-19 Resources in Ward 6: My staff and
I are keeping a running list of resources available for Ward 6
residents on my website. That includes information on free daily meals
for students and senior residents, free groceries and diapers, how to
volunteer, how to get tested if you are symptomatic, and more. If
there's something you'd like to see added or corrected, reach out to
Erik Salmi on my team ([email protected]): http://www.charlesallenward6.com/covid_19_info
Here's Who To Support Financially
or By Volunteering: I know many folks are looking for ways to
be helpful during these hard times. If you find yourself with a lot of
time and you are healthy and able to volunteer, these are groups that
can put you to work. I cannot emphasize enough, however, that if you
are not feeling well at all, please do not volunteer. And if you are
fortunate enough to be in a position to make donations, these are
organizations helping put food on the table and meet other needs for
your neighbors right here in Ward 6 and across the District:
-
Table
Church DC (via Ward 6 neighbors): Started by Ward 6
neighbor Allison McGill, this is a great effort pairing volunteers
with residents who need help with a range of needs, including just
someone to run to the store for them.
-
Ward
6 Mutual Aid Network: Started by Ward 6 neighbor Maurice
Cook and Serve Your City, this is a group collecting and
redistributing food and other essential items for neighbors.
-
World
Central Kitchen: Chef José Andres' nonprofit kitchen has
set up shop at Nationals Park and has been serving up hundreds of
meals to Ward 6 seniors. If you can chip in to keep their work going,
know it is helping your neighbors.
-
DC
Medical Reserve Corps: Organized by the DC Government,
here's a way to help out as our medical response scales up.
-
DC Public Schools: In need of volunteers
to help keep running their many meal sites for kids in DC during
school closures! Please fill out the linked survey.
-
Capital Area Food Bank: In
critical need of volunteers to help sort and pack food in their
warehouse and assist at their offsite food distributions
-
Food and Friends DC: In urgent
need of extra volunteers throughout the coming weeks. There are two
volunteer opportunities, food preparation and packaging and meal and
grocery delivery
-
Food Rescue US: Volunteers with
vehicles needed to pick up and deliver food from businesses to DC
residents in need
-
Grace’s Table: Looking for
volunteers to help feed the homeless each Saturday
-
Martha’s Table: Volunteers needed
to help prepare and bag food for their emergency food sites across the
city
-
We Are Family: Volunteer to
deliver groceries to seniors.
-
Food for All DC: Volunteer to drive
groceries to seniors, immunocompromised, and other DC neighbors who
are homebound. Volunteer here.
-
Aunt Bertha: Aunt Bertha’s network
connects people seeking help and verified social care providers that
serve them by zip code. Contact your local shelter to see what help
and/or items may be needed
Free diapers:
Free groceries for residents:
-
Ten DC School Sites Distributing Free Groceries Each Week:
I mentioned this above, but sharing here as well. Ten DCPS
meal locations are now distributing groceries as well as student
meals. Every Monday is Eastern High School's day to distribute in
Ward.
-
Martha's Table: Daily grocery distribution at 2nd and
H Street, from 5:15-5:45 pm. Donate here to support their work: https://marthastable.networkforgood.com/projects/95536-martha-s-table-martha-s-table-expanded-programs-covid-19
-
Capital Area Food Bank: Behind many good nonprofits
is the CAFB, supplying many groceries from bulk purchasing to food
pantries across the region. Help them today: https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/donate/
-
Father McKenna Center Grocery Pantry Now Open: One of
the programs partnering with the Capital Area Food Bank is the Father
McKenna Center at 900 North Capitol St., NW. Information
on how to support or receive groceries here.
-
H Street Food Drive for Ward 5-6 Neighbors:
Contactless food/groceries available for neighbors who need some extra
assistance. They also offer contactless food delivery for anyone in
the area that needs it, especially elderly, single parents, those with
special needs. Drop off or Send Non-Perishable Food Deliveries To: @maketto1351 |
Attention: H ST. NE FOOD DRIVE | 1351 H ST. NE, Washington, D.C.
20002. Send all monetary donations To: PayPal: PayPal.me/CHRiSCARDi
| Venmo: @ChrisCardi
-
Pick up at Maketto: 1351 H Street, NE
Monday – Saturday:
7:30am – 9:30pm
Sunday: 7:30am -5pm
- If in need of delivery assistance text 202-681-3532.
Neighborhood Gems:
Charles Allen
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