The Neighborhood News will return beginning Friday April 10, 2020 and will include COVID-19 resources and links to the website. The City of Lansing COVID-19 website will be updated with resources daily and residents and businesses are encouraged to check the following LINK for updated information.

We are getting many calls about how we can help our neighbors during this time. We will include opportunities to help each other and resources where help is available. If you have information that you would like included, please send it to DeLisa Fountain at DeLisa.Fountain@lansingmi.gov .  This emergency is changing daily and we are committed to making sure our neighbors have the information necessary to care for themselves, their neighbors, and our community. 

For Assistance Call 211
2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in over 180 languages.

https://www.mi211.org/

Referring people to 211 is the best way to connect them with services. It also allows us to track community requests for support and properly respond. 

The City of Lansing recognizes the important role that households play in neighborhoods and economic development. As such, the Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) is here to support Lansing residents as they navigate the unique financial obstacles before them. Please follow this LINK

Amber Paxton, Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment
in our Department of Neighborhoods & Citizen Engagement, will go live on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cityoflansingmi) on Tuesdays at 4PM to discuss resources available and tips to better manage your finances during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Social Distancing and City Parks

Please note that City of Lansing playgrounds are closed. Playground equipment is  NOT sanitized and the public is encouraged to stay off of playground equipment until further notice. Nature Trails and the River Trail are still open. Please be mindful or social distancing guidelines as listed above.

The Census is Convenient, Confidential, and Critical.

10 Minutes 9 Questions Determines Funding for the next 10 years!

The City of Lansing is currently at a 49.7% response rate as of 4/7/2020.

The U.S. Census Bureau produces timely local data that are critical to emergency planning, preparedness and recovery efforts.

It's so important that we take 10 minutes to respond to 9 simple questions that will deliver 10 years of benefits to our community. 

The public is strongly encouraged to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and can also respond by phone or mail.

More info: lansingmi.gov/1860/Be-Counted-Lansing-2020-Census

Complete the 2020 Census: https://my2020census.gov/

Neighborhood Grant Programs Update!

The Neighborhood Advisory Board is working hard reviewing Neighborhood Grant applications. 

The Grant Announcement will be a little different this year. Please mark your calendars for May 5th at 1 pm and tune into a special Facebook Live featuring Mayor Schor as he will announce the awarded Grants and Projects!

DNCE is still working to create a fund pick up system that aligns with the social distancing guidelines and will notify each grantee. 

LOVE Lansing Update

Unfortunately, due to the recent COVID-19 Situation, the 2020 LOVE Lansing event has been canceled.  We look forward to planning for and celebrating with you in  2021. 

A Community Response to Domestic Violence

Capital Area Response Effort is a post-arrest response team that provides crisis intervention and advocacy to people who have experienced intimate partner violence. Since the rise of COVID-19, the CARE Program has had an increase in survivors seeking resources like hotel rooms and the Personal Needs Closet. Your contribution could cover the cost of someone's groceries, put gas in their car, help get their locks changed, or secure a safe place to stay. Amidst the anxieties and dangers of this public health crisis, what we all have to lean on is each other; what we have to anchor us is the strength of our community. Let survivors know that you're standing with them through this by making a donation today.
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, there is help available. To speak with an advocate at the CARE Program to inquire about services or make a donation, please call 517-272-7436.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Gov. Whitmer and MDHHS launched a new volunteer website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19, where trained medical professionals can register to serve their fellow Michiganders by assisting hospitals in fighting COVID-19. Other state residents also can use the site to find out how they can help in their local communities, give blood, donate money or needed medical supplies, or assist public health officials in tracking infections. 

Lansing School District is looking for Volunteers to distribute food at several pick up sites across the City of Lansing. If you are able to distribute or deliver meals, please sign up at this LINK

Volunteers are needed for Lansing area shelters.  If you are available to volunteer, please contact Renee Jones at Holy Cross by phone 517.489.5278 or email: rjones@hccsnet.org

The Tri-County Office on Aging is looking for volunteers to safely deliver meals to seniors in the area. Also, the Tri-County Office on Aging is looking for volunteers to place Friendly Reassurance calls to seniors who may be socially isolated. Please visit https://www.tcoa.org/volunteer/, or call Casey at 517-887-1377. 

Volunteer to help with senior meal distributions and/or making friendly check-in calls visit RSVP of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties’ website to fill out a Volunteer Form, email Carol Wood at carol@rsvp-lansing.com or call (517) 887-6116.

Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP)

Housing counselors offer free, individualized guidance, and work with clients to develop a plan to understand their options and connect with resources, helping them reach their financial goals. CAHP’s office will be closed to the public until April 6, 2020. CAHP will be open remotely during that time and answering phone calls at 517-332-HOME (4663) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virtual Rental Counseling Now Available
If you or someone you know has fears about paying rent, utility bills, eviction, foreclosure, debt or credit impacts please call CAHP to schedule a free virtual appointment to discuss options.
 
Our housing counselors offer free, individualized guidance, and work with families and individuals to develop a plan to understand their options and connect people with resources, helping them reach their financial goals.
 
Call 517-332-HOME (4663) to schedule a virtual appointment. Click here to learn more.

Online Homebuyer Education Workshop Available
For those with an eye on home ownership, we are offering our Homebuyer Education workshop online! The online workshop satisfies requirements for a homeownership education certificate to qualify for down payment assistance.

https://capitalareahousing.frameworkhomeownership.org/

Resources

Lansing Neighborhood News

If your neighborhood or organization has an event or information you'd like shared with Lansing neighbors, send to delisa.fountain@lansingmi.gov and/or contact the Department of Neighborhoods + Citizen Engagement at: 517-483-4051

Sign up to receive weekly Neighborhood News by email HERE 
Be sure to check the Neighborhood News list and confirm in the follow up email you receive from the City of Lansing.