March 23, 2020

During the State of Emergency, the City of Lansing will be sending daily COVID updates at 5pm to everyone on the Neighborhood News list and posting to the city’s social media channels.

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 [email protected] by 3pm. 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.

A Message from Mayor Schor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd-fgWZKR-g

Lansing Parks and Trails remain open

*Fenner Nature Center is closed

Staying Home is Different for Everyone

While Michiganders are being asked to stay at home for the next three weeks, it’s essential to recognize that staying home can mean different things for many across our community. During these uncertain times, stress levels may be high for many people. In times of financial stress, domestic violence and child abuse tends to increase. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please review the following resources:

End Violent Encounters (EVE) 24/7 Crisis Hotline (517) 372-5572
National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 Hotline 1-800-799-7233, available in more than 200 languages
Both resources listed above offer online chat options too.

How Can I Help?

Direct Link to Give

www.tinyurl.com/micauwef

The Mayor is urging citizens to continue to take the following basic measures to prevent the spread of the virus:

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.

Link to the State of Michigan Community Mitigation Strategies Website.

American Red Cross Blood Donations

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.

Please schedule your appointment to donate blood HERE using your zip code to locate the closest location.

Great Lansing Food Bank

Support the Greater Lansing Food Bank with monetary donations. Please donate at the following LINK

Volunteer Opportunities Available:

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: [email protected]
Tri-County Office on Aging is looking for volunteers to safely deliver meals to seniors in the area: https://www.tcoa.org/volunteer

Combating Price Gouging

Effective Monday, March 16, until Monday, April 13, Michigan is cracking down on businesses and individuals that engage in price gouging on consumer food items, emergency supplies, and other goods and materials. Residents are urged to report any price gouging or other violations of the Consumer Protection Act online by clicking here or by calling (877) 765-8388.

Statewide Coronavirus Hotline — (888) 535-6136

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched a statewide hotline to respond to your health-related questions about COVID-19. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public health and other experts will answer your questions and direct you to the resources available in your local communities and in other state government departments.

Local Corona Virus Hotline- Ingham County Health Department

Have questions or concerns about coronavirus?
Call us at (517) 887-4517 or visit us on the web at hd.ingham.org/coronavirus

City Rescue Mission of Lansing

The City Rescue Mission is currently seeking the following items for donations: Thermometers, Canned Vegetables, Takeout Containers, Pre-Packaged Food Items (granola bars, individual bags of chips, fruit snacks, etc.), Plastic Utensils, Kleenex, Disposable Gloves, Tylenol, Advil, and Dayquil.

Those items can be taken directly to their donation drop-off site at 607 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing 48912. There is a delivery entrance behind the building that is accessible from Pere Marquette (just past the Larch and Michigan Avenue intersection). Preferred donation hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Census 2020

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

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

By the end of this week, we all should have received our invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. 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

How Can I get Help

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.

Take Out Tonight Spotlight

Brian McGrain,Director of Economic Development and Planning , encourages you to continue to support our local businesses.
Locally baked donuts and lots of other needs can be found at your local Quality Dairy. Donuts are individually wrapped for extra safety.

Federal Income Tax Information

The IRS announced that for most Americans, the deadline to file and pay federal income taxes will be July 15. You can read the announcement here.

State Income Tax Collections

Michigan Department of Treasury is offering collections assistance to newly unemployed Michiganders currently paying on past-due state tax debts or other state debts.

Effective immediately, individuals who have been laid off or had their place of employment closed due to COVID-19 should reach out to see what options are available. To receive assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265.

To learn more about Michigan’s taxes and the collections process, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.

Unemployment Assistance

If you lose your job during the coronavirus outbreak, you can apply for unemployment assistance here. You can find a full, step-by-step guide to doing so here. Please go to the following site for more information: michigan.gov/UIA

Assistance for Seniors

If you are a senior living in Ingham County, you can contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-11440 or by visiting them online here.

Expanding Access to Telemedicine

Michigan residents receiving Medicaid benefits can now take advantage of telemedicine health services from their home. In addition, most major health insurers have announced that they will cover and encourage the use of virtual care, while waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing. Call your health care provider for more information.

Student Loans

During this National Emergency, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid has set the interest rate of all federal student loans to 0% for a period of at least 60 days.

The Department of Education’s press release from March 20, 2020 states “borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.”

For borrows that are seeking the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program or those enrolled in a repayment plan, it may be in their best interest to continuing making monthly payments.

The full press release can be read here.

The following list contains the names and contact information of loan servicers for loans that the U.S. Department of Education owns:

Loan Servicer
Contact
CornerStone
1-800-663-1662

FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA)
1-800-699-2908

Granite State – GSMR
1-888-556-0022

Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.
1-800-236-4300

HESC/Edfinancial
1-855-337-6884

MOHELA
1-888-866-4352

Navient
1-800-722-1300

Nelnet
1-888-486-4722

OSLA Servicing
1-866-264-9762

ECSI
1-866-313-3797

Pre-Eviction Prevention Program
Public Housing and Section 8 tenants at risk of eviction due to late rent, and fees are scheduled for a Citizen Intake to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. A judgement and SER determination from DHHS, proof of income, and identification is required for an appointment. Call 487.4477

Utility Assistance (in partnership with LBWL and St. Vincent DePaul)
Assist families with paying the LBWL bill to avoid shut-off and prevent eviction. A SER determination from DHHS, LBWL bill, proof of income and identification is required for an appointment. Call 487.4477

Lansing Board of Water and Light

Customers may pay their bill online, through the mail or over the phone. More information on ways to pay your bill can be found at www.lbwl.com/paybill.

The BWL has suspended electric and water shut-offs until further notice and COVID-19 is better controlled. Customers are encouraged to contact customer service to setup a bill payment plan to not fall behind when the moratorium is lifted by emailing [email protected]

Consumers Energy

For the health and safety of our employees and customers, we’ve reduced service at our 13 direct payment offices to drop box and drive-thru only.

Payments left in drop boxes will be processed the same day and receipts will be mailed to customers' homes. Customers are also encouraged to pay online or find another payment location.

We are ensuring our most vulnerable customers have the services they need during this state of emergency by suspending shutoffs for non-pay for low-income and senior customers beginning March 16, 2020 through April 5, 2020. These time-frames could be adjusted depending on the spread and severity of the virus.

Senior citizens and qualified low-income customers already enrolled in our Winter Protection Program have already had their end dates extended through May 3, 2020, without any additional actions required on their part.

Capital Area Housing Partnership

HOUSING COUNSELING
Capital Area Housing Partnership is a Michigan State Housing & Development Authority Housing Counseling Agency with on-staff HUD-certified housing counselors who can help mid-Michigan residents struggling with financial challenges. Families and individuals with fears about paying rent, utility bills, eviction, foreclosure, debt or credit impacts should call CAHP to schedule a free virtual appointment to discuss options.

CAHP’s 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.”

https://www.capitalareahousing.org/resource-guide

CATA

March 20, 2020: CATA to provide necessary trips only

Regular-route bus service to be suspended Monday 3/23/2020

CATA will suspend all regular bus-route service, effective Monday, March 23, through Sunday, April 5, or until further notice. Instead, CATA will offer free demand-response service for the community’s most vulnerable populations, as well as its essential workforce, key government employees and those who support our critical infrastructure.

Customers in need of a free curb-to-curb ride should call 517-999-2549

Updates will continue to be posted to Rider Alerts at CATA.org and @rideCATA on Facebook and Twitter.

Financial Empowerment Center

The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is a partnership of the City of Lansing and Cristo Rey Community Center. Our trained, professional financial counselors will sit down with you one-on-one to help you achieve your financial dreams and goals. We will help you create a budget, reduce money stress, improve your credit, pay down your debt, access affordable bank accounts, and save money for the future.

All counseling services, including credit report analysis, is free of charge. There are no income limits or residency requirements.

You can schedule an appointment online or call (517) 449-5842 , Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

All appointments will take place on Zoom or over the phone. Once you have scheduled an appointment, someone from the FEC will be in contact.

FOOD

UPDATED LANSING SCHOOL DISTRICT FOOD LOCATIONS

Each location is first come first served while supplies last.

Additional Food Resources for Students

The Michigan Department of Education has developed an online tool for families to help ensure children who rely on food provided by schools still maintain access to the meals and resources they need. To find schools serving meals in your area, you can use the tool by clicking here.

FOOD PANTRIES

48906

All Nations Christian Church Food Pantry

1205 E Saginaw Street, Lansing

(517) 371-2222

Catholic Community of St. Jude (serves north Lansing zip 48906)

409 Wilson Street, DeWitt 48820

(517) 669-8335

Cristo Rey Community Center

1717 North High Street, Lansing

(517) 372-4700 x 249

Northwest Lutheran Food Pantry

Saint Stephen Lutheran Church

2900 N Waverly Road, Lansing

(517) 853-0453

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul - Saint Gerard

(West of MLK only)

4437 West Willow Hwy, Lansing

(517) 853-8132

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul - Resurrection

1601 E Grand River Avenue, Lansing

(517) 371-4380

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul - Saint Therese

102 West Randolph Street, Lansing

(517) 482-0765

48910

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

549 E Mt Hope Avenue, Lansing

(517) 485-3613

Bethlehem Temple Church

1518 South Washington Avenue, Lansing

(517) 485-4209

Christ Temple Church

1033 Lenore St, Lansing 48910

(517) 484-0578 or submit request online at www.ctcLansing.org

Lansing Area AIDS Network (Must be HIV+)

913 W Holmes Road, Suite 115, Lansing

(517) 394-3560

LMTS

808 Southland Street, Suite B, Lansing 48910

Hours 9 am – 1 pm, M-F (By appointment only)

Call (517) 483-2604 (allow 24-48 hours for a response)

Mount Hope Presbyterian Church

301 West Jolly Road, Lansing

(517) 393-2211

The Salvation Army South Corps

701 W Jolly Rd, Lansing 48910

(517) 394-6945

48911

Lansing Church of God in Christ

5304 Wise Road, Lansing

(517) 882-2335

Our Savior Lutheran Pantry

1515 W Holmes Road, Lansing

(517) 882-7750

Pagans in Need - Lansing

5655 South Washington Avenue, Lansing

(517) 258-4575

Ray of Hope Food Pantry

Capitol City Church of God

6228 Bishop Road, Lansing

(517) 393-5353

48912

Allen Neighborhood Center Breadbasket/Food Pantry

Every Monday, produce, bread and other baked goods are available to Eastside residents

1:00 pm- 5:00 pm (517) 367-2468

Eastside Community Action Center

1001 Dakin Street, Lansing

(517) 853-0414

Salvation Army North

525 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing

(517) 484-4424

48915

Letts Community Center

1220 West Kalamazoo, Lansing

(517) 483-4311

48917 (These pantries are actually in Eaton County)

Calvary Christian Fellowship

5324 Millett Hwy, Lansing 48917

Lunch and a bag of groceries

1st & 3rd Thurs 12 pm-1:30 pm

(517) 372-9673

Lansing Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Center

5400 West Saint Joseph, Lansing

(517) 321-8238

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul - Saint Gerard

4437 West Willow Hwy, Lansing

(517) 853-8132

48933

First Presbyterian Church Pantry

510 W. Ottawa, Lansing

(517) 574-5124

FREE OR LOW-COST INTERNET SERVICE AND OTHER RELATED RESOURCES (DEVICES AND CONTENT)

AT&T’s “Access by AT&T.” Available in 21 states. One family member must be eligible for SNAP.

COVID-19 response: AT&T has committed waive data overage fees in response to Covid-19.
For more information go to: https://gizmodo.com/at-t-waiving-data-overage-fees-for-home-internet-subscr-1842300601

Resources

MEDIA COVERAGE

For more information, please visit lansingmi.gov/coronavirus.

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The Neighborhood News will be used for daily COVID-19 updates during the Local State of Emergency. *************************************************************************************

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