May 8, 2020

Share the gift of hope by donating to the One Lansing Fund, supporting the the COVID-19 Emergency Relief efforts by Capital Area United Way right here in our community.

tinyurl.com/OneLansing

Check out this message from Mayor Andy Schor

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-77 to extend Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order to May 28. The governor’s order will allow manufacturing workers, including those at Michigan’s Big 3 auto companies, to resume work on Monday, May 11 as part of her MI Safe Start Plan.  

“We’re not out of the woods yet, but this is an important step forward on our MI Safe Start plan to re-engage our economy safely and responsibly. As we continue to phase in sectors of our economy, I will keep working around the clock to ensure our businesses adopt best practices to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19. When we all keep doing our part, we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly.” 
                                               - Gov Whitmer


All businesses in the state—including manufacturers—must require masks to be worn when workers cannot consistently maintain six feet of separation from others, and consider face shields for those who cannot consistently maintain three feet of separation from other workers. 
The governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect until May 28, 2020. Under this order, Michiganders still must not leave their homes except to run critical errands, to engage in safe outdoor activities, or to go to specified jobs. 
 
To view executive order 2020-77, click this link 

Michigan Expands COVID-19 Testing Criteria to Anyone with Symptoms and Launches Testing Site Locator

• Hospitalized patients.
• Symptomatic healthcare workers.
• Patients in congregate facilities with symptoms, including those at:
  • Long-term care or elderly living facilities.
  • Jails or prisons.
  • Homeless shelters.
  • Residential foster care facilities.
  • Other group living setting.
• Patients age 65 and older with symptoms.
• Patients with underlying conditions with symptoms.
• First responders with symptoms.
• Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms.
• Individuals with mild symptoms.

First Urgent Care in the Greater Lansing Area to Offer COVID Antibody Testing During COVID-19 Pandemic

LANSING, Mich. --- In continued efforts to provide the best care, service, and patient experience possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lansing Urgent Care officially announces they now offer COVID-19 antibody blood serum testing at their seven (7) Urgent Care clinic locations in Greater Lansing. The antibody test will detect if you have had prior exposure to COVID-19 and have built an antibody to the virus. For most viral illnesses, a positive antibody means prior exposure to a virus and some degree of immunity to future infection. As COVID-19 is a new virus, it is unclear if a positive antibody definitively offers immunity. Most experts agree it likely does; however, the recommendation is to still practice universal precautions.
All Lansing Urgent Care clinics remain open and available to treat all non-life threating conditions in a safe and sanitized environment. Their 505 N Clippert St. location (near Frandor) is the only 24/7 urgent care in the Greater Lansing Area, and remains open 24/7 to serve the community. Antibody testing requires an in-person visit. If you would like to be seen in clinic, you can check in online at www.LUC247.com to choose a time that works for you and view estimated walk-in wait times for all 7 area clinics.

Futures for Frontliners

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. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) today announce the creation of the MiMortgage Relief Partnership with over 200 of Michigan’s financial institutions to recognize and expand upon the measures that these institutions have been taking to assist customers to ensure that no one experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 will lose their home during this public health crisis.
“No one should have to worry about losing their home during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “With the MiMortgage Relief Partnership, Michigan’s credit unions, banks, and lenders have stepped to the plate to help our residents who are suffering financial losses due to COVID-19 by providing a 90-day grace period for mortgage payments.”
For more information on COVID-19 related mortgage relief, see: www.michigan.gov/MiMortgageRelief   or call DIFS toll-free at 877-999-6442.

Michigan Department of Treasury and student loan collections

The Michigan Department of Treasury announced that Michiganders who have student loans guaranteed by the state will be provided assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collection activities on delinquent Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) student loans, made by a financial institution and serviced by the Michigan Guaranty Agency, will be halted until Sept. 30, 2020.  

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has launched a new program providing a total of $502,400 in grants to Michigan’s eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations that have been negatively impacted as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. “With the outbreak of COVID-19, many of our state’s arts and culture organizations are faced with serious economic impacts, including challenges with cash flow and resources to support their workforce,” said MCACA Director Alison Watson. “The Emergency Relief Funds program will provide assistance to these organizations that add so much value to Michigan’s economy and bolster the creative life of our communities.” MCACA, through funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will make a total of $502,400 in one-time grants to eligible nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, ensuring broad geographic distribution across Michigan. The funds can be used for salary support (full or partial) for one or more employees; fees for artists and/or contractual personnel; and facility costs, such as rent and utilities. For more information:https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-526267--,00.html

COVID, Commencement & Cash: Money Management for HS Grads

Join us for a Live Facebook event on Tuesday, May 12th to learn about how FEC will help you achieve your financial dreams and goals.

FEC counselors can help you:

• Open a checking account
• Open a savings account
• Create a budget
• Plan for college and post secondary education
• Check your credit
• And more!

When can I go?
There are limited appointments. Schedule yours now before they are all booked.

Where is it?
We are hosting counseling sessions on video chat or phone call.

How do I schedule an appointment?
Call the FEC: (517) 449-5842

What is the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)?
The Lansing Financial Empowerment Center 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.

CMHA-CEI COVID-19 Support Line

CMHA-CEI has developed a COVID-19 Support Line available to anyone in Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham counties, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at 517-237-7100.

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 62.2% response rate as of 5/6/2020.

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-Grant Awards Announced!

Mayor Andy Schor announced the recipients of the Neighborhood Grant Program, as recommended by the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Board, during a Facebook Live broadcast with Department of Neighborhoods + Citizen Engagement (DNCE) Director Andi Crawford.
DNCE launched the Neighborhood Grant Program alongside the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Board in October of 2019. Leading up to the application due date, Civic Organizations were provided the opportunity to attend educational workshops for help navigating their grant request. $65,000 in total was awarded and the outreach work done by DNCE and the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Board doubled grant requests compared to the previous year.
Full list of recipients can be found here

Yard Waste Update

Curbside collection of yard waste will begin on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Residents should place yard waste at the curbside on their regular collection day. However, due to large amounts of yard materials already at the curbside, it is likely that most collection will not take place on the normal collection day until crews are able to catch up. Drivers will be working extended schedules until normal collection schedules can be met.
Standard yard waste guidelines must still be followed.

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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.

Virtual Manage Your Money During Covid-19 Class on Wednesday, 5/13, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. As a MSHDA Counseling agency, CAHP continues to offer free-of-charge counseling for renters and homeowners who may be struggling with a loss of income or other financial challenges during this time. You can register by calling 517-332-4663, or register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/…/register/WN_15RPxW4rQFa2n5EsfEaFCw
#StayHome #StayHealthy #SaveLives

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/

Lansing Parks and Recreation Survey

Every five years, Lansing Parks and Recreation engages in a five-year master planning process.  One very important element of that plan includes hearing from YOU.
In this survey, we hope to better understand your experiences and feelings to help us shape the future of parks and recreation.
We think it's safe to say that now, more than ever, we are all understanding the role parks and recreation plays in our lives a little differently.  While this survey is a little on the longer side, we hope you'll stick with it to help us create a plan that reflects your values.
 
Head over to www.lansingmi.gov/masterplansurvey to complete the quick master plan survey in order to let your voice be heard! Feedback from you is so important in determining our goals!

Resources

Lansing Neighborhood News

The Neighborhood News has returned 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 [email protected] .  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. 

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.