June 19, 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.

OneLansing Website: tinyurl.com/onelansingcampaign

Press Release: lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=8

Check out this message from Mayor Andy Schor

Governor Whitmer Reopens Auto Dealerships and Retail Businesses by Appointment, Authorizes Nonessential Medical, Dental and Veterinary Procedures 

Governor’s order allows gatherings of ten people or less, with social distancing


LANSING, Mich. -- May 21, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed executive order 2020-96 to reopen retail businesses and auto dealerships by appointment statewide on Tuesday, May 26, as part of her MI Safe Start plan. The governor’s executive order also lifts the requirement that health care providers delay some nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures statewide beginning on Friday, May 29. And the order authorizes small gatherings of 10 people or less starting immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing.
 
“The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy, but we must stay vigilant and ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “On behalf of our brave first responders on the front lines of this crisis, we must continue to all do our part by staying safer at home. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
 
“As businesses continue to reopen, it’s crucial that they adopt strict safety measures to protect their employees, customers, and their families,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “I know that as medical professionals begin offering nonessential procedures again, they will do everything in their power to protect patients and their families from COVID-19. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our partners across Michigan to protect our families and lower the chance of a second wave.”
 
The governor also signed a separate order, Executive Order 2020-97, updating a prior rule on workplace safety. Per the amended order, reopened outpatient health-care facilities, including clinics, primary care physician offices, and dental offices, will have to adopt strict protocols to prevent infection. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue guidance to aid those facilities in adopting appropriate safeguards.
 
As before, businesses maintaining in-person activities must adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers. They must, among other things, provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions.
Consistent with the governor’s previous Safer at Home orders, any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth—like a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief—when in any enclosed public space. Michiganders who are not working as critical infrastructure workers or at a business that has been authorized to reopen should stay home to protect themselves and their families from the spread of COVID-19.

Michigan Will Add Online Purchasing, Free "Quarantine Care Kits"; Additional supports provided for people who need to stay home

To make life easier on families who need to stay home during the pandemic, Michigan families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) soon will be able to buy their food online from two national retailers. In addition, the state is also rolling out “quarantine care kits” with essential goods for families with low and moderate incomes who are in quarantine or isolation.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today that the state expects to have the online purchase option available before the end of this week. Michigan received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to allow SNAP recipients to redeem their food assistance benefits at Amazon.com and Walmart.com.
“Before and since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve worked hard to make it easier for Michiganders to use food aid,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “Now that families can order groceries online using their EBT cards, it’ll be easier for them to put food on the table. This is especially important for the people who most need to stay home – those who are COVID positive, who are recent close contacts of persons who are positive, or who are vulnerable to COVID due to age or underlying medical conditions.” For more information: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-530385--,00.html

Governor Whitmer Appoints Educators, Parents, Students to COVID-19 Return to School Advisory Council  

Governor Gretchen Whitmer  announced a group of 25 leaders in health care and education to serve on the COVID-19 return to learn advisory council. The group of experts includes educators, parents, and students who will work closely with the governor as she continues to put the health and safety of our students and educators first.
“This group brings together experts in health care and education, including students, educators, and parents to think about how to ensure the more than 1.5 million K-12 students across Michigan get the education they need and deserve,” Governor Whitmer said. “On behalf of our kids, their families, and the more than 100,000 educators in our state, we must all work together to get this right. I know this group is prepared to carefully examine the data and consult with experts when helping me determine what is best for our kids.”
On May 15, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-88 creating the COVID-19 Return to School Advisory Council. The Advisory Council was created to identify the critical issues that must be addressed, provide valuable input to inform the process of returning to school, and to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to school. The Council will act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the COVID-19 Task Force on Education, and will develop and submit recommendations to the COVID-19 Task Force on Education regarding the safe, equitable, and efficient K-12 return to school in the Fall.

Secretary of State Branch Offices to Reopen June 1 by Appointment Only

Secretary of State Branch Offices to Reopen June 1 by Appointment Only; Updated renewal mailers will provide additional information on easiest means of conducting transactions
Secretary of State branch offices will reopen June 1 by appointment only for essential transactions not available online in order to continue to balance the need to provide critical services and protect public health.
“While the offices were closed to the public we conducted more than 3,000 emergency appointments for essential workers and planned and implemented protocols so that we could reopen in a way that ensures the safety of employees and all Michiganders,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Customers can be confident they’ll be able to conduct their business with us safely and efficiently.” For more information: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-530310--,00.html

Governor Whitmer Announces Plans for Police Reform to Promote Racial Equity 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her support for a series of policy plans for police reform in Michigan, calling on Michigan law enforcement agencies to enhance their training and policies to help create a police culture where all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law. Governor Whitmer also voiced her support for measures that require law enforcement officers to complete training on implicit bias and de-escalation techniques, and applauded the Senate for taking up Senate Bill 945, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin, which addresses many of these issues. The governor also urged police agencies to require their officers to intervene when they observe an excessive use of force by another officer, which will save lives and help to keep people safe.
“The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor were a result of hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans,” said Governor Whitmer. “Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day. That’s why I'm calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law.”
“We recognize the shortcomings of the systems in place today—systems that have left Black, Latino, and other communities of color feeling underserved, even threatened by law enforcement,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform. We are not done, and we strongly encourage cities and counties to adopt and enact local measures that build trust, accountability, and a comprehensive, non-discriminatory experience of safety for everyone in our state.”

City of Lansing Updates from Mayor Schor

Mayor Andy Schor has shared his Social Justice & Equity Community Action Proposals. The proposals include immediate action steps, next steps and long term planning that will involve many community conversations and opportunities for input.
The document can be found here

The City of Lansing  announced that 12 businesses were awarded a $5,000 COVID-19 Rescue Fund Grant during phase two of the City of Lansing’s Small Business Recovery Program.
The City of Lansing and the LEDC created the Rescue Fund as an emergency resource to provide immediate assistance to City of Lansing small businesses that were in danger of going out of business as a result of the pandemic.
Press Release: https://www.lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=420

Mayor Andy Schor, Police Chief Daryl Green, and Human Relations and Community Services (HRCS) Director Kim Coleman today announced that they have asked the Lansing City Council to move $170,000 of available remaining dollars in the current fiscal year (FY 2019-20) budget into a new Racial Equity and Anti-Racism Fund. This current fiscal year ends June 30, 2020.
 
The Lansing Police Department has proposed placing $100,000 into this fund. “The Lansing Police Department fully supports the Mayor in establishing a racial equity and anti-racism fund. We stand ready and willing to help the community that we serve, and if that means dedicating department funds to specific community needs, we are on board,” said Chief Daryl Green.
Press Release: https://www.lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=418

The City of Lansing  announced that it will participate in the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Work Share program to help address financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Lansing will move to a four-day work week, Monday through Thursday, and employees will be paid one day each week through the Work Share program beginning the week of June 1, 2020, until July 25, 2020. The Lansing Police Department, Lansing Fire Department, 54-A District Court employees and elected officials will not be participating in the Work Share program.
Press Release: https://lansingmi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=410

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. 

BWL- Free LED bulbs

The BWL is offering FREE LED bulbs and nightlights by mail! All BWL residential electric customers are eligible whether they live in a house or apartment. Request your box of bulbs today by calling 800-573-3503 or visiting lbwl.com/hometownhelp. This is a limited-time offer!

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

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.

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 65.3% response rate as of 6/16/2020.

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/

Yard Waste Collection Update

Beginning on Monday, June 15, 2020, CART will be transitioning yard waste collection from weekly to every other week.

This means that residents’ yard waste collection day will be the same as their recycling collection day. In the fall, collection will transition back to weekly collection through the end of the season.

Every other week yard waste collection will reduce the size of the collection area, stabilizing the overall collection process and reducing truck-related costs (fuel, maintenance, impacts on neighborhood streets, etc.).

To minimize impacts of every other week collection on residents, the City recommends residents mulch their grass clippings as opposed to bagging them, and compost leaves and other yard clippings if feasible.

Virtual Stop the Violence March

Mikey 23 foundation is hosting this event. 

Each participant will March in their neighborhood, take a 10 second video and photo. Explaining how are they helping to stop the violence in their neighborhood. Upload it to social media #Mikey23foundation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us . Would love for you to join us. T shirts are available at : https://www.mikey23foundation.org/

Proceeds go towards training youth a building trade.

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

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.

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.

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/

Calendar of Neighborhood Events

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 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. 

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.