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What's Inside:
Michigan Covid-19 UpdatesUpdates from the Mayor's OfficeCity of Lansing UpdatesCommunity Partner UpdatesCivic Organization UpdatesAdditional Resources
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Michigan Covid-19 Updates___________________________________________________________________
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Ingham County Health DepartmentIngham County Health Department will begin to offer COVID-19 vaccines to some people in Phase 1B on Monday January 6, 2021. If you are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine and live or work in Ingham County, please fill out this form and we will send you a link to schedule an appointment when we reach your prioritization group.
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Mask up, Mask RightMDHHS announced that it is distributing 3.5 million free masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign. Free KN95 masks provided by MDHHS will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHHS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices.
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Updates from the Mayor's Office______________________________________________________________________
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City Hall and City Facilities to Remain Closed to Public Through January 11, 2021 Executive Order 2020-06 stating that Lansing City Hall and City owned buildings will remain closed to the public until January 11, 2021, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. City Hall and City buildings will remain accessible to the public by appointment only. The City Clerk’s offices in City Hall and at South Washington Office Complex will remain open to the public for voting purposes through November 3, 2020.
“The number of positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Ingham County and restricting the number of people in City facilities will help keep both our City employees and residents healthy,” said Mayor Schor. “We continue to monitor the situation and will reevaluate when City facilities can safely reopen to the public in the new year.”
Press Release |
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City of Lansing Submits FY2020 Annual AuditMayor Andy Schor announced that the City of Lansing submitted its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) on time to the Michigan Department of Treasury. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 adopted budget, covering July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020, was passed with a projected decrease in the General Fund of $3.1 million and a reduction of the fund balance to $6,894,240.
In the CAFR submitted to the Department of Treasury, the City of Lansing reported that it ended FY2020 with a total General Fund balance of $10,121,010, an improvement of $3.2 million over the final amended budget. This was due to several departments coming in under their personnel and operating budgets, as well as restrictions on discretionary spending.
Press Release |
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City of Lansing Named a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
The City of Lansing has been named a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Lansing joins 485 other communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes the City of Lansing for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
“Infrastructure has been one of my top priorities since taking office. It is nice to see that our hard work related to that commitment is being recognized,” said Mayor Schor. “We will continue to make Lansing a more friendly community for non-motorized modes of transportation. Projects like Lansing River Trail improvements, road diets and bike lanes are just a few of the tools we’ve used in the past. I look forward to implementing additional changes to make Lansing an easier place to travel by something other than a car.”
Press Release
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Grant Awarded to City of LansingThe City of Lansing will be awarded $4,589,940 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With these funds, the City will be able to address lead hazards in 189 housing units, providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children.
“There are older houses in Lansing with lead paint, which can be a danger if not properly managed or abated. Our Lead Safe Lansing program has been there for our residents but needs more funding to continue to protect our families from lead exposure. This grant is tremendously important to continue to ramp up our work on lead containment, reduction and abatement in our older homes. I am proud of our staff for their hours of hard work to secure these federal dollars on behalf of our residents.”
The purpose of the Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LBPHR) grant program is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned homes that are either for rent or owner-occupied. The LBPHR program is targeted to urban jurisdictions that have at least 3,500 pre-1940 occupied rental housing units.
More Information |
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City of Lansing Updates______________________________________________________________________
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Mid-Michigan’s MLK commission to feature Dr. Bernice King
in its first televised MLK Day of Celebration Jan. 18Dr. Bernice King will headline the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan’s 2021 annual signature event, which will be televised for the first time in its 36-year history. The 2021 MLK Day of Celebration will air on WILX TV 10-NBC, Monday, Jan. 18, 7-8 p.m. EST.
A conversation between Bernice King and Elaine Hardy, commission chair, will be featured in the one-hour TV program.
King is a global peace activist and youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Bernice King was only five years old when her father was assassinated.
Hardy said the televised program will include many features of previous celebrations: - Announcement of the commission’s annual sponsors.
- Musical performances.
- Messages from elected officials.
The theme for the 2021 MLK Day of Celebration is “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” It is a quote by Dr. King from his "I have a dream" speech, and it is engraved on the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Bernice King is a peace advocate, thought leader, orator, minister and member of the Georgia State Bar, having earned a master of divinity and doctorate in law. She began her oratorical journey at age 17 when she spoke in her mother’s stead at the U.N. Most recently she spoke at the funeral of U.S. Rep. John Lewis.
The commission’s MLK Day of Celebration is a tribute to the inspiring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. For more information visit https://mlkmidmichigan.com or follow the commission on Facebook, @MLKCommOfMidMI.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan works to support equality, diversity and social justice. It focuses on the area’s pressing issues of literacy, youth violence, hunger, mentoring, education and community enrichment. The nonprofit organization hosts speakers and concerts, supports community service agencies, and promotes youth initiatives, such as essay and art contests, college scholarships and an annual Y-Achievers tour for high school students.
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Neighborhood Grant ProgramThe Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Board is very excited about the current Grant Cycle. Take a moment and watch the informational podcast and this Facebook Live and let your creative minds think of what your neighborhood can apply for this year!
All Neighborhood Program Applications are available now!
Join the Neighborhood Advisory Board on January 21, 2021 for a Grant Feedback Workshop!
Podcast Link |
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Rivertrail Closure AdvisoryAdvisory: Starting Jan. 5, a section of the River Trail, immediately north of the Spring St. / River St. intersection, will be temporarily closed for sewer work near the Southbank of the Grand River.
The closure is expected to last until late January.
ADVISORY |
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Community Partner Updates_____________________________________________________________________
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Application for Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative grants goes live on Dec. 15 - $10 million available to support small businesses disproportionally impacted by COVID-19 crisis, recent DHHS epidemic orders
- Application live on www.michiganbusiness.org/relief beginning Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. EST with applications reviewed on a “first-in” basis
- Small businesses encouraged to review materials, including application questions and tutorial, before applying
- Michigan Municipal League Foundation to serve as statewide grant administrator
Michigan’s small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus will be able to apply for grants of up to $15,000 through the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, December 15, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The program will utilize $10 million in federal U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CARES Act funding to provide economic assistance to small businesses across Michigan.
Grants will be awarded in the amount of up to $15,000 per eligible business on a “first-in” basis. Information on how to apply – including application questions and instructions and a video tutorial on the application process – as well as eligibility criteria and program guidelines are available at www.michiganbusiness.org/relief. |
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Shop & Stroll Downtown Lansing This holiday season, Downtown Lansing Inc. and partners encourage you to head downtown to safely sip, shop, and stroll outdoors past downtown businesses and holiday storefront displays.
Then grab something to sip while you shop not only our great downtown businesses, but other Lansing-wide storefront shops, gallery displays, and boutique gift shops set up with their goods and services in storefront windows. You can conveniently shop storefront window items when you scan the QR code displayed with each display.
Together, let’s embrace winter while you #ShopLansing, #GrubLansing and #SupportLansing — and pass on the Lansing Lifts Up Local love throughout the holiday season! This storefront activation initiative will allow people to be outside and see one another, at a safe socially distanced pace, with strictly enforced pandemic protocols.
THINGS TO DO:
• Shop the amazing storefront displays scattered throughout downtown.
• Buy a hot beverage from a local hot spot to sip while you stroll.
• Order takeout and support our amazing downtown restaurants. |
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Project Light Up The Night- Downtown LansingCOVID has hit our community hard, leaving many businesses and residents struggling in the downtown district. But Winter will make those struggles even greater as the season brings with it shorter days and increased darkness, more people staying indoors and feeling isolated, not to mention businesses continuing to try and hang on with the 85-90% decrease in their customer base.
That’s why Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is trying to add a little brightness to the daily lives of those who call downtown Lansing home! Earlier this week, we kicked-off a crowdfunding campaign, in coordination with the MEDC and Michigan Municipal League, to bring much-needed lighting additions to our downtown district. With your help, we can raise at least $30,000 to bring bright colorful lighting to the streets of downtown year-round, AND the MEDC will match all contributions! Won’t you consider making a donation today at: https://www.patronicity.com/project/light_up_the_night#!/
Lighting is one of the safest and most effective ways to change the atmosphere and experience that is downtown Lansing during COVID, and it will have a large positive impact on the safety and feel of our business district for years to come!
Can’t give? We know this year has been tough on many of us, will you help spread the word to your networks with a personal ask or posts on social media?
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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/ |
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BOLD LansingThe new BOLD Lansing Initiative - which stands for Believe, Optimize, Learn, Dream - brings together City programs and local partners to provide step-by-step financial education and planning supports to students and their families throughout their lifetimes, from kindergarten enrollment through retirement. This breakthrough concept was built by the City of Lansing, the Lansing School District, Lansing SAVE, MSU Federal Credit Union, Lansing Financial Empowerment Center, Cristo Rey Community Center, Capital Area College Access Network, Lansing Promise, and the CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The work was the result of Lansing being one of 9 cities selected for the What Works Cities Initiative, which brought in grant dollars as well as high-level technical assistance. BOLD Lansing is one way that the City provides tools and resources to residents to help them grow and reach their dreams. Lansing is leading the nation in creative thinking about how to lift all residents up to their dreams. Want to learn more? https://boldlansing.org |
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Civic Organization Updates______________________________________________________________________
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Additional Resources_______________________________________________________________________
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Return to Work PlaybookMichigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Return to Work Playbook is a tool for Michiganders to use to prepare for their next job. The playbook provides resources for how to write a resume and more. |
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Rental Assistance Available for Ingham County Residents
Financial help for tenants and landlords impacted by pandemic
A collaborative of nonprofit housing service providers announced a rental assistance program designed to keep Ingham County residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The Eviction Diversion Program is being administered by Holy Cross Services in partnership with Advent House Ministries, Capital Area Housing Partnership, Legal Services of South Central Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Ingham County.
Under the Eviction Diversion Program, rental assistance will be made available in the form of lump sum payments to landlords in exchange for allowing tenants to remain in their homes. Tenants whose back rent is not completely covered by the program will be entered into manageable payment plans. Ingham County received over $2 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds from the state of Michigan to assist tenants and landlords for rent due beginning March 1, 2020.
Eligibility for rental assistance payments will be structured based on the tenant’s income. A tenant’s income must be less than 100% of area median income. For an individual in Ingham County, area median income is $56,200 and for a family of four in Ingham County, area median income is $80,200. Tenants below 50% area median income will be offered case management services to help connect them with other beneficial programs and services.
For more information or to participate in the rental assistance program, tenants and landlords may contact Holy Cross Services at (517) 657-8145, Monday-Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm or via email at evictions@hccsnet.org.
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Laptop Assistance Programs1.It With Causes.
This nonprofit organization focuses on giving laptops, computers, and other devices to families in need. The application process is simple, and With Causes volunteers review each help request, case by case, to determine whether they can be of assistance.
You’ll have to apply to take advantage of what they offer, but it’s pretty easy to do. Just fill out the application and explain your situation and your needs. Give them your contact information, and you’ll get a response from the organization once they’ve reviewed your file.
To apply, visit https://www.withcauses.org/askforhelp.htm.
2. Computers with Causes is another good nonprofit option
Another nonprofit organization you should look into is Computers with Causes. This organization provides refurbished computers at no cost to those with financial need. Students and returning military veterans can also qualify through this organization.
This organization does a needs assessment and a background and reference check — so you will have to give them some information to get approved. After your application is submitted, the Board of Directors will review the information provided and then review their inventory. If they can assist you, you will be contacted within 30 days.
To apply, visit https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application.htm.
Related: 15 tech upgrades you can get for free
3. Everyone On
If you qualify as low income, check into the nonprofit organization Everyone On. This group helps people on a low income to get complimentary or low-cost laptops and low-cost internet service.
This organization works with many different businesses and ISPs to help get access and tech to low-income families, so requirements will vary based on the program. The programs you qualify for will also vary, so you’ll need to check out the Everyone On website for more information.
To learn more or apply, visit https://www.everyoneon.org/lowcost-offers
4. National Cristina Foundation gives out laptops to people in need, too
National Cristina Foundation is another nonprofit group that works to get laptops to people in need. This group “works to promote technology reuse by educating businesses and the public that technology resources coming out of their first place of use can be given a second productive life for developing human potential.”
In other words, businesses can donate their used tech devices to this foundation. Once they’re spruced up, the foundation gives them to the people who need them most. This foundation works in communities rather than with individuals, so the requirements will vary.
For more information, visit National Cristina Foundation at donatetechnology.org/.
5. The On It Foundation
Do you have a student in your home who’s enrolled in public K-12 education in the U.S.? Do they get free or reduced lunch (or qualify for it)? If so, you can get a free computer from the On It Foundation.
The awesome thing about this foundation is that they also serve people who don’t qualify via the Jump On It! Program. The one caveat is that you’ll have to pay a discounted amount for the computer you get. Still, this foundation could be a good option for resolving your computer issues even at a heavily discounted price.
You can visit the FAQ page to learn how to apply for a free laptop at https://theonitfoundation.org/faqs/.
6. PCs for People provides computers and low cost internet if you’re eligible
Another nonprofit is PCs for People, which provides computers and low-cost internet to eligible recipients. This organization is a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher as well, so the computers it offers also come with licensed copies of Windows 10.
Want to apply? You’ll need to be below the 200% poverty level or enrolled in an income-based government assistance program to be eligible. Once you’re approved, you can shop on the website or in-store for your new computer, but you’ll need to show a photo ID and proof of eligibility.
To find out if you’re eligible or to apply, visit https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/ |
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A Community Response to Domestic ViolenceCapital 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. |
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Lansing Neighborhood NewsThe 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. |
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