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Community Resource Guide

by Frances McCrary,

We find ourselves in uncertain times and uncharted territory. In light of the recent spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) into the DC Metro area, the Empower DC staff has compiled a list of local resources. The safety, health, and well-being of our community members is a top priority. Together, we can keep one another safe and informed. If there is a resource you think we should include please email us the info (use the Subject: Resource Guide).

Last updated: 6.16.2020 12:00pm

Childcare

Child Care Vouchers - applications can still be dropped off at 4049 South Capitol St SW or 1207 Taylor St NW. All recertifications will be automatically processed and valid for 60-90 days. 

COVID Childcare Co-op Calculator - schedule generator for parents with network of adults ready to share childcare responsibilities 

PAVE’s Resources for Parents

Education and Kid-Friendly Resources

School Updates

Consumer

Office of the Attorney General - Complaints can still be submitted by calling (202) 442-9828, emailing [email protected], or submitting an online form. 

Domestic Violence

DC Safe: If you are in danger, call 911, our local hotline at 1-844-443-5732, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.  (Free and confidential)

My Sister's Place: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call My Sister’s Place at 202-540-1064 or visit: http://mysistersplacedc.org. All of our services are free and confidential.

National Domestic Violence Hotline - Call (800) 799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. Chat also available through the website. 

Workplaces Respond National Resource Center  - This site provides a variety of resources for workers who are survivors or maybe forced to co-quarantine with their abuser. 

Child and Family Services Agency

Education

WTU Partners with Local News to Provide PrK-12 Lessons on TV:

  • Each day of the week, the Washington Teachers' Union  in partnership with Fox 5,, NBC 4 and WUSA 9, will feature 30-minute lesson for a particular grade groups on three network TV stations for kids who do not have computers or internet access.  Mondays will be for early childhood learners and 1st graders; Tuesdays will be for 2nd and 3rd graders; Wednesdays for 4th and 5th graders; Thursdays for 6th, 7th and 8th graders; and Fridays for 9th through 12th graders. Learn more about the partnership here.

Virtual Tools and Resources for Distance Learning:

Free editing and proofreading service offered

DC Public Library:

Virtual Story Time -- The Library will host live story time starting Friday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/dclibrary/ and it will be streaming at the top of the page. We hope to scale this up to a daily event, so stay tuned.

 

Digital Resources – Read, Watch, Listen and Learn from the comfort of your own home with these tips and resources. The Library has eBooks, audio books, streaming movies, music, online courses and more, all free with your Library Card.

 

If you don’t already have a Library Card, you can get one online and enjoy 90-days of access to digital resources. DC Public Schools students can use their One Card to access these resources (your PIN should be the last four digits on your card, unless you changed the PIN in the past). Any students who are having trouble using their One Card to access Library resources can simply fill out the information to get a card online.

 

DC Reads is a DC Public Library program that promotes reading for pleasure by having citywide conversations for teens and adults focused on a single book. This month, the Library is delighted to read with you With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo.. Unlimited eBook copies are available for download on OverDrive.

Join the conversation by using the hashtag #DCReads on Twitter.

 

Virtual Book Clubs -- Join us on Twitter, Monday-Friday, to participate in virtual book clubs. New topics are discussed each day and you can easily join the conversation by using the hashtags listed below. Get our schedule here.

Employment Services

Department of Employment Services 

  • Unemployment Compensation: staff is on-hand to process unemployment claims and respond to questions. See more information here or call (202) 724-7000. 
  • Worker’s Compensation: staff is on-hand to process worker’s compensation claims and respond to questions. See more information here or call (202) 671-1000. 

National Employment Law Project - resource page to support workers

Financial Support

Food

https://coronavirus.dc.gov/food

For a list all DCPS and charter schools that are offering free to go meals for school aged kids: https://dcpcsb.org/citywide-meal-distribution-all-students. Note that charter schools are listed 1st by Ward and then there is another list of DCPS schools listed by Ward (so check both lists to find the closest school).

DCPS Food Distribution Sites - Updated 3.23.2020

Bread for the City

  • SE closed
  • 1525 7th St NW, #3201 – limited grocery pick-up available for medical patient, medical clinic open from 8:30 – 12, limited legal services for people with upcoming court dates, representative payee check pick up available Monday and Friday AMs

Food and Friends - continues to serve their clients 

DC-Area COVID-19 Grocery Getters (FB group)

Martha’s Table will be providing bags of groceries at 7 food distribution sites - call 202-328-6609 for more information:

  • Anacostia SHS - 1601 16th Street SE (Ward 8)
  • Ballou SHS - 3401 4th Street SE (Ward 8)
  • Jefferson MS - 801 7th Street SW (Ward 6)
  • Kelly Miller MS - 301 49th Street NE (Ward 7)
  • Kimball ES - 3375 Minnesota Avenue SE (Ward 7)
  • Stanton ES - 2701 Naylor Road SE (Ward 8)
  • Woodson SHS - 540 55th Street NE (Ward 7)
  • The Commons - 2375 Elvans Road SE (Ward 8)
    • Monday-Friday, 11:00-4:00
  • The Maycroft - 1474 Columbia Road NW (Ward 1)
    • Monday-Friday, 11:00-3:00

Duke’s Grocery Store (Ward 2)

  • Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom

DC Food Project - comprehensive list of all available food services; includes:

  • DCPS/DCPCS food pick-up sites
  • Restaurants offering free food
  • Meal sites in MD and VA
  • Ways for folks to volunteer

Capital Area Food Bank - services are being consolidated. See this list of ongoing and pop-up pantries: https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/covid19response/

DC Central Kitchen - mobile feeding locations (website did not specify where)

Grace’s Table @ Grace Episcopal Church - This fellowship provides and shares a meal at 11:30 am on Saturdays for persons who are homeless or on the margins of being homeless.

Miriam’s Kitchen -  Continues to serve hot meals to people experiencing homelessness

SOME - dining room continues to serve breakfast and lunch but these are cold meals only. Clothing room is open for guests Tues and Fri AMs. Health clinics are walk-in only currently.

DC Businesses offering free meals for seniors and kids: https://dcist.com/story/20/03/15/these-businesses-are-offering-free-meals-to-kids-and-seniors-during-coronavirus-shutdowns/

        • Allen Chapel AME Church @ 2498 Alabama Ave SE

Hours: Fridays, 9:30am-12pm

Mobile Market: 1st, 3rd, 5th Wednesdays, 8:30am-10:30am

  • Father McKenna Center @ 900 North Capitol St NW

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 1:30pm-4pm

  • Urban Outreach @ 5343 C St SE 

Hours: Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am-2pm

  • Kelly Miller Middle School @ 301 49th St NE 

Hours: Tuesdays, 12pm-2pm

  • St. Stephen Baptist Church @ 5757 Temple Hill Rd Camp Springs, MD 20748

Hours Tuesdays, 11am-3pm 

Contact: Elder Gwendolyn Gantt - (301) 899-8885

  • Fountain Community Enrichment @ 15853 Commerce Ct Upper Marlboro, MD

Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 11am-2pm

  • United Community @ 7511 Fordson Rd Alexandria, VA 

Hours: Mondays and Fridays, 9am-12pm; Wednesdays, 2pm-6pm

  • St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church @ 3305 Glen Carlyn Rd Falls Church, VA

Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am-2pm 

  • Iglesia Pentecostal Trono @ 2260 York Dr Woodbridge, VA 

Hours: Fridays, 7pm-9pm 

  • ACTS @ 3900 Acts Lane Dumfries, VA 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm

Food Delivery for Homebound Folks (please see ‘Mutual Aid’ as well)

Free Meals and Soup Kitchens

  • Martha’s Table 
    • 2375 Elvans Rd SE: Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm
    • 1474 Columbia Rd NW: Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm
    • McKenna’s Wagon - premade food for the homeless DAILY
      • 2nd and H St NW - 5:15pm-5:45pm 
      • 15th and K St NW - 6:15pm-6:45pm
  • Ebenezers Coffeehouse @ 201 F St NE

Hours: 7 days a week, 1pm-3pm

  • DC Dream Center @ 2909 Pennsylvania Ave SE

Hours: 7 days a week, 12pm-4pm

  • Miriam’s Kitchen @ 2401 Virginia Ave NW
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-8am and 4:30pm-5:30pm
  • So Others Might Eat -@ 71 O St NW 
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-10am
  • N Street Village @ 1333 N St NW
    • Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 7:30am-8:30am
  • Medium Rare - free delivered meals for self-isolating seniors over 70
  • Meal-Only Day Center Sites (bagged and to-go food)
    • Charlie’s Place @ 1820 Connecticut Ave NW

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-10am

Fundraising/ Volunteering

Donation Links Included

Families - Grocery store gift cards – many schools and working to coordinate support for families. Check in with you neighborhood schools / PTAs.

Restaurant worker relief fund - https://www.gofundme.com/f/dmvrestaurantworkerrelieffund

Organizations looking for volunteers and support - https://peoplesschooldc.wordpress.com/dc-coronavirus-resource-page/#Free%20and%20Discounted%20Resources. All of the social service organizations, particularly those that provide food to vulnerable people, are currently in need of financial and in-kind donations.

East of the River mutual aid fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/blmcovid

Coronavirus Emergency Response: Financial Hardship Grants (Muslims Unite for Corona Relief)

DMV Restaurant Worker Relief Fund

  • Trupti Patel (a Ward 2 ANC and Empower DC ally) is apart of this team

One Fair Wage - Support Workers in Crisis

  • DC and MD workers are eligible

Black Lives Matter DC - collecting donations to purchase and disperse supplies for families and individuals in need

Black Swan Academy - providing supplies to youth and their families in Wards 7 & 8

Calvary Women’s Service - donations will go towards feeding and sheltering their clients; paying their 24-hour staff

Capital Area Food Bank

  • They’re running short on volunteers - Sign up

DC Central Kitchen

Food Rescue US DC

  • They’re running short on volunteers

Food & Friends

  • In urgent needs of volunteers - Sign up

Grace Episcopal Church - funding needed to maintain operations

Martha’s Table

  • May be in need of volunteers - Sign up

Miriam’s Kitchen

SOME

Ward 1 COVID-19 Response

Mt. Pleasant COVID-19 Response

Volunteer with The Table Church

Founding Farmers Work Relief Fund

QueerCare

Healthcare

Uninsured: DC Health Link has a special enrollment period so that someone without insurance can get covered now.l (855) 532-5465 

  • NEW: CareFirst is waiving deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment for diagnosis, testing, and treatment of COVID-19. CareFirst is also providing free CareFirst telemedicine via Video Visit for COVID-19 and other medical services including behavioral health, lactation support, nutrition counseling and urgent care services. CareFirst is also providing free telephone consultations for in-network primary care, general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, OBGYN and associated nurse practitioners during this public health emergency, with no member out-of-pocket cost.

REMINDER: All insurers – Aetna, CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthCare – have waived deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for diagnosis and testing for COVID-19. All DC Health Link health plans provide access to telemedicine.

  • Aetna is providing telemedicine for free using its video-conferencing and Teladoc.® through June 4, 2020.
  • CareFirst is providing free CareFirst telemedicine via Video Visit for COVID-19 and other medical services including behavioral health, lactation support, nutrition counseling and urgent care services through the public health emergency.
  • Kaiser Permanente provides for free telephone, Video Visit, and email with your Kaiser provider for all services. These telehealth services are always free.
  • United HealthCare has established a free 24-Hour Emotional-Support Help Line COVID-19. This is available to United Health Care members and the public.

DC Alliance or Immigrant Children’s Healthcare will automatically extend during the crisis. Following the crisis you will need to renew within 60 days.

Nurse Lines by Insurance Company: 

  • AmeriHealth: (877) 759-6279
  • Aetna: (800) 556-1555
  • CareFirst: (800) 535-9700
  • Kaiser Permanente: (800) 777-7904
  • United: (866) 342-6892

Housing/Shelter

DC Department of Human Services: Homeless & Homeless Prevention Services 

  • DC’s Family shelter:
  • DC has closed in-person intake for the family shelter system. Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness can do an intake using the 24-hour Shelter Hotline at: (202) 399-7093
  • DC is also allowing interim eligibility to be expanded during the state of emergency. Interim eligibility means you can be placed in shelter without providing all of the required documentation. This will allow families to be placed without presenting documents.
  • If you have issues accessing family shelter, please contact Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless at 202-328-5500

District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) 

Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA)

  • An anonymous helpline; not exclusive to Jewish folks 
  • 877-88-JCADA

Calvary Women’s Service

Grace Episcopal Church

Housing support for displaced college students

HUD - Public Housing, Project-based Section 8, and HCVP COVID-19 FAQs

District of Columbia Housing Authority’s Official Update

  • Open Day Centers - Interagency Council on Homelessness
    • Bethany’s Women’s Day Center @ 1333 N St NW

The Office of the Tenant Advocate can be contacted here or by calling (202) 719-6560.

Know Your Rights!

  • No evictions or late fees
  • Evictions are prohibited during the state of emergency
    • All eviction proceedings have been suspended through May 1st by the court
    • DC Housing Authority is not evicting residents during this time
  • Late fees cannot be charged on rent during any month for which there is a public health emergency
  • Utilities: Electric, water, and gas cannot be disconnected during the health crisis and until 15 days after the state of emergency ends (the current state is through the end of March)

Hygiene

Showers:

  • So Others Might Eat - 71 O St NW or call (202) 797-8806
    • Men’s Hours: 7am-9:30am
    • Women’s Hours: 9:45am-11am
    • Hygiene kits are also available
  • N Street Village Day Center - women’s center located at 1333 N St NW 
    • Open 7 days a week, 7am-12:30pm 
    • Showers and laundry are available

Internet

Comcast: 2 months free internet, then $10/ month for low-income families: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 or  call(855) 846-8376

Spectrum is also offering free internet for 60 days to new customers with students in the household (K-12 and college). Call 1-844-488-8398 to sign up.

Legal Services

Legal Aid online intake - https://www.legalaiddc.org/online-intake/ or call (202) 628-1161 (there are currently no walk-in hours). Legal Aid is able to help with cases related to unemployment compensation due to the health crisis. 

The Washington Legal Clinic of Washington, DC:

Operating Status Update: Beginning Tuesday, March 17, Legal Clinic staff will telework, and our office will be closed. This means we will not be holding in-person appointments or meetings.

If you are seeking legal help from the Legal Clinic:

  • Please call our main line at 202-328-5500. If your legal issue is one that our staff and volunteers can help with, we will connect you via phone with a volunteer lawyer to get more information about your case.

If you are a volunteer:

  • If you are not currently signed up for intake, but wish to learn more and get on the phone intake schedule, please contact Kelsey Vaughan at [email protected].

Legal Counsel for the Elderly:

While LCE's physical office space is closed, we are working remotely, and continue to support the legal needs of the 60+ community in the District of Columbia and those in long-term care facilities and receiving home and community-based services in DC.

Please see our complete operations plan at: https://www.aarp.org/legal-counsel-for-elderly/?migration=rdrct

Medications

Pharmacists may refill prescription medications prior to the expiration of the waiting period between refills so that people can maintain an adequate supply of medications (per Emergency Legislation)

  • Most pharmacies will deliver prescriptions. Encourage vulnerable people to have them delivered. (If their pharmacy does not do delivery, they can have the prescription moved to one that does)

Medical Clinics & Services

Bread for the City 

  • Northwest Medical Clinic: urgent patient visits from 8:30am-12pm; call (202) 386-7020 for more information. 
  • Southeast Center closed until April 1st. 

Children’s National 

  • Visit this page for COVID-19 FAQ. 
  • Visit this page for more information and resources on operations. 

Mary’s Center - Call (844) 796-2797 before going to any clinic. 

  • Clinics are open with modifications: 
    • All appointments after 6:00pm will be conducted virtually.
    • Lab and pharmacy hours: 8:00am–6:00pm.
  • All other facilities closed through March 31st.

Unity Health Care - call (202) 469-4699 prior to arriving if you are concerned about experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

  • Walk-ins only accepted at 3020 14th St NW 
  • Centers available for appointments only: 
    • Southwest Center - 555 L St SE 
    • Stanton Road Health Center - 3240 Stanton Rd SE

Unity Health Clinic at N Street Village - Monday, 1pm-4pm. Call (202) 469-4699 prior to arriving if you are concerned about experiencing symptoms.

Whitman-Walker Health - call (202) 745-7000 for appointment information; you are urged to call before showing up in person. 

  • Pharmacy Hours: 
    • 1525 14th St NW 
      • Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm 
      • Saturday, 10am-3pm
    • Max Robinson Center @ 2303 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
      • Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Harm Reduction Services:

  • Family Medical Counseling Services 
    • Services: syringe exchange and Narcan distribution
    • Contact: 
      • Tyrone Pinkney at (202) 253-5712
      • Mark Robinson at (202) 699-1984
  • HIPS
    • Services: syringe exchange and Naloxone 
    • Limited schedule - call (800) 676-4477 to schedule delivery
  • National Harm Reduction Coalition Guidance

Mental Health Services

DBH Access HelpLine at 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 (24/7) to get connected to services provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and its certified behavioral health care providers. Callers are referred for immediate help or ongoing care. The Helpline can also activate mobile crisis teams to respond to crisis when someone (child or adult) is unable or unwilling to travel to receive behavioral healthcare.

Georgetown Ministry Center @ Grace Episcopal Church - 1041 Wisconsin Avenue NW (Ward 2)

  • A psychiatrist sees clients regularly and on an emergency basis and offers counseling, information, referral services, showers, and laundry services for homeless folks
  • For more information, contact Wanda Pierce, Interim Director at 202-338-8301
  • www.georgetownministrycenter.org

Healers for Liberation Network DC is providing free mental and emotional support until they are at capacity. Fill out this form to be matched based on your need.

Department of Behavioral Health 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (888) 793-4357

DBH ‘Warm Line’ for DC residents wishing to speak with a trained professional about their stress and anxiety around COVID-19:  (888) 493-4357

Community Response Team for adults in crisis: 

  • (202) 673-6495
  • (888) 793-4357

Children and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Services (ChAMPS) for youth (age 6-21) in crisis: (202) 481-1440 

Urgent Care Services:

  • Assessment, counseling, and psychiatric evaluation at 35 K St NE from 8am-3:30pm
  • Pharmacy open for uninsured residents at 35 K St NE from 8am-5pm
  • Urgent Care Clinic in Moultrie Courthouse

For Individuals in Recovery from Substance Abuse Disorder

  • Connections App - free app to support folks in recovery
  • Many AA meetings have moved to phone and video conferencing - please email [email protected] for more information. 
    • Here is a list of meetings provided by the Washington Area Intergroup Agency. 

Mutual Aid / Grassroots & Civic Associations

HOTLINES:

Ward 1: (202) 681-9183
Ward 2: (202) 688-5812
Ward 3: (202) 556-1315
Ward 4: (202) 681-3098
Ward 5: (202) 643-7030
Ward 6: (202) 683-9962
Wards 7 & 8: (202) 630-0336

DC Mutual Aid Network: a network of hundreds of organizers, direct service providers, and volunteers across the city (and PG) For up to date information please click here to access their Google spreadsheet.

Ward 1:

  • Ward 2:
  • Ward 3:
    • (currently building)
  • Ward 4:
  • Ward 5:
    • DC Ward 5 Community Care and Mutual Aid
  • Ward 6:
    • COVID-19 Response/ Serve Your Neighbor
  • Ward 7:

    o The Ward 7 COVID19 Response Team is focused on connecting seniors, children and families in Ward 7 with key information and resources as we all navigate the current public health emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

    We are actively compiling up-to-date resources specific to our communities. To access our latest listings, please visit our Facebook page. We will provide a dailiy briefing flyer with meal locations there.

    To connect with us directly for meal delivery or to ask questions about resources available during the coronavirus pandemic, please call our hotline for families at 202-688-5947 or for seniors at 202-534-4880.Interested in volunteering? We need people to make calls, sort goods, and make deliveries. Sign up here.

    Are you connected to an organization providing a service in Ward 7 during the coronavirus pandemic? Get added to our resource list here.

    Thanks for all you do and please be safe. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

    Sincerely,
    The Ward 7 COVID19 Response Team

List of mutual aid groups by Ward / neighborhood

Ward 7 and 8 hotline mutual aid: 202-630-0336

Nonprofit & Community Based Organizations

Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture - Arcadia Coronavirus Policies and Program Information 3/13/2020 | Arcadia 

  • Two mobile pop up locations on 3/18
  • Must pre-order by 3/17
    • 11:00-1:00: Edgewood @ Edgewood & Evarts Streets NE
    • 2:00-4:00: Bellevue Library, 115 Atlantic Street SW

The Peace House - https://www.facebook.com/thepeacehousedc/

  • A part of the DC Mutual Aid Network
  • Will be facilitating packing supplies

Aunt Bertha - connects folks seeking help and verified social care providers

QueerCare - resources for support care in and in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic

Pets

The Humane Rescue Alliance's Pet Pantry-Provides free supplemental pet food for DC Residents.  If you have questions, please call 202-735-0334 and leave a message with your name and phone number. ​  

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH:

  • 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 1201 New York Ave, NE, 20002, in the parking lot

  • 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 15 Oglethorpe St, NW, 20011, in the parking lot

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH:

  • 11:00 am  to 1:00 pm at Frederick Douglass Community Center, in the rear 

    2000 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020 

THIRD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH:

  • 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Martha's Outfitters, in the rear of the address

    2204 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH:

  • 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Bread for the City, in the rear of the address 

    1640 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020

Starting July 2, 2020

First Thursday of the Month

11:00am to 1:00pm at Urban Outreach Church, in the rear of the address

5343 C St Se, Washington, DC 20019

Closed Federal Holidays

Public Benefits

TANF (welfare) and SNAP (food stamps)

  • Your current benefits will be automatically extended if they expire during this period.
  • You will need to renew within 60 days after the emergency ends.

If you are experiencing issues in receiving your public benefits, please call our intake line at (202) 628-1161.  You can also submit an online request for legal assistance here. 

Per DC’s coronavirus response site, “For new applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Alliance or other public benefits, please go to dhs.dc.gov or visit our Service Centers to pick up a blank application. Applicants can drop off completed applications for benefits at DHS Service Centers and may be contacted by phone as necessary to complete the eligibility process.” 

If you have additional questions, call (202) 727-5355. 

New EBT cards will continue to be distributed from 1649 Good Hope Rd SE and 645 H St NE. 

Public Housing Residents

During this public health crisis DC government has passed laws and started new programs to support people.

We want you to know that: 

- DC, including DCHA, has suspended all evictions and you cannot be charged a late fee for late payment of rent.

- No utilities can be disconnected due to non-payment.

- If your income has been reduced due to COVID 19 there are resources and support - you may be able to receive unemployment, take Family Medical Leave, and have your housing payments reduced.

- There is free, bagged food at locations around the city and many community groups and neighbors are joining together to help people in need.

- Your current Alliance, TANF and SNAP benefits will be automatically extended if they expire during this period. You will need to renew within 60 days after the emergency ends.

Please note that this is a general update for more details and if you have questions check our website www.empowerdc.org , give us a call at 202-234-9119 ext. 101 or email [email protected]  for more info. Updates are coming in everyday and we are trying our best to track them and communicate them to you as we become aware of them.

Returning Citizens

Senior Resources

Department of Aging and Community Living - (202) 724-5626

Ward-specific Senior Service Network Lead Agencies

Food 

  • Lunches provided by wellness centers have now shifted to delivery programs for current participants. 
    • If you do not usually access this service and would like to begin receiving meals, please call (202) 724-5626.
  • Meals on Wheels Programs
  • Grocery store senior hours

Social Media Accounts

DMV Service Industry Support Group (FB group)

YMCA DC Food Program - offering free cooking classes via Instagram @ymcadcfood

Transportation

District Department of Transportation (DDOT):

  • All rush hour parking restrictions will be suspended effective Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 a.m.
  • Rush hour reversible lanes operations on Connecticut Avenue and 16th Street NW will be suspended effective Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 a.m. Reversible lanes operations on Independence Avenue and Canal Road will continue to operate as normal during the morning and evening rush hours. DDOT will use dynamic message boards to communicate these changes to the traveling public.
  • Effective immediately, the DC Circulator is suspending fares on all routes during the declared public health emergency. Additionally, effective Thursday, March 19, the DC Circulator will suspend service on the National Mall Route. Suspension of fares allows passengers to board the bus from all doors in support of social distancing practices recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Passengers who require wheelchair access may still use the front door to board.

The following systems and services will maintain normal operations:

  • DC Streetcar will continue to operate its regular schedule.
  • Capital Bikeshare will continue regular operations.
  • Construction work will continue in the District’s public space.
  • Parking meters in the District managed by DDOT are operational and the DC Department of Public Works will continue normal parking enforcement, including at locations where Emergency No Parking signs are posted.
  • To protect residents and our employees, we encourage residents to use our online public space permitting service, Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS), to apply for and renew public space permits. Payments can be made through the PayPal portal in TOPS. Please visit ocfo.dc.gov for more information about cash and check payments.

Metro:

Metro today announced expected rail and bus service levels for the week of Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27. Transit service remains significantly scaled back to protect the health and safety of Metro employees, customers and the public as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to disrupt all aspects of life in the region.

Metrorail:

  • Trains will operate every 20 minutes on all lines except Red Line.
  • Red Line trains will operate every 15 minutes. 
  • Stations serviced by multiple lines will see trains arrive every 7-10 minutes. For example, Rosslyn, served by the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, will have train service to DC about every 7 minutes. 
  • Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery stations will remain closed until further notice to keep non-essential cherry blossom travel off the rail system at this time of national emergency.

Metrobus:

  • Buses will run on a modified Sunday schedule. Supplemental trips will not operate; however, some routes that provide weekday-only service to essential federal workplaces have been added to the schedule.
  • Visit wmata.com for a list of routes that are – and are not – operating this week.
  • Responding to a request from union leadership, beginning Tuesday, all Metrobus customers will enter and exit the bus using the REAR doors only, except customers who require use of a wheelchair ramp, which remains available at the front door. Metro is also temporarily suspending fare collection on Metrobus, because all farebox and SmarTrip equipment is located at the front door. Metro reserves the ability to discontinue this policy at any time.

MetroAccess:

  • All subscription trips remain canceled. Please limit all travel to only the most essential.

Undocumented Residents

Virtual Socializing/Activities 

DC Mutual Aid Network

My name is Amelia Aburn, fellow Adams Morgan neighbor and certified yoga instructor. I hope this message finds you well. In this poignant moment, what we need the most is to cultivate space to pause, breathe, and reconnect. I'll be offering free virtual yoga classes starting this Sunday 3/22. All are invited to this 75 minute rejuvenating all-levels Vinyasa flow! See more info below:

WHAT: All-levels Vinyasa flow

WHEN: Sundays from 10:30 - 11:45 am

HOW: Held via Zoom - set up a free account, log on, follow this link: https://zoom.us/j/359740144

FREE (Donations via venmo: [email protected])

Voucher Holder

During this public health crisis DC government has passed laws and started new programs to support people.

We want you to know that: 

- DC, including DCHA, has suspended all evictions and you cannot be charged a late fee for late payment of rent.

- No utilities can be disconnected due to non-payment.

- If your income has been reduced due to COVID 19 there are resources and support - you may be able to receive unemployment, take Family Medical Leave, and have your housing payments reduced.

- There is free, bagged food at locations around the city and many community groups and neighbors are joining together to help people in need.

- Your current Alliance, TANF and SNAP benefits will be automatically extended if they expire during this period. You will need to renew within 60 days after the emergency ends.

- A March 19th communication by DCHA to “Housing Choice Voucher Program customers” states:

  1. The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Inspections Division is conducting initial inspections of vacant units and emergency inspections that pose a threat to the health and safety of household members.
  2. All in-person meetings and appointments, including portability, voucher briefings, rent reviews, interim recertifications, and mediations have been suspended.
  3. If you have experienced a reduction in your household income because of layoffs related to COVID-19, please send an email to [email protected] with your name, address and contact phone number and someone will contact you within two business days.
  4. Please send general inquiries to [email protected]. That address is being monitored and replies will be sent within 24-36 hours.
  5. Please visit coronavirus.dc.gov and dchousing.org/coronavirus for updated information.

Please note that this is a general update for more details and if you have questions check our website www.empowerdc.org , give us a call at 202-234-9119 ext. 101 or email [email protected]  for more info. Updates are coming in everyday and we are trying our best to track them and communicate them to you as we become aware of them.

Workers Rights During Covid 19 Crisis

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