Friends,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, my office is working to compile and share updated information from the city, state and federal government, as well as service providers, on a regular basis. This week, please find additional information about unemployment, housing resources, tax filing extension, and more.
Governor Charlie Baker announced today that he will be extending his order closing nonessential businesses until May 4th. Governor Baker extended the stay-at-home advisory and the 10-person limit on gatherings as well.
In addition, Massachusetts state officials agreed to extend the 2019 state individual income tax filing and payment deadline from April 15th to July 15th due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Here on the Boston City Council, I've been cooking up a few ideas to assist those most financially impacted due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please look out for our regular *monthly* newsletter with more information soon!
Best,
Lydia Edwards
Boston City Councilor
District One
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If you think you have symptoms of Coronavirus, please do not call 911, rather, call your healthcare provider or call 311 in Boston to be connected with the Mayor’s Health Line. It is extremely important to call before visiting a doctor to ensure the right precautions are made before you arrive.
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Notice: Boston Zoning Board of Appeal April Hearings have been canceled due to the ongoing Coronavirus Public Health Emergency:
April 7th, 2020 - ZBA Hearing
April 16th, 2020 - ZBA Subcommittee Hearing
April 28th, 2020 - ZBA Hearing
Email ISDBoardOfAppeal@boston.gov with any questions
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MASSLEGAL FACT SHEETS ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT
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MassLegal Services has released an updated Fact Sheet pertaining to Unemployment during the COVID-19 outbreak. To view it in English and other languages, click here.
The federal CARES law provides $600 additional unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and 13 extra weeks to everyone getting UI plus to workers who are self-employed or independent contractors. The information about when these changes will begin is not yet available. For more information and updates about UI and COVID-19, see the website for the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
Fact sheet for more information regarding COVID-19 and unemployment insurance benefits, click here.
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RENTAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE COMMONWEALTH (DHCD)
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For Guidance & Resources regarding:
- A new $5 million special fund under the RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) program for eligible households (families and individuals) who may face eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. In Boston, RAFT is administered by Metro Housing Boston. If you have not previously been referred to RAFT, you can submit a pre-application form here.
- Guidance to all state-aided public housing operators, including Local Housing Authorities and private operators, to suspend both pending non-essential evictions and the filing of any new non-essential evictions.
- Guidance urging operators of private, affordable housing to suspend non-essential evictions for loss of income or employment circumstances that result in a tenant’s inability to make rent. This guidance also urges operators to establish reasonable payment plans, to notify Section 8 or public housing residents about interim income recertification to adjust rent payments, and to consider offering relief funding for residents ineligible for income reassessment.
- DHCD is moving to temporarily suspend terminations of federal and state rental vouchers, including assistance provided under the Section 8 (DHCD portfolio only), Massachusetts Rental Voucher and Alternative Housing Voucher programs, in all cases other than those involving violent or drug-related criminal activity that seriously affects the health and safety of other residents.
- DHCD will also automatically extend the deadline by which a household issued a voucher must identify a housing unit where they can use the voucher. The 60 day voucher search term would be extended automatically until 30 calendar days past the expiration of the state of emergency.
- The Division of Banks has also released additional guidance for homeowners and financial institutions regarding foreclosure during the state of emergency. To visit their website, click here.
For more information and resources, click here.
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From WCVB Channel 5 Boston:
Last week, Governor Charlie Baker extended the statewide school closings through at least May 4th due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
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PUBLIC HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES
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The Office of Recovery Services has a number of helpful resources available to folks online here.
I also wanted to share that the Boston Public Health Commission is hiring for a number of positions!
Here are the available positions and links to applications:
BPHC Homeless Services – Fill in Counselor, click here to apply.
BPHC Recovery Services – Transitions and Wyman Re-Entry Fill in Counselor, click here to apply.
BPHC Start Strong Peer Leadership Program, click here to apply.
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INTERNET CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESS
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The Mayor's Office of Innovation and Technology is providing internet connectivity and tech support during the COVID-19 response to BPS families, non-profits, and low-income individuals. Visit their website to see special deals with Comcast, Starry, and PC for People as well as information for BPS parents.
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SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
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Small businesses have been affected particularly hard by the coronavirus outbreak. The city has put together some resources to help those businesses. All essential businesses that will remain open are encouraged to register here.
Restaurants that are still open for takeout and delivery are encouraged to register and be listed here.
The next Small Business conference call will be held on Tuesday March 31st at 3pm as a resource for small businesses. Please email smallbiz@boston.gov to be added to the distribution list.
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BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER RESOURCES
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COVID-19 Information to Non-English Speakers:
Boston Medical Center has created a page of resources here for those who do not speak English to learn more about COVID-19 and how to protect themselves and their families. Help us amplify their message and get the word out to your networks
COVID-19 RECOVERY RESOURCES from the Grayken Center for Addiction at BMC:
The COVID-19 situation can be extremely anxiety provoking for all of us but especially for those in early recovery. This might be exacerbated by people unable to attend their normal support group meetings or other recovery supports. We are sharing a short list of resources that may be helpful for you patients or other people in recovery.
Virtual meetings, live workout classes, and more can be found here.
How People Can Help BMC during the COVID-19 Crisis:
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, BMC’s unique position caring for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents has never been more crucial. The health and safety of our patients and frontline staff remains our highest priority during this unprecedented crisis. Whether someone is able to support us through a donation, supplies or by volunteering, we cannot thank the BMC community for its support and commitment during this especially challenging time. Click here to learn more.
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Please continue to practice social distancing! It is incredibly important in helping to flatten the curve. Half of all new Covid-19 cases in Boston are people 39 years old and younger. It's good to go out on a walk and enjoy our beautiful open space, but make sure you are six feet away from everyone else. I have unfortunately seen too many reports of people continuing to play contact sports in the parks. We all have to do our part to get through this crisis.
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