Madison Park Development Corporation ​ has been monitoring the guidance from the public health community designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our staff, residents, program participants and partners. 

In response to recent directives from the City and State, MPDC has suspended all programming and closed our office, The Dewitt Center,​ and Hibernian Hall​ to the public until Tuesday, April 7, 2020 . We will continue to monitor new information in order to decide whether to re-open and resume programming after this date.

MPDC, Dewitt Center , and Hibernian Hall staff will be available by phone and email during this time. Please contact us at 617-541-3900 or info@madison-park.org or use the following link for specific staff contact information:
City of Boston
The City of Boston has a free texting service to provide daily updates and information about the coronavirus. Text BOSCOVID to 99411 to opt-in for English. Language and communications access remain a priority for Mayor Walsh, so this text service is also available in Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Cabo Verdean Creole, and Portuguese:

  • Text BOSEspanol for Spanish
  • Text BOSKreyol for Haitian Kreyol
  • Text BOSFrancais for French
  • Text BOSKriolu for Cabo Verdean Creole
  • Text BOSPortugues for Portuguese

The City distributed a handout door-to-door with important public health information about the coronavirus. Hopefully, you received this information at your home .

Resident Services at City Hall
While City Hall is still open and running, to reduce exposure, they discourage anyone from coming in unless you have an urgent need for services that cannot be done by phone or online. If you have questions, call the City’s hotline at 311 to get connected to a department.

Residents are asked not to call 911 unless they are experiencing a medical emergency. All COVID-19 questions should be directed to the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 or 311.

City of Boston COVID-19 Guidelines

How you can help the City of Boston's COVID-19 Efforts
  • Stay home if possible. If you must go outside, practice physical distancing from others (6 feet apart); avoid crowded places.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid shaking hands
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you think you might be sick, please call your doctor or 311 to be connected to the Mayor’s Health Line 617-534-5050.
  • Donate supplies to first responders here
  • Donate to the City of Boston Resiliency Fund here
  • Fill out the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census is happening now and only 16.7 percent of households have responded. The Census informs how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years. It’s more critical than ever to ensure that all Bostonians are counted.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Guidance and directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and other state agencies related to COVID-19 can be found here .

Governor Charlie Baker has declared a state of emergency, giving the Administration more flexibility to respond to the outbreak.

Sign up for Massachusetts COVID-19 text alerts
To get up-to-date alerts sent directly to your phone, text COVIDMA to 888-777 . You can also call the informational and referral hotline,  211 .
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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced that it will ask passengers to board buses through the back door, a policy change that will effectively make trips free and is meant to separate riders from drivers to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
 
The T typically requires all riders to enter through the front door, where they tap plastic fare cards or insert cash to pay for their trips, putting riders face-to-face with drivers. Now, nearly all riders will be directed to the back, where they won’t have to pay.
 
The new rules will also apply to the above-ground stops on the Green Line and the Mattapan trolley line, which have operators at the front of vehicles. Riders who enter stations with fare gates will still pay fares.
 
“The MBTA is undertaking these measures to protect our frontline employees while maintaining regional mobility for essential trips by healthcare workers and emergency responders,” MBTA general manager Steve Poftak said in a statement.
 
Passengers with disabilities and the elderly will still be allowed to use front entrances, which have ramps to help riders board more easily.
 
See the entire article here:
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Mutual Aid for Roxbury & Jamaica Plain
Mutual aid is a powerful way to build strong connections – we all have something to offer and we all have something we need.

1. If you are looking for help:
Find your nearest Neighborhood Point Person on this map, and reach out to them for support here . They are here to help connect you with what you need. 

Look at the Offerings Spreadsheet , to see if someone is already offering the help that you need, and reach out to them! If you do not see what you need on this spreadsheet, you can add your information to this Needs List and someone from the core team will follow up. You can also use the Needs List if you’re not comfortable reaching out to someone directly. 

If you’d prefer not to add your name and contact information on the public spreadsheet, you can email Mutual Aid at mutualaidjamaicaplain@gmail.com with your request and they can add it to the sheet for you anonymously. 

There is no ask that is too big and no one will ever be shamed for asking for what they need. 
 
2. If you want to offer help:
First fill out this form: Mutual Aid Jamaica Plain/Roxbury Offerings

This spreadsheet (which is public and non-editable) is where you can then see the resources, skills, etc. that community members (including you!) have offered to share. Using information from this public spreadsheet, others can reach out to you directly for support. 

After you’ve filled out the form offering help, please periodically check the Needs List , which will be updated regularly. Reach out directly to anyone you are able to help, and keep Mutual Aid updated via email about that communication!

After you’ve offered help, if something changes and your information needs to be edited, email Mutual Aid at mutualaidjamaicaplain@gmail.com . For example, if you’ve completed a request from someone, we can remove your name or a part of your response so that you won’t receive more requests for help you can no longer offer.
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Vital Village
The amazing folks at Vital Village have created a Google spreadsheet full of resources. It can be filtered & you can submit additional resources .
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Union Capital Boston
Sign-up for Union Capital Boston ​ Visa Gift Card Support!

Do you live in the Greater Boston area? Are you in need of financial support due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) either because of school closings or lost wages?

If yes, please fill out this form and answer honestly. Union Capital Boston will order $150 Visa gift cards in the order received with the funds that they have.
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Resource Guide by Kim Lucas
A fantastic list of resources compiled by Kim Lucas can be found here .
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LISC is tracking COVID-19 response resources  here.  
Please share additional resources with Tia Vice.
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Comcast
Comcast is offering internet access for low-income customers
Apply for internet access through  Comcast’s free 60-day package .
City of Boston Food Sites
The City of Boston, in partnership with Project Bread , YMCA of Greater Boston , Boston Centers for Youth and Families , and other community organizations, will provide free meals to all youth and teens at various locations and times across the City.

Please note the following important details:
  • All pick-up sites are set up to be "grab and go".
  • Practice social distancing (keeping six feet between yourself and others).
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Meal sites list can be found here.
Project Bread
With school closures due to COVID-19 outbreak, many schools and community partners are preparing to make meals available to students when school is closed. 

For the most up-to-date information Project Bread has available,  please visit this link   or view a map of locations below or via  this link  . Please be aware that plans are continuously changing, so continue checking back if you do not find any meals for your community. 

For more information and to learn of other food assistance resources available, please contact Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline.  The FoodSource Hotline can be reached at 800-645-8333 from 8 am-7 pm Monday-Friday, and Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, and can provide information in 160 languages through their Language Line.

While families should always take precautions when venturing out to meal sites, schools and meal providers are following every safety protocol and best practices for social distancing at meal sites to combat the spread of disease. To ensure the safety of everyone, if parents or children are experiencing symptoms, they are asked not to attend meal sites and to reach out to their school district for assistance in accessing meals.

For school promotion and other resources,  click here .
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Monica Cannon-Grant at Violence in Boston and Food for the Soul
Free meal delivery to Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester with daily sign up. For daily updates please check here .
Boston Public Schools
BPS will be sending out an email to each family (student and or parent) to set up a time to pick up their Chrome Books. Learn more here .
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Department of Early Education / Emergency Exempt Childcare
To slow the spread of coronavirus,   Governor Baker issued an emergency order on March 18  temporarily closing all early childhood education programs across the State of Massachusetts. This will remain in effect until April 6, 2020 and may be extended as needed. All families should keep children out of group care settings to the greatest extent possible. Emergency Child Care Programs are for when all other non-group-care settings have been exhausted and families have no other options.

This closure applies to all center-based and family child care programs. It does not apply to residential schools, community group homes, temporary shelters, transition-to-independent living facilities, teen parent programs, and DYS secure facilities.

Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs will be the only child care programs that are allowed to operate during this time. This prioritizes public health and safety while maintaining critical service.

In light of the  separate March 23 order designating certain “Essential Workforces , ” EEC is now modifying its guidance to explain that priority access to emergency child care shall be given to vulnerable children, and the children of families designated as " COVID-19 Essential Workforces , " with emphasis on those in the health care, public health, and human services and law enforcement, public safety, and first responder fields.
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
Accessing Early Intervention Tele-Health visit
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued emergency guidance allowing early intervention agencies to provide services to children and families using phone/video communication. These services are referred to as “tele-health services”. Due to the current state of emergency and unknown time frame that social distancing will be recommended, families are highly encouraged to continue participating in early intervention using the tele-health model.  Click here to learn more about tele-health visits from Thom Child & Family Services.
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Activities for Children during COVID-19
A great list of activities & resources curated by Mommy Poppins.
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The Ultimate Parent Lockdown Guide
Parents, Boston Magazine knows you’re stressed. With schools closed and social contact discouraged, it’s hard to think of ways to keep the kids active, entertained, and educated. That’s why they put together this guide to getting through a lockdown with your little ones.
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Parenting Journey – It Takes a Village Emergency Fund
Make a request to Parenting Journey’s It Takes a Village emergency fund. The rapid spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has turned life as we know it on its head. Families are struggling to make ends meet. Parents and families can request a stipend to help ease some of the financial burdens you are experiencing during these unprecedented times. This money will be delivered in the form of an online gift card. If you would like to request access to these funds,  please fill out this form.
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United Way
Thank you to United Way for providing these resources!

Keeping Children Informed and Engaged
Below are some resources to help parents in talking to their children about COVID-19 and some fun activities to keep children engaged while out of school.
 
Activities from Playworks
Playworks has created a video library of interactive games to encourage physical activity to help mitigate stress and anxiety and promote safe and fun play. Playworks also recently launched a live virtual recess that happens Monday through Friday at three different times a day. If you do try it out feel free to give them a shout out with #PlayAtHome or @PlayworksNewEngland on social media. More information on both opportunities below:
  • On-Demand Video Content: Playworks Coaches lead games, Minute Movers, and Brain Breaks to support physical activity, release energy, and increase focus. Use whenever your kids might need them or organize Virtual Recess play dates with friends!
  • Live Recess Streams (M-F, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm EST): Playworks Coaches will be broadcasting Recess live on Facebook. Tune in for stretching, warm-ups, interactive games, cheers, and cool-down activities.
Just because school is out doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Every day, BNN will be Live with homework help, reading, math, and science for elementary and pre-school aged children. Make sure to check it out on   bnnmedia.org  Comcast 9 | RCN 15 | Verizon 1961
Each year, through the    Ralph Smith, Danette Jones , and    Haynes Family Scholarships , MPDC helps    several deserving students   from Roxbury    offset the cost of their college education .

Several college-bound applicants from Roxbury are selected annually by MPDC to receive scholarships ranging from    $250 to $3,500    toward each recipient’s  college tuition and expenses . MPDC’s college scholarship program was established by a bequest from the estate of Ralph Smith, our co-founder and first Executive Director, and a gift made in honor of Danette Jones, our second Executive Director. These scholarships make    a meaningful difference in the lives of our young residents .

Are you interested in learning more about
Contact MPDC Youth Workforce Manager,  Yhinny Matos     / 617.849.6236
City of Boston
Recovery Services
The City of Boston recently updated  Boston.gov/recovery  with online recovery support resources. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you can call 311 (or (617) 635-4500) to access recovery services.
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Boston Public Health Commission

Boston Public Health Commission Mayor’s Health Line
The Mayor’s Health Line is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral service. ​We help and welcome all residents regardless of immigration status. If you or your family needs legal assistance we provide referrals to legal services. 617-825-5000
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health
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FamilyWize  discount on Prescription Medications
Given everything that’s happening with the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever it’s important for community members to adhere to their prescribed medications. FamilyWize has become critically important during this crisis.
 
CVS and Walgreens (could be others too) are providing free delivery of prescription medications. Therefore, when people call in to get a script filled or refilled, they can ask that the FamilyWize discount be applied by providing them the following information that is on the FamilyWize card (see below). Since they do not require registration, there is no need for clients to physically show a card.
 
BIN: 610194
Card ID: FW100
Group ID: FW100
PCN: FW
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BAGLY
During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, BAGLY remains steadfast in their commitment to support LGBTQ+ youth through thick and thin.
For critical LGBTQ+ youth resources, see their Critical Resources . For all other LGBTQ+ resources visit their COVID-19 page .
To stay up to date with the latest BAGLY news, like or follow them on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram and join their mailing list .
If you have any concerns or questions, email them at  info@bagly.org . 
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Daily Om
DailyOM features a universal approach to holistic living for the mind, body, and spirit and supports people who want to live a conscious lifestyle. 
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Weekly Meditation with Alexis
Participate in guided meditation with  “ Going Within ”  by Melissa Alexis, every Wednesday @ 12pm and 8pm, ONLINE or by PHONE: +1 929-249-3856 (PIN: 721059742)
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
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The Samaritans
Samaritans has been closely monitoring the situation around the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) including guidelines from the CDC and the MA Department of Public Health. To ensure safety and encourage physical distancing, they have made some temporary changes to our programs and events.
  • 24/7 Crisis Services: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and confused, please know that you are not alone. Their Helpline remains open 24/7 for calls and texts at 877-870-4673. Their incredible Helpline volunteers will be working remotely to answer the calls and texts from people who are struggling.
  • Grief Support Services: In light of recommendations for physical distancing, SafePlace meetings will be held virtually via Zoom until they're able to resume meeting in person. Meetings will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm - 8 pm. Please visit their Grief Support Services page for information on virtual SafePlace meetings.
The Cory Johnson Program Weekly Conference Call
No matter what you are feeling right now, whether fear and overwhelm from the Coronavirus crisis or anxiety and sadness from other traumatic loss, The Cory Johnson Program remains committed to offering support and connection.
 
During these challenging times, they offer CAN WE TALK? weekly by phone. As this is a group experience, it is a phone version of a ‘drop-in’ program. Anyone can call if you want you can share your feelings and thoughts for 2-3 minutes. While there isn’t time for everyone to share, know that listening is active support for everyone on the call. They start with music and begin sharing with a poem. Like their in-person program, the CAN WE TALK? phone call offers support within the community.
 
Can We Talk? is offered by phone every Thursday night at 6:30 PM,
They commit to doing so as long as needed.

Conference Call Line Instructions:
 
Step #1: Dial: 1-929-436-2866
 
Step #2: Enter Meeting ID: 887995182#
 
Step #3: Press # to join the call. (There is no Participant ID)
Over 20 licensed therapists and growing volunteering their time to listen to anyone who needs a little help to get through this time. We have many languages represented, and underserved communities, as well. Inshallah, we are able to add a little more to the world in a positive manner in this trying time.
US Department of Housing & Urban Development
The Federal Housing Administration is taking steps to assist borrowers who find themselves unable to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. Visit  https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus  to learn about the measures being taken to prevent borrowers from going into foreclosure.
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MACDC
The Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC) issued initial  state policy recommendations  focused on the most vulnerable people and small businesses in our communities. MACDC has a laser focus on ensuring an equitable response to the crisis and encourages you to review and comment on these policy recommendations, which call for $150 million of relief for small businesses, emergency measures to ensure housing stability, and initiatives to support the nonprofit sector. Then contact your state legislators and ask them to do the same as soon as possible.
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Housing Response
Affordable housing providers led a voluntary moratorium on evictions and rent increases that has been  featured in the national media .  Housing providers are working together to anticipate resident needs and share resources, policy suggestions and strategies for ensuring the safety, health and economic security of residents. Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has compiled an excellent  list of housing and other resources  and is convening weekly  virtual meetings  on Fridays at 2 to discuss housing responses needed.   LISC is offering flexibility to its borrowers , and short term bridge loans to speed access to funding for those awarded Federal, State or Local Government business disruption support. Click  here   or contact Margaret Keaveny  ( mkeaveny@lisc.org )  for more regarding LISC lending’s response.  LISC is also working to respond to the housing stability needs of communities affected by the crisis and advance broader housing solutions in this changing context.
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MetroHousing Boston
Metro Housing|Boston’s Housing Supports department includes many programs, activities, and resources that can help prevent eviction and homelessness. These initiatives are funded by public contracts and private grants and donations, and help low-income renters to achieve housing stability and better lives.

If you feel you are at risk of being evicted or facing a situation that may result in homelessness, your first point of contact should be with our Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) . There is no income limit to participate.

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
The state-funded RAFT program is a tool used by the HCEC team to provide eligible households or individuals up to $4,000 per 12-month period that can be used to help keep their housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless.
FOR DETAILS ON THE RAFT APPLICATION PROCESS AND TO ACCESS THE PRE-APPLICATION FORM, CLICK  HERE .

Section 8 Voucher Holders
If you are a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) and need assistance, please contact the Leased Housing Gateway Team at  gateway@MetroHousingBoston.org  or by calling 617.425.6611.
MA Department of Unemployment
The  MA Department of Unemployment Assistance  and Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development are hosting virtual town hall meetings to help with unemployment applications.

Click here to sign up for a virtual town hall.

The quickest way to file a successful unemployment claim is through the UI online portal which can be  viewed here .
Guide to filing a new unemployment claim
Find a step-by-step guide to filing a new unemployment claim  here .
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WorkShare Program
WorkShare is designed to help both employers and workers during a temporary slowdown in business. Instead of laying off workers, your employer can apply for the WorkShare program. Under WorkShare, you will work reduced hours and receive unemployment benefits along with your reduced wages. All workers in the same plan must share the same percentage reduction in their regular work hours. Reductions may range from 10% to 60%.
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Restaurant Strong Fund
The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams* to support those from the Massachusetts restaurant industry who have been impacted by the COVID-19 closures. Their goal is to provide $1,000 grants to as many qualifying grantees as possible.
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One Fair Wage – Emergency Coronavirus and Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive. Are you a restaurant worker, delivery driver, or Uber/Lyft driver who has been affected by coronavirus and the economic downturn? One Fair Wage is here to help. Sign up for assistance here .
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Restaurant Workers Community Foundation
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation was founded in 2018 to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, fair wages, and healthy work environments in the restaurant industry. In the wake of the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic, RWCF’s full focus is on supporting workers, small business owners, and an industry in crisis. 

Restaurant workers make up 10 percent of America’s workforce, and they are among the country's most vulnerable populations. More than 2.45 million restaurant workers live in poverty, and only 14 percent receive employer-sponsored health benefits. 

As restaurants across the country cut hours, suspend business, and close for good, many restaurant workers will be faced with long-term loss of income. For months to come, they will need help accessing government benefits and mental health services, paying their rent, and feeding their families. 

RWCF has established a Restaurant Workers COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund to: 

  • Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community. 

  • To bolster their impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed.

  • To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19. 

RESOURCES for RESTAURANTS and WORKERS : RWCF is compiling an extensive list of resources and links related to the COVID-19 Crisis on its website, and, soon, they will collect data (qualitative and quantitative) from affected workers and restaurant owners so that they can work with local and national leaders to address the systemic issues the COVID19 pandemic has exposed. 
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Bartender Emergency Fund Program
Please read through the Selection Criteria and Eligibility Requirements for the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program and if you believe that you are eligible, please fill out the application making sure to include the required supporting documents.
You do NOT need to be a USBG member to apply for a philanthropic grant.
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Financial Opportunity Centers and Credit Building
LISC partners providing career-building support, financial coaching, income supports and credit-building have had to transition to working remotely, expanding distance-learning, coaching, and employment services in order to best serve their clients, who need their services now more than ever. Their  Boston Builds Credit  team is considering the credit impacts of this crisis and developing guidance and policy strategies for mitigating negative credit implications for vulnerable populations as a result of the economic impacts of this crisis.

Coronavirus and Equity
Communities that are already facing marginalization are being hardest hit by the virus and its economic repercussions, starkly exposing inequities. The Massachusetts Public Health Association has formed an emergency task force to address equity issues. LISC supports their  proposed policies  to ensure equitable access to emergency sick time, access to safe quarantine, moratoria on evictions, foreclosures, and terminations of public benefits. The Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance has modified an existing funding opportunity for grassroots and community organizations to make funds available for short-term campaigns to respond to emergent health equity and housing needs in the face of COVID-19. Contact Kelsey Salmon-Schreck, at the Conservation Law Foundation ,  ksalmonschreck@clf.org , for more information – applications are due April 3.
JobGet is the fastest job platform for anyone looking for a job in the retail and hospitality industry, reducing the timeline from weeks to minutes. Getting a job shouldn’t take hours filling online applications and waiting for weeks to hear back.
City of Boston
The City of Boston encourages you to find the State of Massachusetts full list of “COVID-19 Essential Services”   here .

Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that sell food and beverage products to the public are encouraged to continue to offer food for take-out and by delivery, if they follow the social distancing protocols set forth in the Department of Public Health's guidance. On-premises consumption of food or drink is prohibited.

The Licensing Board for the City of Boston has provided this advisory regarding the status of the prohibition of on-premise consumption of food and alcohol, the limitation on capacity, and the closure of non-essential businesses.

This Advisory is  mandatory  and applies to both licensees holding a common victualler food only license and those holding a common victualler with alcoholic beverages license. Any failure to adhere to the Order or the Advisory will result in disciplinary action by the Board which may include, but not be limited to, the immediate suspension of the license.


The Office of Small Business Development has put out a 2nd survey to help the City identify ways to support small businesses through this crisis. Please give them your feedback  here.

The City of Boston has launched a website for residents to find local restaurants that remain open for take-out and delivery service during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. If your business is open for delivery and want to let the public know, be sure to sign up on  Support Boston Restaurants

The Boston Transportation Dept. is creating temporary pick up zones in front of restaurants that have transitioned to takeout only or businesses that have increased delivery needs. If you would like to request a take-out/delivery zone in front of your business, please visit  Boston.gov/takeout-zones.

Please visit  boston.gov/small-business  and click on the COVID-19 updates for additional info. You can also email  smallbiz@boston.gov  or call the Mayor’s Hotline at 311.
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TSNE
TSNE is gathering a list of resources for nonprofits that may be able to provide relief or assistance during this challenging time. This is not a complete list and TSNE  will continue to make updates here  as more resources become available.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
INFORMATION FOR NONPROFIT RESPONSE
RESOURCES
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Women’s Foundation of Boston Response Fund
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Women’s Foundation of Boston has launched a new fund to support women and girls in Greater Boston. In Boston, as in most cities, the most vulnerable are disproportionately women and girls. We know that women and girls in Greater Boston face growing challenges over the next few months and beyond. A public health emergency such as COVID-19 dramatically increases the risks for women and girls already in poverty. Current partners who would like to request a relief grant to mitigate the impact of the global Coronavirus crisis on their operations should fill out and submit a  COVID-19 Response Fund Letter of Inquiry .
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New England Grass Roots Environment Fund’s
Available for community-driven efforts (volunteer-driven, guidelines of budget <$100k & no more than 2 full-time staff equivalents), with a minimum of 3 people involved. The project must respond to a need as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The deadline is on a rolling basis. ​More info:  here , or email  tess@grassrootsfund.org  with questions.
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Massachusetts Nonprofit Network

PHILANTHROPIC AND GOVERNMENT RELIEF
Philanthropic and governments across Massachusetts are setting up funds to support organizations and communities that have been impacted by the coronavirus. See below for a list of funds. MNN is updating this list as often as possible.
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Nellie Mae Foundation
The Nellie Mae Education Foundation created this rapid response fund to respond to the hate crimes and bias against Asian American communities resulting from COVID-19. The Foundation has allocated resources for the Racism is a Virus Too rapid response grant fund to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that provide services for AAPI communities.  Download the RFP here.
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Philanthropy Massachusetts
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Small Business Response
Many small businesses have had to shut their doors to stem the spread of the virus, and others have had to adapt quickly to doing business remotely or in other ways that avoid personal contact. The impact on small and minority-owned businesses has the potential to be catastrophic. 

For one snapshot of potential impact, see the  survey of Black-owned businesses   conducted and posted by the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).

LISC is pivoting the focus of its small business assistance programs and seeking resources to provide emergency funding and strategic technical assistance. 

A  $2.5 million investment from Verizon  will help LISC to begin offering critical relief and resiliency-building support, especially to entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically under-served places.  

Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC)  quickly offered $10 million of small business loans and received a crush of applications in just a few days. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has now activated the  Economic injury Disaster Loan Program in Massachusetts .
US Small Business Administration
Any Massachusetts nonprofit or small business may apply for the SBA disaster relief fund.  Click here to access the application.
Note: Because the SBA loan fund has been activated, the state  Mass Growth Capital Corporation  is no longer taking applications for emergency loans.​
Mass Cultural Council
Mass Cultural Council  released the results of their online survey of artists and arts & culture organizations created to assess the dire impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts & culture community. They are urging state legislators to pass measures that will address the needs of our community to mitigate the devastating economic loss we face.

MCC’s preparedness for the Cultural Sector
Watch the recording for their COVID-19 Preparedness Webinar:  https://youtu.be/sXeCGjPgb8c
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The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture created a new Artist Relief Fund for artists located in Boston whose incomes are being adversely affected by COVID-19.
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HowlRound
HowlRound panel discussion:  Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic  (for US-Based freelance artists and cultural workers).  Access it here.
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Arts Administrators of Color Network
Arts Administrators of Color Network has set up a national  Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund  which folks can donate directly to in support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists & administrators (consultants, facilitators, box office staff, seasonal/temporary employees, etc.) who have been financially impacted due to COVID-19.
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The Record Co.
The Record Co. has established the  Boston Music Maker Relief  Fund to provide financial relief to Boston area music makers experience lost income as the result of performance cancellations related to COVID-19.
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met is launching #CongressSaveCulture, a campaign to support broader efforts advocating for financial relief for non-profit arts organizations to be included in the $2 trillion stimulus package currently being debated in Congress. The relief package is expected to include funding for many industries impacted by COVID-19, including airlines, casinos, cruise ships, and more.

There are three relatively simple things you can do now:
1. Go to the American Alliance of Museums website and send a letter to your representatives in Congress
2. Share the hashtag #CongressSaveCulture on your social platforms (along with a comment or photo that reflects your passion for The Met and/or all the arts)