City of Spokane
COVID-19 Community Update
May 15, 2020

#Inland Strong
Each day, information evolves about Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). At the City, we want our citizens and visitors to know that we are working to reduce the spread of this disease in our community, continue to provide critical City services, and address impacts of closures of schools, business and events. For the most recent and local data on cases and outcomes, visit SRHD.org/covid19 .
Mayor's Update
Friday, May 15, 2020

Mayor Nadine Woodward discusses the region’s efforts to advocate for evaluating Spokane’s Stay-Home, Stay-Healthy progress for accelerated reopening.
Business Resilience Loan Program Working
Since the City of Spokane’s Business Resilience Loan program was launched last month, nine loans have been deployed totaling $223,000 to assist local businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program is a partnership between the City and Craft3, a non-bank community lender.

To date, half of the available funding for the Business Resilience Loan program has been committed and loans are still available to businesses interested in affordable and flexible financing. Loans can be used by businesses to pivot and comply with new public health or state guidelines.
Unemployment Claim Fraud Spikes
There have been many reports of citizens who have become victims of fraud in recent weeks, with criminals using their names, social security number, and related information to file fraudulent claims for unemployment. With the suspension of the one-week waiting period to gain unemployment benefits, the state Employment Security Department is processing claims quickly without the usual time to provide more verification and fraudsters are taking advantage.

Human Resources departments have often been able to identify the fraudulent claims and inform employees of the how to challenge the claim and then proceed with steps to protect their personal information from continued misuse. Here are three steps if you are a victim:
  • Report It - Call Crime Check at 456-2233
  • Take Action and Learn More at the Employment Security Department Website
  • Check Your Credit Reports
Community Connect Helps in COVID-19 Response
The City of Spokane Fire Department has been working closely with technology partner First Due to release Community Connect, an application focused on protecting residents and their property. Community Connect is a secure, completely voluntary, easy to use platform that allows residents to share important information about their household in order to aid first responders to respond more efficiently to emergency calls.  

Residents have the power to decide which information they are comfortable sharing. Community members simply create a free profile and enter pertinent household information which is then made available to Spokane Fire Department personnel for planning and response. Data provided by residents within Community Connect is 100% secure and used for the purpose of better serving the resident during emergency situations. Create your account today.
Boredom Buster: Backyard Campfire Cookout
Have a fire pit in your backyard? Now is the perfect time to do some campfire cooking! In this video, Ryan Griffith, Assistant Recreation Director and Outdoor Recreation Expert with City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, shows us how to make Wicked Good Hot Bananas. Please be safe around fire and always have adult supervision!
On the Bright Side
North Monroe is looking a little brighter! Corbin Park shared this on their Facebook page:
Thank you to the City of Spokane for the donation of baskets and thank you to members of the North Monroe Business District for pitching in financially to have them installed and add a few baskets to cover more area. 
Need Utility Assistance?
Through the generosity of over 500 donors, a community relief fund for utilities is available. Those who need utility assistance can contact SNAP at (509) 456-SNAP to request support.

While the matching funds have been exhausted, donations for this effort are always appreciated.
Need Access to Food or Other Supplies?
Call 311 (509-755-2489 outside of city limits)
Need Mental Health Help During this Crisis?
Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (509) 838-4428
Contact or Walk-In: Inland Northwest Behavioral Health (509) 992-1888

CHAS Health: (509) 444-8200

Excelsior Wellness Center: (509) 559-3100
Help for children, adults and families is available via telehealth.

Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255



Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
Weekend Eats!
#OrderUpSpokane with 10-minute parking zones near restaurants in the City core allows citizens and delivery drivers to efficiently pick up to-go orders. Check out these lists of restaurants you can support.
Stay in the Know
The Spokane County Emergency Coordination Center has been activated to respond to COVID-19 as a region. For daily updates and official local information follow Spokane COVID Response on Facebook, subscribe to their newsletter and visit spokanecovidresponse.org.
For Spokane County case data, visit SRHD.org/COVID19.
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We are here to help! Simply dial  311  or if outside City limits:  509.755.CITY(2489) .