April 2023 E-Newsletter

End of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency

With the end of California’s COVID-19 State of Emergency this past February and in preparation for the end of the federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 on May 11, the California Health & Human Services Agency, along with its Departments and Offices, is providing Alameda County residents with updates about various programs and services affected.

• You can find the latest information regarding masking here.
• You can find the latest information regarding isolation and quarantine requirements here.
• Email covidob@acgov.org with any questions.

Extra CalFresh Benefits Ended

The end of the Public Health Emergency has also signaled the end of CalFresh Emergency Allotments for CalFresh clients. For most households, the last Emergency Allotment was issued on March 26 for the February benefit month. KQED explains what this means for clients and where you can find additional food support and benefits in this article.

Medi-Cal Coverage

In March 2020, certain Medi-Cal and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements and conditions were temporarily waived in response to COVID-19. The easing of these rules helped people with Medi-Cal and CHIP keep their health coverage during the pandemic. However, a new law, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, ended Medi-Cal continuous coverage on March 31, 2023, and required the state to restart eligibility renewals beginning April 1.

If you or someone you know currently have health coverage through Medi-Cal, there are steps to take to keep coverage. To confirm your mailing information is current, please contact Alameda County Social Services Agency online or by phone at (888) 999-4772 to report changes, including name, address, phone number, or e-mail address.

Expanded Tax Deadline

The IRS recently announced tax relief for Californians affected by winter storms. Taxpayers impacted by these storms qualify for an extension to October 16, 2023, to file individual and business tax returns and make certain tax payments.

You can read more details about the extension here. You can also find free tax help and in-person tax centers by calling 211.

Mujeres Valiosas Women's Conference

Join La Familia at their 1^st Spanish Speaking Women’s Conference: Mujeres Valiosas on May 27. This event will be in Spanish for all women ages 10 to 100+! The conference aims to encourage women to learn about self-care and their vision as leaders in their homes and communities. They will have the opportunity to be embraced by incredible women who lead our community and who will inspire and share their achievements.

Registration has already begun and will close on May 15 or as soon as they reach capacity. Women and girls that wish to attend must register.

National Volunteer Month



April marks National Volunteer Month, and it's the perfect time to thank all the volunteers in Alameda County, especially the ones who have helped support Eden I&R throughout the years. Thank you for your service!

As an Eden I&R / 211 Alameda County volunteer, you can help connect people to valuable resources in the community. If you're not currently a volunteer with us but are interested in becoming one, we'd love to have you. Get involved.

Job Openings

Community Resource Specialist (CRS): Under the direct supervision of 211 Contact Center Managers, the CRS will address clients' concerns over the phone and through text and provide needs assessment and referral. Apply here.

Bilingual Community Resource Specialist (CRS): We are seeking a bilingual English and Spanish speaker to address clients' concerns over the phone and through text. Apply here.

Senior Accountant: The Senior Accountant will be responsible for overseeing the contracts and grants invoicing, accounts payable, reconciliations, and financial statements. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and supervises the Bookkeeper. Apply here.

Join Our Board

Eden I&R is seeking new members for its Board of Directors! Women, minorities, people with disabilities, veterans, people impacted by the justice system, and other candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to reach out about this opportunity. You can read more about the role here.

If you are interested in board service, please get in touch with Eden I&R’s Executive Director, Alison DeJung, at adejung@edenir.org. 

Community & Event News

Disaster Preparedness Training Available

Our Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Lars Eric Holm, has been training organizations, hosting informational sessions, and sharing information at more events lately. He discusses topics including preparing for emergency evacuations, special needs of seniors and disabilities, and protecting your mental health during disasters. 

He’s also a certified trainer for the Bay Area Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Program.

Lars Eric is available for community events to promote resources for disaster preparedness and a variety of resources 211 provides for people needing help with food, housing, and other social services.

For more information, contact him at leholm@edenir.org.

A survivor of domestic violence in San Leandro called 211 for services. She had been sleeping in her car for 90 days and asked if 211 could help her find food and somewhere to shower. The caller was screened for the county’s Coordinated Entry System. Additional resources provided included Building Futures for Women and Children for supportive services, Telegraph Community Ministries, and Manna from Heaven.

CityTeam Ministries and First Presbyterian Church were also provided for meals and places to shower and do laundry. Staff also discovered she spent time at Valley State Prison for Women, so she was connected to Sister to Sister Inc for supportive services.

Read more 211 call examples.

211 By the Numbers - March 2023

211 Alameda County:

6,188 conversations handled

9,922 referrals provided

Additional March & Year-To-Date 211 stats

Demographics:

72% female

26% single mothers with minor children

53% living with disabilities

Average Call Length:

7:17 minutes

Average Wait Time:

1:19 minutes

Services Database:

71 agency record updates

242 program record updates

Housing Database:

57 units added

2,429 records updated

Website page views:

50,199

Website Sessions/visitors:

14,175

AHIP (AIDS Housing Information Project)

AHIP (AIDS Housing Information Project) offers housing and human services resource referrals to People Living with HIV/AIDS via a designated phone line and through one-on-one, in-person assistance at clinics and AIDS Service Organizations.

Last month, AHIP provided 12 housing referrals and 2 referrals to services. Year to date, AHIP has provided assistance to 7 unduplicated clients.

"211 staff is so kind, and they gave me great referrals while also explaining to me the process for each. Thank you."

Partner Spotlight - Sister 2 Sister Inc

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we are spotlighting one of our partners who focuses on helping women who have experienced trauma. Sister to Sister Inc is an organization that provides wellness and recovery services for trauma-impacted women and women who live with addiction. They provide a variety of resources for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Services include healing groups, counseling, case management, and other support services. You can learn more about Sister to Sister's programs by visiting their website.

www.edenir.org