Centre/South
 news & updates
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
You can stay up to date with all the latest information for Jamaica Plain's Centre/South district at jpcentresouth.com/coronavirus/
JP Movie Night Drive-In
Saturday, June 27
8:30 PM
St. Theresa of Avila in West Roxbury
Showing "Groundhog Day"

Proceeds benefit JP Main Streets Relief Fund.
Look for the orange lanterns on district businesses because ORANGE MEANS OPEN!

BUSINESSES: If you would like a lantern to indicate that you have reopened, please contact us . Lanterns are free for all businesses, although we are collecting donations to help us cover the costs. Please consider donating just $10/lantern.
From SBA:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan REOPENED, and changes to PPP Loan
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

The U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.

SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid.

New and Revised Guidance Regarding the Paycheck Protection Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of the Treasury issued new and revised guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The eligibility threshold for those with felony criminal histories has been changed. The look-back period has been reduced from 5 years to 1 year to determine eligibility for applicants who meet certain conditions for non-financial felonies

Wednesday, June 17, is Census Day of Action
It has never been easier to respond to the #2020Census. You can complete your questionnaire online, over the phone, or by mail—all without having a census taker knock on your door. Learn more and participate TODAY at:  https://my2020census.gov/ or call 844-330-2020. #BostonCounts
Small Business Strong is a private and public sector partnership set up to help women and minority owned small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Massachusetts women and minority owned small business owners can participate by engaging in one or more of the core elements of Small Business Strong, all free of charge with no strings attached.

Mayor's Office of Economic Development Workshops
Re-Opening Boston: Restaurants-- How to Apply for an Outdoor License
TODAY, Jun 16, 2020 06:00 PM

This workshop is designed specifically for restaurants interested in expanding to use outdoor seating. We will walk you through the requirements, step by step, of the Extension of Premises Permit


Additional workshops are listed below.
Worker Safety
Workers in any size organization have options if they feel they are being pressured into an unsafe situation. They include an online form at the Attorney General’s website and a dedicated Fair Labor hotline at 617-727-3465. People can also find those resources by calling 311.
Around Town ...
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Rental Relief Fund, Round 2, Closes on Friday, June 19.

The pre-screening form will be open from June 5 - 19 at 12 p.m. The Office of Housing Stability will conduct the lottery on Monday, June 22. Anyone that applied for the first round will be automatically included in the second round.

A person's immigration status is not asked during the Rental Relief Fund application process and receiving funds does not impact other financial assistance that a person may be already receiving.
ONE+ BOSTON FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM

The ONE+Boston program was designed to supplement one of the state's existing affordable mortgage programs (the ONE Mortgage) by providing qualified buyers, based on area median income, additional discounts on interest rates. With the new ONE+Boston program, qualified Boston residents who earn between 80% and 100% area median income will receive a 0.5% discount rate off the already low-interest rate offered through the ONE Mortgage product (currently about 3%). In addition, Boston residents who earn below 80% of area median income will receive up to 1% off of the current ONE Mortgage rate.
Boston Public Library TO GO 

Beginning June 22, patrons will be able to pick up physical items such as books, DVDs, and CDs from select Boston Public Library locations as a part of their new program, called " BPL to Go.” Patrons can "order" items from the library by placing a hold on them, then safely pick them up from select branches.

The pilot program will launch first at five locations: the Central Library in Copley Square, the Codman Square Branch, the East Boston Branch, the Jamaica Plain Branch, and the Mattapan Branch.

For more information, please visit bpl.org/takeout, or download the iPhone app in the Apple App Store.
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MAYOR'S GARDEN CONTEST

The annual event is a citywide celebration of urban gardening.

2020 entry deadline: Friday, July 10

We recognize gardeners who have landscaped, planted flowers, trees, and shrubs, helping beautify Boston's neighborhoods.

Office of Workforce Development Needs Part-Time Career Coaches
Temp Position (8 weeks, 28 hours/week)

Career Coaches provides career readiness and academic support to participants in Office of Workforce Development youth and workforce development programs. Career Coaches provide support for students to acquire job readiness skills, complete online lessons and remote assignments, and make social services referrals as needed. Particular attention will be provided to Boston’s ‘high need’ populations and ensuring timely, appropriate, and professional customer service and support for program participants.

**BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT**

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