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Village of Wilmette E-news
Enews
The following email provides timely information on general news and community events from the Village of Wilmette. For more information, please visit the Village of Wilmette website.
Updates from Village Hall

As we all work to navigate this difficult time due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Village is providing more frequent communications to residents. See below for information on our new Caretaker Program, unemployment benefits and other helpful resources.
Village Launches Community Caretaker Program t o  Provide Extra Care to Vulnerable Population During COVID-19 Outbreak  

In an effort to provide extra support and assistance to our vulnerable and at-risk residents, including the elderly and residents with disabilities, the Village is launching a Community Caretaker program. Residents who are unable to leave their homes and need help with obtaining essential items such as groceries and medicine can submit a request through the Village Manager's Office by calling (847) 853-7502 or emailing Alex Arteaga at arteagaa@wilmette.com. A Village employee will follow up with the requester to better understand the needs and situation, and as appropriate, the Village will coordinate with its network of organizations and volunteers to respond to the request. The role of this program is to act as a "matchmaker" and connect those in need with our partnering organizations. 
Village will not disconnect water service for businesses and residents and will waive new late fees through at least May 1. 
Retailers Offer Early Shopping Hours for Elderly and High-Risk Populations

Some retailers are now making special accommodations for older and at-risk community members. Please check with your local store for more details on special shopping hours.
  • Whole Foods stores will open one hour early for people over 60 and those with disabilities.
  • Jewel-Osco will reserve Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., for seniors and vulnerable shoppers.
  • Target is reserving the first hour of every Wednesday for older and vulnerable shoppers.
  • The Fresh Market will designate special shopping hours for seniors and other individuals most at risk from 8 - 9 a.m., Monday - Friday. All stores will continue to operate under regular business hours. 
COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits may be available to individuals who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 crisis. The Illinois Department of Employment Security recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the COVID-19 situation as possible.  Learn more . 
Comcast Announces Comprehensive COVID-19 Response to Help Keep Americans Connected to the Internet

Co mcast announced recently that it is increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program and making the program free to new low-income customers for two months, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more .
ComEd Helps Customers Through Financial Hardship

ComEd announced it is suspending disconnects for customers unable to pay their bills and is waiving new late payments charges through at least May 1. The utility company will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options to address their specific needs. Learn more.
Nicor Keeping Residents Connected Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

In response to hardships due to COVID-19, Nicor Gas has suspended service disconnections for non-payment, effective immediately for both residential and commercial customers through May 1. Learn more about this and other cost-saving programs.
Keep Americans Connected Pledge

On March 13, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the "Keep Americans Connected Pledge," which urges broadband and telephone service providers to encourage connectivity for Americans suffering from disruptions caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The FCC Chairman said he doesn't want any American consumers who are experiencing hardships because of the pandemic to lose connectivity. Learn more .