Coronavirus - The IMAGE Center of Maryland

IMAGE Center LIVE CHAT – Independent Living Skills during COVID Crisis

Monday, April 2020

From IMAGE Center to Everyone:

mbullis@imagemd.org

hcomstock@imagemd.org

From martin zimmerman to Everyone:

In Baltimore County a number of Libraries now have free public WiFI and some other options for internet access via Comcast.

Details in the Document here: wifi-access

From Josh Rouch to Everyone:

awesome

From Susie Michaels to Everyone:

Susie Michaels and Jaanine Smith Facebook page: One Voice Recovery Community Center NW. friend us and we’ll invite you in to the page. Also my phone number is 443.839. 8322 and work e mail is: susanmichaels@prologueinc.org

Jaanine’s email is jaaninesmith@prologueinc.org

+410.935.6721 is Jaanine’s phone

From IMAGE Center to Everyone:

Vanessa has been using doggie pick up bags in place of gloves. She finds it easier to use than getting gloves and off, but they’re convenient, easy to use, and really function as that needed barrier.

From Jaanine S to Everyone:

https://www.diynatural.com/homemade-hand-sanitizer/#cookbook-recipe-24635

From Josh Rouch to Everyone:

CVS is offering free presciption delivery during the pandemic

From Cheryl to Everyone:

www.baltimorecountytogether.org for produce pick up

From Kariza Goncalves to Everyone:

I’m not sure if this applies to all prescriptions, such as the ones that need to be refrigerated.

From IMAGE Center to Everyone:

Mike noted that all the governors’ press conferences are available to view on CSPAN. Governor Hogan’s are also available on Facebook and YouTube.

From Josh Rouch to Everyone:

What can I do to help our community in Baltimore County/city? Volunteer? I am furloughed and have a lot of free time

From Crystal to Everyone: 02:58 PM

Thank you, Cheryl!

Baltimore Votes has offered to run webinars about the vote by mail by request for groups

https://facebook.com/events/s/vote-by-mail-101-get-out-the-v/247388066453704/?ti=as

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vote-by-mail-101-get-out-the-vote-before-april-28-tickets-102938788688?aff=eand

From Kariza Goncalves to Everyone: 02:58 PM

United Way of Central Maryland is offering different ways to Volunteer during socialize distancing protocols.

https://www.volunteermd.org/need/?q=COVID&age;=&agency;_id=&county;=&dateOn;=&distance;=&zip;=&need;_impact_area=&need;_init_id=&qualification;_id=&cat;_id=&meta;%5B%5D=&meta;%5B%5D=&meta;%5B%5D=&allowTeams;=&ug;_id=&s=1

From IMAGE Center to Everyone: 03:01 PM

Here’s the Link for Need a Hand/Lend A Hand- District 11

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1060156311021617/

A network of individuals in Baltimore County that are willing to shop and run errands for neighbors.

From Josh Rouch to Everyone:

I read somewhere that Comcast is offering free internet for 60 days for people who can’t afford it

From IMAGE Center to Everyone:

The full information about the free wi fi locations from the Baltimore County library will get posted on the blog. Thanks, Jaanine for bringing that up!

Mike Bullis thanked everyone for calling and participating in the calls and answering questions. Please contact the IMAGE Center with questions or concerns! The office number is 410-982-6311 or via email at info@imagemd.org

Help us continue to serve our community during this crisis by supporting our Lifeline Impact Fund! Donate to our IMPACT Fund today!

Or support IMAGE while you shop Amazon! Shop Amazon Smile and support IMAGE!

We’re using this page to share information of interest and use to our community. Please check our Live Chat posts for other useful links!

The IMAGE Center is committed to continuing to serve consumers during this time. If you would like to help support our mission, please consider donating to our LIFELINE IMPACT Fund today!

To contact IMAGE Center staff, please call 410-982-6311 and leave a message. Please let us know what information you’re requesting so we can forward to the appropriate staff!

Please note information is current when posted, but due to the rapidly changing nature of this emergency, information can become outdated. Please double check with the agency or organization to verify.

Updates: May 13, 2020

From the Social Security Administration’s Office of Communications: Raising awareness about the Social Security Imposter Scam and the COVID-19 scam. As you are probably aware, scammers contact people via text or phone pretending to be from Social Security and tell them that their Social Security number or account is in jeopardy. They have also mailed letters expressing that Social Security benefits will be suspended or discontinued because of COVID-19.

Below are links to blogs about the scams.

COVID-19 Scam Blog
https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-about-new-social-security-benefit-suspension-scam/

Imposter Scam Blogs
https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-is-taking-action-to-prevent-scam-calls/

https://blog.ssa.gov/inspector-general-warns-public-about-widespread-social-security-scam-texts/

Please be wary of anyone who asks for sensitive information and account numbers via unsolicited phone calls and texts. Verify the request by contacting the agency through their published public information.

Updates: May 7, 2020

Food Resources for Seniors in Baltimore County

resources update

FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR OLDER ADULTS

Warning: SCAM letter circulating

scam letter representing MHBE affiliate

HC-FY20-016 Representing as MHBE Affiliate 5-7-20_Redacted

Updates: May 6, 2020

Updated Guidance from the Social Security Administration regarding stimulus payments:

SSA rep payee and stimulus payment

Visit their website for the latest information: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

2020 U. S. Census information meeting for Baltimore County

On Tuesday May 12^th the Complete Count Committee of Baltimore County will host a virtual 2020 Census community meeting that will feature a compilation of testimonies from trusted partners/messengers. (flyer attached) Please share and promote throughout each of your personal and professional networks. The purpose of the meeting is to allow residents to hear from trusted voices and messengers in the community on why the Census is important now, more than ever. Registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-census-community-meeting-tickets-103275441626

National Disability Rights Network has an information page on your rights during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.ndrn.org/resource/know-your-rights-during-covid-19-series/

Updates: April 27, 2020

Family and Kinship Navigator Services continue to be available during these uncertain times. Kinship Navigator services are available to provide support to families living in Baltimore County who are raising a relative’s child/children.

FY20 FN Fact Sheet FY20

Family and Kinship Referral Form

FamNavServices_Bro_FY20

Baltimore City Water Bill Payment Assistance

ALERT – Baltimore City Water Bill Payment Assistance 4.27.2020

ALERT-Utility Scams 4.27.2020

New Sites Make Testing Available Five Days A Week

NAMI is holding remote mental health support groups: http://namibaltimore.org/online-supportgroups/

Also the Rotary Club is offering free grocery delivery services. It doesn’t look like they have a specific geographical area, however I would imagine that they are working with folks that live in Baltimore County. Read below for more information:

Rotary International Volunteer Shoppers

Rotary members are available to shop for and delivery groceries, medications and other essential items to those at risk for COVID 19 or unable to leave their homes on a volunteer basis. Volunteers do not have background checks. They are Rotary members.

Call 240-781-6586 any day from 9:00am – 6:00pm to request assistance. It takes between 24 and 72 hours to fill a request.

No charge for the shopping services. Payment for goods purchased at the store is through credit cards only. Volunteers pay for the food with their own credit card. Once an amount is known, the recipient gives their credit card number to Rotary International to be charged the amount spent. Volunteers will shop with SNAP EBT cards too.

Towson University Offering Delivered Meals ToGoMeals_4-20-20

Updates: April 20, 2020

Expanded WiFi access from Baltimore County Public Library and other low or no-cost internet access options – wifi-access

Contactless Produce Pickup from www.baltimorecountytogether.org

Updates: April 17, 2020

Joint letter from Disability Rights Maryland and the Maryland Association of Centers for Independent Living advocating for accessibility of essential businesses during the pandemic.

Business Leader Letter

From the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel

Attached please find FAQs relating to the State of Emergency. This document provides answers and resources on topics like food, student loans, scams, taxes, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions During the State of Emergency

April 16, 2020

BGE Suspends Service Disconnections Through June 1

https://www.bge.com/News/Pages/Press%20Releases/200416-BGE-Suspends-Service-Disconnections-for-Nonpayment-Waives-New-Late-Payment-Fees-through-at-Least-June-1.aspx

Community Services for the Deaf resources during Corona https://www.csd.org/coronavirus

National Federation for the Blind resources page https://www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources

Baltimore County Coronavirus Information & Updates https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/news/coronavirus.html

Baltimore City Coronavirus Information & Updates https://coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov/

Harford County Coronavirus Information & Updates http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/2813/COVID-19-Facts-and-Information