The 31st District Digest (October 5 to October 9)

October 10, 2020

The 31st District Digest (October 5 to October 9)

 

 

We stand ready and eager to assist and support you through these difficult times.


Please see the following local and state updates and resources for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:
 
 

Riverside County Updates

More Residents are needed for COVID-19 Testing to Slow the Spread and Remain in Red Tier (link) (Spanish)
On Wednesday, Riverside County public health officials once again encouraged county residents to be tested for coronavirus in order to help the county slow the spread of the virus and remain in the red tier as indicated by the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

As per the County’s statement, Director of Public Health, Kim Saruwatari urged: “Riverside County residents have sacrificed so much, and the improved data has reflected that sacrifice. But it is critical that the community continue its wide-spread testing. The testing tells us where the virus is spreading, and it also helps us continue our movement forward.

Riverside County continues to offer free COVID-19 testing at 12 testing sites throughout the county.

 
 

Local and State Resources

RIVERSIDE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM: Reopening for Limited Service (link)
The Riverside County Library System has reopened most of its locations for limited library services, including computer access. Services and hours vary by location so community members are encouraged to call in advance of their planned visit.

  • For a complete list of open locations and contact information, click here or call (951) 369-3003.

CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Community Learning & Internet Connectivity [CLIC] (link) (Spanish)
The City of Moreno Valley has launched their new inclusive digital one-stop shop to support city residents seeking internet connection and a variety of web-based resources including employment assistance, internet and computer literacy support, business development, and more.

As part of the CLIC program, the city will also be hosting WiFi gardens, public computer access, and loanable hot spot devices for residents to access free WiFi connection.

  • For WiFi Garden locations, click here.
  • To check hotspot availability, click here.


RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Pathways to Employment Program (link)
The County of Riverside has launched their Pathways to Employment Program providing adults who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with a living wage stipend of $20 per hour; training and mentoring from non-profit and government partners; supportive services, including transportation, clothing, counseling and technological assistance.

  • For more information, please call the Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Workforce Solutions Department at (951) 955-1161, or visit www.capriverside.org/
  • To fill out an interest form, click here.

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Senior Grab & Go Meal Sites (link)
Riverside County maintains an updated list of Grab & Go meal sites throughout its jurisdiction. If you or a loved one is in immediate need of pre-prepared meals, please click here to find the nearest site.
 
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Citywide Food Resources (link)
The City of Moreno Valley has compiled an extensive list of food resources including food pantry locations, restaurants offering curbside or delivery options, and local grocery store priority shopper hours. To learn what resources are near you, click here.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Supportive Services Program for Workers Impacted by the effects of COVID-19
Riverside County residents whose employment has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may receive up to $800 in assistance as part of a state grant received by the Riverside County Workforce Development Division. This assistance can be used to pay for costs associated with returning to work (such as teleworking equipment, child care, or transportation), housing expenses, or utility expenses.

  • To learn more or to apply, contact Stephanie Macias at (951) 955-0513 or stmacias@rivco.org

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Youth Community Corps Project (link)
Riverside County residents ages 16 to 24 are encouraged to apply to the Youth Community Corps, a paid internship program seeking to provide members with opportunities to support local non-profits, food pantries, school lunch programs, and municipal social service departments. Participants will receive mentorship, training, and a paid stipend during their term.

 

Renter’s Assistance and Housing Programs

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: United Lift – Rental Assistance Program for People impacted by COVID-19 (link) (Spanish)
United Way of the Inland Valleys, Lift to Rise, and the County of Riverside have partnered to provide rental assistance to households impacted by COVID-19. The program will administer $33 million in rental assistance between the months of June and November. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Housing for the Harvest Program (link)
In partnership with Riverside County and the State of California, TODEC Legal Center has begun coordinating outreach, housing services, wellness checks, and ancillary supportive services for essential farmworkers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. If you or a loved one work in agriculture or food processing, have tested positive for COVID-19, and are in need of support, you may be eligible for lodging and other resources.

  • To learn more, click here.

 
CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Rental Assistance Program (link)
The City of Riverside is partnering with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County to help households at risk of eviction due to the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible applicants can receive payment for up to three full months of past-due rent. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • To find more information or to apply, click here.


CITY OF CORONA: Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (link)
Funds are still available for the City of Corona’s Emergency Housing Needs Assistance Program (EHNAP) that provides rental and utility assistance to eligible Corona renters.

  • To view the program application, click here.
  • To view Program Guidelines, click here.
  • For frequently asked questions, click here.

 
 

Small Business Resources and Grants

CA DEPT. OF INSURANCE: Virtual Town Hall
In an effort to support small businesses and homeowners in their recovery from the financial impacts of COVID-19, the California Department of Insurance will be hosting a town hall on important insurance issues and available resources.

  • Mon, Oct. 19, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM: Virtual Investigatory Hearing on Homeowner Insurance Availability and Affordability (link)

 
RIVERSIDE COUNTY: COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program (link)
Applications for Round 3 of the County of Riverside COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program are now being accepted. Eligibility has been further expanded to include Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) recipients of $75,000 or less. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Apply here before October 30, 2020, at 5:00 PM.

 
CITY OF JURUPA VALLEY: Local Economic Assistance Program (LEAP) (link)
The City of Jurupa Valley has begun accepting applications for its next round of LEAP funding. Eligible small businesses (6 - 50 employees) and micro-enterprises (5 employees or less) can qualify for up to $10,000 and $7,000 grants respectively.

  • Apply here before October 16, 2020, at 4:00 PM.

 
CITY OF RIVERSIDE: Microenterprise Business Grant Program (link)
Businesses in the City of Riverside are encouraged to apply for the Microenterprise Business Grant Program designed to provide relief during COVID-19. These grants of up to $7,500 are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • To apply, click here.

 
CITY OF PERRIS: Small Business Assistance Program (link)
The City of Perris has a local Small Business Assistance Program, offering up to $10,000 loans to qualifying businesses. Loans will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • To apply or to find more information, click here.

 
 

Friendly Reminders

The 2020 Census Effort Continues: If you haven’t completed the Census, now is the time!

The 2020 Census effort has not yet concluded! This means there is still time for our region to reach a complete count for fair funding and representation! If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the survey, visit www.my2020census.gov/ or complete your census over the phone:

  • English: 844-330-2020
  • Spanish: 844-468-2020
  • TDD (Telephone Display Device): 844-467-2020

In addition to English and Spanish, you can also complete your Census in 12 non-English languages (found here), with language support in 59 languages (found here).
 

2021-2022 Financial Aid Season is here!
The online portals for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the California Dream Act Application, and the Chaffee Grant Application are now live!


LIFESTREAM: Donate Blood Today! (link)
Giving blood is an important way you can become an everyday hero, particularly as LifeStream Blood Bank’s local supply continues towards depletion. With each donation, you can save a life and be tested for COVID-19 antibodies to support our community’s recovery.

  • To schedule an appointment at a donation center near you, please visit www.lstream.org/.

 
Community Connect – Dial 2-1-1 (link)
Community Connect is an excellent tool for community members seeking information on a variety of resources. When you dial 2-1-1, you will be connected to a local specialist to learn about housing and utility assistance, transportation, veteran services, community service, professional development, and more.
Further, if you are a nonprofit or agency that seeks to provide such resources to the community, Community Connect also serves as an effective way to share resources with the community. To learn more, visit www.connectriverside.org/ or dial 2-1-1.
 
Are you registered to vote? Check your status today
The last day to register is Monday, October 19, 2020