The 31st District Digest (November 23 to November 27)

 

On Monday, the Riverside University Health System: Public Health released an infographic outlining the general distribution phases of the COVID-19 vaccine, when it becomes available. As progress continues on the development and approval of the COVID-19 vaccine, Californians are encouraged to receive their influenza vaccine/flu shot, as the symptoms of one can often be confused with the other.

As we continue into the holiday season, it is crucial that we continue taking necessary precautions to protect the health of our loved ones and our communities. If you have come in contact with friends and/or family typically outside your household circle, please be sure to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing, regardless of the presence of symptoms.
 
COVID-19 testing is free at county- and state-run testing sites and available to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status, or the onset of symptoms.

Additionally, the City of Riverside has partnered with Curative to provide no-cost, self-administered, drive-up tests that are open to all, including those who live outside of the city. Test recipients can expect results within 48 hours by text message or email.

 
 

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Sign up for Local Blood Drives Today! (link)
The American Red Cross will be hosting a number of Community Blood Drives throughout our region:

To make an appointment or to find other blood drives near you, click here.
 
LIFESTREAM: URGENT NEED! 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.

 
COVERED CALIFORNIA: Open Enrollment is Underway! (link)
Open Enrollment for Covered California and other health insurance providers is here! For coverage beginning January 1, 2021, Californians are encouraged to apply before December 15.

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.
 
 

CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: Community Learning & Internet Connectivity [CLiC], TECH FOR SUCCESS Program (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.

Building on its CLiC program, the City of Moreno Valley has also partnered with Riverside County Community Action Partnership to make 50 refurbished desktop PCs available for free to qualifying residents.

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.

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: 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.

 
 

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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

 
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY: MoVal Rental Rescue Program (link) 
The City of Moreno Valley has partnered with Inland SoCal United Way to provide emergency rental and financial assistance to keep Moreno Valley residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic housed. Assistance includes:

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.

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.

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.

 
 

CITY OF NORCO: Small Enterprise Assistance Loan (SEAL) (link)
The City of Norco has created the Small Enterprise Assistance Loan Program, offering low- to no-interest loans of up to $20,000 to eligible Norco businesses and non-profits. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

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.

 
 
Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend!
 
Very Sincerely,
 
RICHARD D. ROTH
Senator, 31st District