It now looks as though the coronavirus crisis and the Stay-at-Home order will be with us for a while. Here is an update on local resources available we’ve put together:
Staying at Home: What it all means
The state of North Carolina has issued a Stay-at-Home order effective until at least April 30. Here are some details:
Q: What is the difference between “Stay at Home” and “Social Distancing”?
Stay-at-home is a stricter form of social distancing. Stay at home means:
Stay home (stay unexposed and do not expose others; however, you may be outside)
Only go out for essential services, businesses or activities
Stay 6 feet or more away from others
Don’t gather in groups
Q: What can and can’t you do now that we’ve been ordered to “stay-at-home”?
YOU CAN:
Go to the grocery, convenience or warehouse store
Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
Visit a health care professional for medical services that cannot be provided virtually (call first)
Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
Care for or support a friend or family member
Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog, be in nature for exercise and engage in other outdoor activities – just keep at least six feet between you and others
Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary
Help someone to get necessary supplies
DO NOT
Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by this Order
Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need
Get closer than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out
Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility websites
Travel except for essential travel and activities
Q: When will this order be lifted?
The order is valid through April 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and can be revised, amended, or extended based on recommendations from the Orange County Public Health Director and/or Orange County Emergency Management.
For up-to-date coronavirus information, go to: https://www.orangecountync.gov/2332/Coronavirus-COVID-19
An Update on Local Resources in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County
Housing
Evictions are not permitted during the crisis.
Rental/Utilties Assistance.
Orange County DSS provides emergency assistance to low-income residents. For more information, call 919-245-2490.
IFC: You must call (919) 929-6380, ext. 19, for appointments.
Town of Carrboro: The Town provides assistance with rent, security deposits and utility connection fees for low-income residents who find or have housing in Carrboro. For more information, call 919-918-7321.
Spectrum Internet is offering free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days (March 16 – May 15) for families with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum plan. Call 1-844-488-8395 to get set up.
OWASA has temporarily suspended all disconnects for non-payment of bills.
Duke Energy will not disconnect any customer’s service for non-payment. The company will continue to read meters and send bills. Customers should pay what they can to avoid building up a large balance.
Dominion Energy will not disconnect any customer’s service for non-payment. They also offer short term payment extensions and long term payment assistance.
Major cellphone carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, will keep users connected and waive late fees for 60 days.
Orange County Homeless Info Line: Call 919-245-2655.
Emergency home repairs- call Jackson Center (Hudson, George)
Income and Employment
If someone has lost their job or are laid off, here’s how they may be able to get assistance:
If any wages have changed, clients can report to DSS to see whether they qualify for services. They can self-attest that their wages have changed and contact DSS by phone, email or mail.
Contact information for DSS:
919-245-2490.
113 Mayo Street, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
dssinfo@orangecountync.gov for FNS related questions and information.
If someone wants to know if/when they will get money from federal stimulus package:
Payments up to $1,200 per person, with an additional $500 per child under 17, will be made to U.S. residents with a Social Security number who earn under $75,000. You are also entitled to $500 for each child you claim as a dependent.
If you receive Social Security, your stimulus payment will be deposited directly into your bank account in the next two weeks. If you usually get a paper Social Security check, you will get a paper check in the mail.
If you are low-income and haven’t filed a tax return in the last two years, you will have to file one to get your payment. YOu can do this online if you have a computer. Go to: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free. You will need direct deposit information for your bank account. You have until the end of the year to file but don’t wait.
If you don’t have a bank account, things aren’t clear yet. You qualify for a payment, so it’s best to contact the financial services companies that supply your prepaid debit cards for SNAP.
For more info on how to get your stimulus check, go to: IRS.gov/coronavirus
Call the Jackson Center if you need assistance. (919) 960-1670.
Food
Food is available through IFC. You must call (919) 929-6380, ext. 0, for appointments.
Other sources: Rogers Road- (919) 918-2822
School district- (919) 967-8211
Any child can get meals every week day at:
Northside Open 12:00-12:30
Craig Gomains 11:30-12:00
Rogers Road 12:15-12:45
Crest 11:30-12:00
Food Banks of Central and Eastern NC (919-968-2850) have drive-thru food pick-up at the Chapel Hill Public Library on Wednesdays:
April 8: 10-12:30
April 15: 10-12:30
April 22: 12-3:30
April 29: 11-2:30
Harris Teeter has times reserved for SENIORS ONLY. They are:
Mondays and Thursdays, 6-8 AM.
The Jackson Center is delivering hot meals from Vimala’s Curryblossom Café weekly on Fridays or Saturdays. Call the Jackson Center for more info and for delivery times. (919-960-1670)
Other
Hope Line for Older Adults: Older adults can call 1-866-578-4673 or 1-866-578-HOPE if they’re experiencing isolation from social distancing.
Disaster Distress Helpline: The CDC recommends calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Compass Center for Women and Families is closed to outside visitors. The 24 hour domestic violence line is open: 919-929-7122. Their business line is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday: 919-968-4610.
Orange County Rape Crisis Center’s 24 hour helpline is available: 919-967-7273 (phone) or 919- 504-5211 (text). Hospital accompaniment is being provided via video chat.
Virtual AA and NA meetings: Cardinal Innovations provides links to virtual substance use recovery support meetings.
Mental Health 24 Hour Crisis Line: Cardinal Innovations also provides a 24/7 for crisis or referral hotline at 1-800-939-5911.
Child Care Services Association: The COVID-19 Relief Fund to help families and child care programs in North Carolina with urgent and long-term expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic, including paying for childcare: 855-327-5933.
The Orange County Arts Commission provides funding assistance for artists and organizations who have been impacted by COVID-19.
North Carolina’s 211 is working on the front lines of the pandemic. Expert 211 specialists provide real-time information on social services and other resources to those in need. If you know someone who is struggling, or just looking for a source of reliable information, tell them to dial 211 or visit nc211.org. You can also “opt in” to 211’s texting platform to receive information updates and connection to resources by texting COVIDNC to 898211.
COVID-19 Crisis: What the Jackson Center is doing
Neighborhood Walk-Throughs: We’ll be walking through neighborhoods in Northside, Pine Knolls, and Tin Top on Wednesdays and Fridays between 3-5 pm, weather permitting. Come out on your porch and say hello. We may even sing!
Hot meal deliveries: Every Friday or Saturday afternoon, we will deliver hot, delicious meals to neighbors in partnership with Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe. We may add additional days. Call the Jackson Center to reserve meals.
Grocery deliveries: These are made on an as-needed basis. We can deliver food supplied by local food pantries and food banks, and we can cover delivery costs charged by local supermarkets (though you must reserve a delivery time and may have to wait a few days). We also have a limited number of Food Lion gift cards. Call for more info.
Application Assistance: If you are struggling to navigate or access an application for assistance, like SNAP benefits, unemployment, etc, please give us a call and we will try to assist you over the phone.
Emergency repairs or funding assistance: If you have an emergency home repair or an emergency funding need caused by this crisis (like a loss of job resulting in rental or mortgage assistance need), we may be able to connect you to needed resources. Call our office.
Jackson Center: 919-960-1670
WARNING!
Be careful of SCAMS!!! You may be getting calls and emails from people claiming to represent credit agencies or offering to help you get government stimulus money. DO NOT GIVE ANYONE ANY PRIVATE FINANCIAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE OR ONLINE (Social security number, bank information, etc). If you have questions about credit, call your bank, credit card company or government office directly. Do not rely on third parties claiming to help.
Some Advice from the Experts
The CDC strongly recommends people wear masks when they go out, especially when going shopping. Check out this video from Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams (the masked man in the picture) explaining how you can make a surgical mask from an old t-shirt or cloth and 2 rubber bands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPx1yqvJgf4
Dr. Patrice Harris, President of the American Medical Association, has warned everyone not to try experimental drugs for COVID-19. Though the President has said, “What do you have to lose?” her response is, “You could lose your life.” The FDA has not approved ANY drugs that can cure COVID-19. “I told [President Trump] loud and clear: We need more personal protective equipment [for health care workers] and test kits.”
Ask Keith
In these confusing times, the Northside Community’s Ms. Keith Edwards offers advice that is more important than ever. Here are some answers to a few very important and urgent questions:
Where can I get masks and gloves?
The best solution for masks is to make your own. You can double up any cotton cloth, bandana or scarf and tie it across your nose and mouth. You can also go online and find easy instructions for making one with an old t-shirt and two rubber bands. (See picture below!) Me, personally, being old school, I would just use an old bra. Women can use an old bra you have by cutting off the cups, taking the straps off, and sowing them to the cups. You can put a piece of cloth over the cup … Viola! Surgical gloves are hard to come by. You can wear rubber gloves; just make sure you wash them with soap and water before and after use.
Where can I get toilet paper?
You can call stores and ask when they get their shipments. Trader Joe’s keeps them behind the counter and will sell you one package if you ask for it.
What is your advice on people you think are calling you trying to run a scam during this pandemic.
It has picked up more over the last few weeks. People are calling you hoping that you are emotional and want you to have them help. They will want your credit card number to “donate.” Don’t give out your credit card number– or any personal financial information– over the phone. Donate to reputable organizations that you know like food banks, churches, etc.
What about ordering food?
You have got to be cautious of who you are ordering food from. Only order directly from the restaurant or food delivery companies that are well known and trusted like Takeout Central. Right now, you can get $10 off any order over $20 at many local restaurants including Jersey Mike’s, Mama Dip’s, Monterrey, IP3 Pizza, and many more. Just call Takeout Central (919-942-7678) and tell them you’d like the CH Downtown Partnership discount. You can order online at https://www.takeoutcentral.com/chapel-hill/restaurants/delivery. Enter Promocode: #ShopDowntownCH.
How do you feel about people going to church during this time?
God is with us every day, and for me, I’m gonna use that. I’m gonna use common sense and I would not risk my life.
What to do at home
Here are some suggestions based on the wisdom of our neighbors:
Make something. I talked with one neighbor who told me joyfully that he is working on numerous quilts. I know many sewers, crochers, beaders, embroiderers, artists, woodworkers, and DIYers who are not at all bored these days.
Cook something. Let’s face it. There are more legendary cooks in this community than anyplace else this side of the Mississippi. We just recently featured Ms. Odessa Wilson’s Chicken and Dumplings and Mama Dip’s Apple Cake recipes in the Northside News (you can find them on our website: www.jacksoncenter.info/blog/blog.) Not everyone feels like cooking these days. Some neighbors have told me they don’t have the energy and they shouldn’t go grocery shopping. If you need someone to get food for you or would like one of our weekly hot meals delivered to you, please call the Jackson Center, 919-960-1670.
Plant something. Or prune something. Or pull some weeds. There are so many stories from neighbors in our oral history archive about their Northside gardens– the fruits, vegetables and flowers. Ms. Jane Farrar once told me all about her beautiful begonias and “hens and bitties.” And Ms. Willie May Paterson’s front yard is part of her legacy, not just because of the stone wall that started a movement, but the beauty and whimsy that brings joy to humans and animals alike.
Learn something. I love the story about
how Mr. R.D. Smith learned how to build his house by reading a book. One of our Pine Knolls neighbors has said she is challenging herself to learn some internet skills, proof that you can teach an old (or, better stated, senior) dog new tricks.
Do something for someone. Or ask someone to do something for you. One Northsider told me how her neighbor does her grocery shopping for her. Another neighbor told me how happy she was that her nephew-in-law mowed her lawn for her. If you are reluctant to ask for something, think of it as giving someone else a chance to help. We all know how good it feels to be able to help someone even in a small way. That’s always been the Northside way.
Repair something. Where to start? Maybe just tightening a few screws. Everyone’s got some loose ones somewhere.😉 Andrea Wuerth
Ways to reduce risk when grocery shopping: A few tips
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease passed mostly from person-to-person not by touching boxes. But you can also pass the virus from a surface to your face. Always wash or disinfect your hands before and after shopping.
The most important thing you can do is to stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
Wear a mask and gloves. Check out how to make one very easily in this issue of the Northside News.
Wipe down your grocery cart handle with disinfectant wipes. Most grocery stores provide them.
If you can, use self check-out. You can swipe an item without setting it down and then place directly into bag.
Use your own bags only if you wash them after each use.
When you get home, put groceries on cleanable surface. Wipe down glass, cans, and plastic containers and bottles, and you can transfer contents like cereal to a clean container.
Always wash off all surfaces that have come in contact with groceries, wash your gloves with soap and water (or dispose of them), and wash your mask after each use.
If you are a senior, you can shop during seniors-only times at Harris Teeter, from 6-8 am every Monday and Thursday.
Ways to Assist in the Community
PORCH/ CHCCS Community Partnership Feeding Program
Food distribution
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKMCw6hqYSGNVM278NIhl-MwUaai5PxUrtXBY060DOuU5AKg/viewform
Contact debbie@porchcommunities.org
TABLE
Food distribution
Sign up here: https://tablenc.org/volunteer-form/
Donate blood to the American Red Cross
Nearly 4,500 American Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in 150,000 fewer blood donations through March 18.
Red Cross is now facing a severe blood shortage, which could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer
Red Cross is taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of donors and staff. This includes:
Checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy
Providing hand sanitizer for use before the drive, as well as throughout the donation process
Spacing beds, where possible, to follow social distancing practices between blood donors
Increasing enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment
If you are healthy, feeling well, and eligible to give blood or platelets, please make an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Submitted by Diana Koo
A Call for Action by Rev. Dr. William Barber
The Rev. Dr. William Barber declared April 4, 2020, “A Day of Prophetic Mourning & Action,” in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s address on April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. Fifty-three years ago, Rev. King declared that the nation “must undergo a radical revolution of values.” This message is relevant more than ever right now. Rev. Barber is urging people to sign an electronic petition to demand a moral stimulus package that will lift the 140 million people in America who are poor or are one crisis away from poverty. For more information, go to: poorpeoplescampaign.org/resource/poor-peoples-moral-budget.
“Epidemics emerge along the fissures of our society, reflecting not only the biology of the infectious agent, but patterns of marginalization, exclusion and discrimination.”
Rev. Dr. William Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis
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