Government Update – 4/27/20

The following is an update from the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to the Faith-Based community. There are several things of interest and opportunities included in this communication. We want to make sure that all of our ministers have access to these updates as we receive them.

Message from The DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives

We at the DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives recognize that you are bombarded with information that can be overwhelming and at times inconsistent. As a result, our team spent this weekend compiling a list of key resources for faith and community-based organization leaders.

We are thankful for your work in serving and advocating for your community. The number of communities that are forming COVID-19 recovery groups integrating government, non-profits, private sector companies and neighbor to neighbor engagement is frankly inspiring. Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued service to others.

Sincerely,

The DHS Center Team

Upcoming Events

FEMA REGION II WEBINAR: The Importance of Planning and Best Practices for Houses of Worship

Wednesday, April 29th, 2020, 1 PM – 2:30 PM ET 

• Please join the Region II National Preparedness Division webinar for houses of worship and faith-based organizations with introductory remarks from the DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives.
• During this webinar speakers from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness/Interfaith Advisory Council, New York Disaster Interfaith Services and New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters will discuss the importance of emergency operations and continuity planning as well as resources each of the organizations provide to support Houses of Worship.
• Best practices for performing essential functions and continuing their missions to serve congregants during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will be highlighted during the discussion by guest speakers from  African Methodist Episcopal Church and United Sikhs.

Registration: Register for the Best Practices for Houses of Worship Webinar. Make sure to test your Adobe Connect before the meeting.

This event will include live captioning.

General Resources

• FEMA, HHS and our federal partners are working with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to execute a whole-of-America response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of the American people.
• USDA’s Federal Rural Resource Guide offers a matrix of technical assistance, training, financial assistance, and other resources available to each individuals, businesses, nonprofits, communities, and governments.
• Individuals and organizations can learn How to Help in the effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. (FEMA)
• Center for Disease Control Stop the Spread of Germs
• Review current White House Guidelines for Opening Up America Again.

Resources for Faith-Based and Community Leaders

Faith-based and community leaders continue to be valuable sources of comfort and support for their members and communities during times of distress, including the growing presence of COVID-19 in different parts of the country.

• Prevention: Recommended Preventive Practices and FAQs for Faith-based and Community Leaders (HHS)
• Faith, Community and Mental Health during COVID-19: According to a recent survey released by the American Psychiatric Association, many people have significant anxiety and concerns related to coronavirus. (HHS)                                                                                                            
• Additional Resources for Community- and Faith-Based Leaders (CDC)
• FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Liaisons have created a Voluntary Organization System for Engagement (VOISE), which provides updates from FEMA, National Private Not-for-Profit Organizations, and a network of information from around the nation.

Federal Financial Assistance

• The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American industries. (Treasury)
• The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus includes the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) – low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 – as well as loan advances and debt relief. Review the FAQ for Faith-Based Applicants interested in the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
• Private Nonprofit Organizations: Certain PNPs are eligible to apply for funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance program.

Training

• Online Courses: Browse online training related to COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and other organizations (Public Health Foundation)
• Cloth Face Coverings: Lean how to wear and make a face covering to help slow the spread of COVID-19. (CDC)

Key Contacts and Local Help

• State and Territorial Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA)
• Local Health Departments (National Association of County and City Health Officials)
• Local Assistance from SBA Partners may include counseling, mentoring and training for small businesses.
• State-by-State COVID Information and Resources are available from state and local government, nonprofit organizations and businesses. (AARP)

Food and Nutrition

• The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)provides assistance to farmers, ranchers, and consumers. (USDA)
• This directory of Food Nutrition Help can be filtered by State and program. (USDA)

Homelessness Assistance

• Homelessness Assistance Programs: HUD provides funding to States and local governments and nonprofit providers to serve individuals and families across the United States who are affected by homelessness. The Daily Resource Digest lists additional resources for homeless service providers.
• Disease Risk and Homelessness: People experiencing homelessness often have a higher risk for exposure to communicable diseases and have little access to health care systems and treatment in their communities. The emergence of COVID-19 calls for enhanced cooperation and partnerships. (HUD)
• Homelessness Resources: Information and support are available for homeless and meal service providers, as well as emergency and day shelters, on planning, preparing, and responding to COVID-19. (CDC)
• The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness coordinates the federal response to homelessness, working in close partnership with senior leaders across our 19 federal member agencies, and has been active in COVID-19 response efforts.

The DHS Center does not endorse any non-government entities, organizations, or services. Claims made by third parties have not been independently verified.

Contact Us

Learn more about the DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives  online.

If you have any questions, please contact the DHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at Partnerships@fema.dhs.gov.