Information and Resources: Covid-19 Response

We will be continuously adding information on City Facilities, City Services, and Information and Resources as they become available.

How to Stay in touch with the City

• Please also be sure you are signed up for Takoma Park Alerts to receive emergency alerts. This is very important.
• Please email us at askus@takomaparkmd.gov to ask questions or make suggestions.

Facilities Closed – Emergency Police  and Services Continue

• City of Takoma Park facilities, including City offices, the library, and the Recreation Center is closed indefinitely until the health emergency ends.
• Police Department offices are closed to the public, but all emergency police services remain available 24/7.
• Most meetings, classes, and events will be canceled, along with rentals of City facilities,
• Some City Staff will work remotely

Finance

Although the City building is closed, the finance office is staffed and accepting payment for City fees by phone and credit card.

PAYMENT OF CITY FEES DURING EMERGENCY CLOSING

The Governor has closed all Maryland public schools, the County Executive has closed County public services. To be consistent with the State and County approach, beginning Friday evening at 7 pm, City of Takoma Park facilities including the finance office will be closed to the public due to a public health emergency.

Payments associated with a City-issued invoices may be made either by phone or online by Visa, Mastercard and Discover. A convenience fee of 2.9% or $1.50, whichever is greater, will be charged. The following fees can be paid online:

• Landlord registration and licensing
• Holiday Art Sale Vendor Fee – $25 per booth
• Parking fines
• Recreation programs

Please call 301-891-7212 to talk to one of the finance staff if you wish to make payment by credit card.

Public Works: Services

Although offices are closed to the public, residents can continue to request public works services or report hazardous conditions via phone – 301 891 7633 or email publicworks@takomaparkmd.gov. In addition,

• Regular collection service for trash, recycling, food waste, and yard waste will continue as normal until further notice.

Permits and Licenses

• Public Works is still processing permit applications for tree removal, tree protection, storage pods or dumpsters in the right of way, driveway aprons or work in the right of way. Permit applications can be accessed on the city’s website and should be mailed with fee payment to the Public Works office: 31 Oswego Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
• Municipality Letters can be obtained by checking the City webpage and submitting the required information.
• Rental Housing Licenses: Routine licensing inspections for new and renewing rental properties in the City are suspended at least through mid-April.  New licenses cannot be issued at this time, and pending renewals with open inspections cannot be completed until inspections are resumed.

Council Meetings

Due to the public health crisis, City Council meetings will be held remotely  by video conference.

Resources and Programs

This is not a complete list and please let us know if there are any additional resources we should share with our community. Before visiting businesses please make sure nothing has changed in their status.

• Emergency Assistance Fund– The City of Takoma Park offers an Emergency Assistance Fund to support residents in need of emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as housing, utilities, prescription drugs, or food.
• Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has established 20 locations where children up to 18 years old can receive a nutritious meal, starting March 16. No appointment is necessary.  Nutritious Meals
• Meals on Wheels– There are local Meals on Wheels program that provides assistance for those who need meals.
• YMCA, 9800 Hasting Drive, Silver Spring is distributing food: produce (Wednesday, 4pm to 6pm and Thursday, 9am to noon) and meals for children under 18 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10am to 2pm).
• Village of Takoma Park– The Village of Takoma Park provides support for older adults and people with disabilities.
• Food Pantry at TPMS – The Difference Makers at TPMS have a food pantry for families. During the school closing, volunteers will continue to provide food for families’ needs. To donate food you can go her here to order nonperishable items that will be delivered to TPMS.
• Support for local businesses – Old Town Business Association has a micro-grants program people can donate to support grants to local businesses.

Other individuals and organizations at work in our City to support those in need.

• Manna Food Center
• Capital Area Food Bank
• Adventist Community Services: The pantry is at 501 Sligo Ave.  Normal service hours are 10-2 pm Monday-Thursday.
  • Farmers Market: New Location Sunday. Seventh-Day Adventist Community Center parking lot, 6810 Eastern Ave. to help ensure appropriate social distancing (6 feet from others). Seniors only 9-10am; regular market 10am-2pm. Check the market website for shopping guidelines and some online ordering: https://takomaparkmarket.com/  Please send one person per family, no kids, and stay home if you’re not feeling well.
• Crossroads Community Food Network
• Small Things Matter
•  CHEER
• Grocery Assistance for Low-income Seniors | Montgomery County, MD
• Senior Information

•  CDC
•  Montgomery County Health Department

Businesses Information

The State of Maryland has created the  Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Programs for Businesses: https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/maryland-small-business-covid-19-emergency-relief-fund-programs

• Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund – This $75 million loan fund (for for-profit businesses only) offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per year. Link for more information.
• Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund – This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020. Link for more information and to apply is here.

Ayuda just launched an emergency relief fund for their low-income immigrant clients: https://www.classy.org/campaign/support-covid-19-relief/c277151.

The Takoma Park Farmers Market on Sunday (10am-2pm) will be open. Check the website for the location. Farmers will be wearing gloves, and there will be a community hand-washing station.

Looking for Something to Do at Home

Check Out Online Library Offerings

This is a good time to get to know the Takoma Park library’s online offerings. Check out e-books and audiobooks, language-learning, offerings for kids, and more!

Montgomery County Libraries

Offers online ebook options and streaming video.