Information and Resources: COVID-19 Response

The State of Maryland requires the wearing of masks in these situations:

1.  in or on any Public Transportation;
2. indoors at any location where members of the public are generally  permitted
3. outdoors and unable to consistently maintain at least six feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household;
4. obtaining healthcare service
5. engaged in work in any area where:
   1. interaction with others is likely, including without limitation, in shared areas of commercial offices; or
   2. food is prepared or packaged.

Takoma Park by the Numbers 

View the dashboard to access up-to-date data on confirmed cases,  infection rate,  and demographic breakdown.

Reopening Information

Reopening Montgomery

• Phase 2. What’s Open? What’s Not?
• What happens in each Phase? Plus posters in several languages detailing protective measures and checklists for compliance.

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.
• Subscribe to the Takoma Insider, the weekly digital City Newsletter.
• Follow the City on Facebook and Twitter.

Facilities Closed – Emergency Police  and Services Continue

• City of Takoma Park facilities, including City offices, the library, and the Recreation Center are closed until the health emergency ends. City Staff are working remotely.
• Police Department offices are open for limited services, but all emergency police services remain available 24/7.
• Most meetings, classes, and events have been cancelled or converted to virtual/remote activities. Rentals of City facilities have been cancelled,

Police Department

• Police COVID-19 Resource page
• Police Department offices are open for limited services, but all emergency police services remain available 24/7
• Temporary Response Protocol during a health emergency
• Statement on local enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order

Finance

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

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

• Rental Housing licensing
• Parking fines
• Recreation programs

Please call 301-891-7212 to talk with Finance staff or to make a payment by credit card.

Library

• Books to Go Contact-free book check out
• Program Calendar for Circle Time, Sketch Club, and other ongoing outdoor and online programs.
• Get to know the Takoma Park library’s online offerings. Check out e-books and audiobooks, language-learning, offerings for kids, and more!

Public Works: Services

• Residents can continue to request public works services or report hazardous conditions via phone at 301 891 7633 or email publicworks@takomaparkmd.gov.
• 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 for construction or renovation can be obtained by following these directions.

Recreation

• Visit the Virtual Community Center for access to online classes and programs.
• Phone a Neighbor: Sign up for the Rec Dept’s “Phone a Neighbor Program.” We are looking for seniors who want to receive occasional phone calls and the residents who can volunteer to make them. To sign up please email JavonteM@takomaparkmd.gov or call Ms. Paula at 240-687-4132.
• Follow the City on Facebook and Twitter to see Recreation Approved Resources,  for crafts and activities from around the world.  And in case you missed some they are all listed at the bottom right of this page.

City TV

City TV is on the job helping to make City programs accessible at a distance, such as Ms. Karen’s popular Circle Time.

• Find local programming on RCN – Channel 13, HD Channel 1060; Comcast/Xfinity – Channel 13; Verizon Fios – Channel 28)
• Archives of programs can be found on the City TV YouTube channel.

Council Meetings

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

Resources and Programs to Give or Receive Assistance

This is not a complete list. 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.

Masks

• Takoma Park residents in need of masks should contact housing@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7119.
• Residents willing and able to donate masks for residents in need, please bring masks to drop off box in Police Station lobby.
• Make your own face coverings, both sew and non-sew instructions.
• Caring for your masks:
  • Wash by machine with your regular laundry on the warmest setting appropriate to the fabric type, or
  • Wash by hand in a solution of 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water. Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes and  rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water
  • Dry at highest setting in dryer or air dry in sunlight if possible.

For Businesses 

• Maryland Business Relief Wizard Tool to connect businesses with the resources and programming for which they’re eligible, streamlining the process of finding support.
• COVID-19 FAQs in several languages covering State services,  general safety guidance, and health information.

• Get tested for free in Montgomery County
• Test sites throughout Maryland
• Free COVID-19 Testing available at select CVS locations: Fill out a short questionnaire regarding symptoms and referrals, and if approved, an appointment can be booked for drive up testing.
• Hotlines for Health Information
  • Hotline #211- The State of Maryland  public hotline for questions about testing and potential exposure to COVID-19
  • Helpline #240-777-1755- The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
• State of Maryland COVID-19 FAQs in several languages covering State services,  general safety guidance, and health information.
• CDC Health Information
  • Downloadable posters
    • What You Need to Know (English and Spanish)
    • Stop the Spread of Germs (English, Spanish, French, Amharic)
  • Use of Face Coverings to Slow the Spread and both sew and no-sew instructions.
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting your Facility
•  Montgomery County COVID-19 Resources.
• State Health Exchange Enrollment –  Maryland Health Connection – Coronavirus emergency extends special enrollment period until July 15.
• FDA Do Not Use Hand Sanitizer Products Manufactured by Eskbiochem due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. List of products here.

Food

• Food Access Call Center. Call 311. County staff will work with you to get individualized help.
• Takoma Park To Go  Directory of the many Takoma Park Restaurants are offering take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery.
• Directory of Montgomery County Grocery Stores with dedicated hours for seniors and other at-risk groups. Scroll down to Takoma Park section for the closest stores.
• Silver Spring Cares raises funds to pay local Takoma Park and Silver Spring restaurants to prepare meals to be distributed for free to those in need through Small Things Matter.
• Meals on Wheels– There are local Meals on Wheels programs that provide assistance for those who need meals delivered.
• YMCA,  Youth and Family Services 9601 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring is distributing fresh produce and meals on Wednesdays from 1-3pm.
• Food Distribution at TPMS During the school closing, volunteers will continue to provide food for families’ needs.  Donate or request assistance here.
• 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.
• Takoma Park Farmers Market: Parking Lot behind Shops at Laurel. Sundays Seniors and immunocompromised shoppers only 9-10am; regular market 10am-2pm. Please send one person per family, no kids, wear a mask. Pre-orders available.
• Crossroads Community Food Network Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays, 11am-3pm
• Small Things Matter
•  CHEER
• Grocery Assistance for Low-income Seniors | Montgomery County, MD

Emergency Assistance

• 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.  Donate to the fund here.
• Ministries United Silver Spring Takoma Park (MUSST)
  Email: Musst@verizon.net

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

• Meals: New service hours as of August 31. Complete list of sites.
• Wellness Resources:  If you believe your child is in crisis, please contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000. Students can also reach out to their counselor and school psychologist to set up a confidential appointment.
• Waymaking Video Series
  Suicide Awareness
  Managing Stress and Anxiety for Students
  Managing Stress and Anxiety during Social Distancing

Especially for Seniors

• Maryland’s Caregiver Services Corps Seniors or their loved ones may call 2-1-1 to be connected with the help center if a friend or family member who typically provides care becomes temporarily unavailable. Volunteers can be deployed to seniors’ homes to provide assistance, including with maintaining daily hygiene routines, preparing meals, picking up groceries or medications, or connecting virtually with health care providers.  The call center is available 7 days a week and is capable of taking calls in many languages.
• Village of Takoma Park– The Village of Takoma Park provides support for older adults and people with disabilities.
• Maryland Seniors Call Check-in Program
• Resource Packet for Older Adults compiled by Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services.

Housing

• The CDC issued an order for a  Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions To Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19.  See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Download the form to declare eligibility for this protection.
• Montgomery County COVID-19 Rent Relief program Phase II
  Download a one-page flyer for the program
• The Housing Initiative Partnership is hosting two Information Sessions via Zoom for renters, to cover
  Montgomery County’s COVID Rent Relief Program Eviction Process in the Courts during the Pandemic Protections under the Law
  Eviction Moratorium
  Other Relief Programs
  Spanish: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 7pm
  English: Friday, September 18, 2020 at 7pm
  Both Sessions use:  ZOOM ID: 982 288 5774 passcode: 2020
  For more information call: 301-916-5946

Montgomery County Resources for Residential Buildings

• “Masks Required” posters for  in several languages: Amharic,  Chinese,  English.  French, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese.
• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Guidance for Multi-Family Building Residents

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

• Resources for Mortgage and Housing Assistance
• Protecting your finances during the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Tools to Help When You Can’t Pay your Bills

Job-Related Resources

• Jobs 
  • GET SHIFT DONE
  • WorkSource Montgomery
    • Job Opportunities
    • Employment Assistance Webinars. Join our employment partner, WorkSource Montgomery, for virtual workshops on job-seeking skills, and on keeping productive with telework. See the list here: https://worksourcemontgomery.com/calendar/
    • One-on-One Job Coaching
      First Tuesday of the Month, By appointment only. Contact Housing@TakomaParkMd.gov
      Call: 301-891-7119
• U.S. Department of Labor Do the requirements and benefits provided for in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) apply to you? This online tool will quickly walk you through a handful of options to determine your eligibility as an employee for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave, or your obligations as an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave.
• Maryland Department of Labor
  How to apply for Unemployment Insurance
  COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Update
• Support for local businesses – Donate to these funds to support local businesses:
  • City fund to provide micro-grants to local businesses throughout the City
  • Old Town Business Association micro-grants program supporting Old Town-based businesses

Legal Assistance

• Civil Justice and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service are providing free one-on-one legal advice and consultation for homeowners facing foreclosure who do not have legal representation. There are no income restrictions.
  Helpline 443-808-0076 Mondays 1:30 pm—6:00 pm, Wednesdays 8:00 am—12:30 pm
• Civil Justice, Inc. 410-706-0174, Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm for help with garnishment of stimulus check, auto fraud and repossession abuse
• Catholic University of America Community Legal Services 202-319-6788 for help with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, IRS disputes and payment agreements
• Civil Justice, Inc. 410-706-0174, Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm for help with garnishment of stimulus check, auto fraud and repossession abuse
• Catholic University of America Community Legal Services 202-319-6788 for help with Chapter 7 bankruptcy, IRS disputes and payment agreements
• Maryland Legal Aid – Montgomery County Office, Legal assistance, including Wills and Powers of Attorney. 240-314-0373
• Pro Bono Program of the Montgomery County Bar Foundation, Inc., Wills and Powers of Attorney 301-424-7651
• Standby Guardianship Project, Inc., help with Standby Guardianship form and family safety planning. Maureen Laurenas 240-773-8260 and Cam Crockett 240-535-5966