COVID-19 Updates

Updates and Resources Regarding COVID-19 — Please check each section as new posts are added at least every other day.  Thank you.

From “Keeping You Posted” – COVID19 economic relief package of the national setting offer $2.6m in opportunities, which includes the $1.5m contribution to the low interest loan pool held with Cornerstone. Each resource pool is listed with a brief description, active link to either the application or additional information, and a contact person for more information if needed. A small review team, inclusive of CCM representation, is in place for grant reviews. And every grant application requires either a conference referral for Wider Church or a conference endorsement for Justice & Local Church Ministries. We will begin processing grants on June 1. We pray this offering, made possible by the generous contributions of our churches, will enhance your efforts and assist them now in this hour of need. The KYP link is below. It was published at 1pm EST on Tuesday, May 26, 2020

https://www.ucc.org/news_pandemic_grants_for_churches_added_to_ucc_covid_19_relief_response_05262020

From the PA Council of Churches

We have been maintaining a page with a variety of COVID-19 resources (https://www.pachurches.org/covid-19-coronavirus-resources/), updated nearly daily. Here are the most recent additions: (5.12.2020)

Governor Wolf Signs Bills Aimed at Fighting COVID-19 in Pennsylvania; Other COVID-19 Actions in PA

Emergency Housing for Isolated & Quarantined Persons in Pennsylvania 

New PA Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Resources

• Wolf Administration Receives USDA Approval for COVID-19 Disaster Food Distribution

New PA Department of Health COVID-19 Resources

• Homeless Sheltering Questions—FAQ

• Pennsylvania Department of Education Receives USDA Waiver to Allow All Children to Qualify for Free Meals

New Federal COVID-19 Resources

• New USDA Guidance—Rural Areas, Feeding Programs, Information Source

Food Connect Food Donation Quick Start Guide

United Way of PA Publishes COVID-19 Resources for the Public

PA Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center Work on the COVID-19 Crisis

How Will The Coronavirus Stimulus Bill’s Individual Payments Work?

Blessings and peace,  Sandy

Rev. Sandra L. Strauss, Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach, PA Council of Churches

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3.30.2020_FFCRA_Summary

3.30.2020_UPDATED_Families_First_Coronavirus_Response_Act

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From Heather E. Kimmel, General Counsel, UCC

5.13.2020_Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions

UPDATED 5.4.2020 CARES Act For Churches

Liquidity, Necessity, and FAQ 31  uploaded on 5/1/2020

Unemployment for Church Workers 4.15.2020

SBA’s recently released FAQ for religious organizations applying for loans under the CARES Act.  Click Here to read

Many participants had questions about HR concerns for their churches in light of the new legislation and challenges as a result of COVID-19. We invite you to join us for our third COVID-19 related webcast on April 15 @ 2:00 Eastern Time. Churches across the country are faced with a multitude of concerns, including maintaining staff, reducing staff, and re-employment. This discussion will address the primary HR matters facing your ministry during these challenging times.

Our first COVID-19 webcast, featuring Heather Kimmel on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, can be found here.

Insurance Board is committed to helping you protect your ministry by offering resources to support it.

4.3.2020 Cares Act for Churches

Covid 19 Procedure for Meeting Changes

CARES-Act-Unemployment-Insurance-Explainer_3.26

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AVOAD Guidance: Volunteering and Volunteer Needs in the Midst of COVID-19

The Partnership Center Center for Faith & Opportunity Initiatives U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

• Coronavirus Guidelines for America for slowing the spread of the virus includes the request to avoid social gatherings of 10 people or more.
• For updates on COVID-19, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) dedicated website (which are also available in Spanish).
• For information and recommendations on LOCAL community actions designed to limit exposure to COVID-19, check with your state and local public health authorities.
• For specific guidance and instruction relative to your community’s tradition and practices, please refer to your national and regional denominations.