From: DPH-DVC Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 4:21 PM To: DPH-DVC Subject: DVC Daily Email For up to date information on the Coronavirus, please check the LA County Department of Public Health website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/. Additional information is available from the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

This is being forwarded as a courtesy by the Domestic Violence Council by request of the sender. Forwarding this email does not constitute endorsement, approval or preference of this event, activity, or notice, by either the Domestic Violence Council, the Department of Public Health or the County of Los Angeles. The Domestic Violence Council retains the discretion to refuse to distribute any information determined by the Domestic Violence Council, the Department of Public Health or the County of Los Angeles to be inappropriate, unrelated to the work of the Domestic Violence Council or in violation of any applicable law or policy.

TELEBRIEFING ON CORONAVIRUS FOR SUBSTANCE CENTERS AND HOMELESS SHELTERS

VIRTUAL BRIEFING ON COVID-19

See the recording on Facebook at https://facebook.com/countyofla

COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

Virtual Briefing:

L.A. County officials deliver update on COVID-19

LOS ANGELES – Protecting the health of all residents is critical in the County's effort to mitigate the spread of 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19). Officials will provide updates on plans for public safety and continuing to provide life-saving medical services 24/7. Also, LA City officials join us to announce new contracts that will allow for a significant increase in testing for the coronavirus, COVID-19. In addition, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed additional cases of COVID-19. Community officials stress to the public to continue the practice of social distancing.

WHEN:

Today, Monday, March 23 12:30 p.m.

LIVESTREAM:

• The County Channel, Channel 94 on most cable systems. Find your County Channel station here: http://bit.ly/CountyChannel

• Facebook at https://facebook.com/countyofla • Several local news stations will be streaming as well

WHO:

• Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair, Fifth District • Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department • Councilmember David Ryu, City of Los Angeles • Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby, L.A. County Fire Department • Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Public Health • Clayton Kazan, Medical Director, L.A. County Fire Department

Questions about COVID-19:

• Visit the Los Angeles County website: http://lacounty.gov/covid19 • Call 2-1-1 L.A. County at any time for emergency preparedness information and other referral

services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. • Department of Public Health: http://ph.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/

Media Accessibility for People with Disabilities & others with Access & Functional Needs Federal Communication Commission rules under Section 255 of the Communications Act require telecommunications service providers to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities, if such access is readily achievable. Where access is not readily achievable, service providers must make their devices and services compatible with peripheral devices and specialized customer premises equipment that are commonly used by people with disabilities, if such compatibility is readily available.

# # #

County of Los Angeles, Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) For questions, please contact OEM on-call PIO at communications@ceooem.lacounty.gov.

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LATEST FROM WDACS ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS – MARCH 23, 2020

Latest from WDACS on Novel Coronavirus – March 23, 2020

America’s Job Centers of California Expand Virtual Options Effective Today; In-Person Services by Appointment Only

In alignment with the County’s “Safer at Home” order in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, LA County America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) will no longer accommodate walk-in clients and will launch expanded virtual services via workforce.lacounty.gov.

County AJCCs will provide limited in-person services by appointment only. You can call any of the AJCCs directly to make an appointment – find their numbers here. Anyone feeling mildly sick should remain home and access service over the phone or online. Other job centers (e.g. City of LA WorkSource Centers) are also encouraging virtual services and will strictly limit in-person capacity; please call before visiting.

All critical AJCC services are available online. The virtual offerings available at workforce.lacounty.gov will provide workers and jobseekers access to:

• Job openings, assessments, and labor market information through the County’s CalJOBS portal

• Access to free education tools to learn new skills

• Community resources, including supportive services and partner organizations

• Information for recently laid off workers, individuals with disabilities, and resources for both the homeless and justice-involved populations

Further, businesses will have access to:

• Emergency grants and loans to provide a fresh influx of capital

• Layoff aversion assistance, including WorkShare programs that will allow companies to access a pool of qualified workers

• Resources on L.A. County’s moratorium on commercial evictions and extensions for utility bills

Over the next few weeks, virtual offerings will continue to increase, including tools that will allow members of the public to interact with staff in real-time as well as attend live, online workshops.

Stay tuned for additional updates and new features! In the meantime, if you have any questions, individuals can email AJCCJobs@WDACS.lacounty.gov (or call 888-226-6300) and businesses can email bizdev@wdacs.lacounty.gov.

UPDATE: GOVERNOR'S OFFICE LIST OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR SHELTER AT HOME ORDER - KEY ITEMS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS

Update: Governor's Office List of Essential Services for Shelter At Home Order - Key Items for Domestic Violence Programs

The Governor's office has updated the list of essential services for the Shelter at Home order. Below are the key items for domestic violence programs.

• Behavioral health workers (including mental and substance use disorder) responsible for coordination, outreach, engagement, and treatment to individuals in need of mental health and/or substance use disorder services.

• Workers who provide support to vulnerable populations to ensure their health and well-being including family care providers

• Workers who support food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, such as those residing in shelters.

Please note, courts are also included as essential services, consistent with guidance released by the California Chief Justice. Click here for the full list and click here for a helpful Q&A on the order. For more resources on COVID-19 for domestic violence programs, please see the Partnership's resource page here.

New Webinar Series: COVID-19 Tech Safety & Privacy Series

National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Safety Net Project will be hosting 4 webinars to discuss considerations for using digital services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For Decision-Makers: Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tuesday, March 24th at 11 AM: Meant specifically for organization decision makers, this webinar will dive into the most important pieces we need to consider when implementing technology to communicate with survivors. As programs and communities continue to adjust to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, decisions are being made quickly in regards to how we continue offering support and services to survivors while maintaining social distancing. This webinar will focus specifically on the considerations for digital services to ensure that communication with survivors

using technology is upholding confidentiality and privacy. Click here to register.

• For Decision Makers: Privacy Matters: Working Remotely During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Wednesday, March 25th at 11 AM: Meant specifically for organization decision makers, this webinar will dive into the most important pieces we need to consider when implementing technology to work remotely. As programs and communities continue to adjust to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, decisions are being made quickly in regards to how we effectively do our jobs while maintaining social distancing. This webinar will explore the tools available for remote work that specifically offer the privacy and security options necessary for programs working with survivors. Click here to register.

• For IT Staff: Privacy Matters: Working Remotely During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Friday, March 27th at 9 AM: This webinar will be a dedicated space for IT professionals to discuss how technology needs to be designed and implemented for victim service agencies who are navigating important and strict confidentiality obligations. A seasoned IT professional who has specialized in focusing on victim service programs will respond to questions. Click here to register.

• For Advocates: Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Friday March 27th at 11 AM: This webinar is meant for front-line advocates who are navigating using technology to continue providing support to survivors. Whether answering hotline calls, hosting online support groups, or facilitating a forum discussion; this webinar will look at the challenges and opportunities raised by tele/online-support services. Click here to register.

All webinars will be recorded and posted to TechSafety.org.

Update: Partnership's COVID-19 Policy Recommendations

On Friday, the Partnership released a set of policy needs recommendations for policymakers and funders. These recommendations include:

• Increase funding and minimize restrictions for domestic violence organizations • Address the urgent housing needs of survivors • Protecting survivors from economic peril • Ensuring access to courts

Click here to read the recommendations. Questions? Please email the Partnership's Policy Team at policy@cpedv.org.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update (Phase II) and New Resource from National Immigration Law Center

Last week, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed Congress and was signed by President Trump. This bill addresses many of the urgent needs of low-wage workers, and therefore supports many survivors. In particular, the bill:

• Increases WIC and Emergency Food Assistance Programs; • Allows the Department of Agriculture to approve state plans for emergency

EBT transfers; • Increases funding for senior nutrition program; • Provides school lunch waivers; • Suspends SNAP work training requirements; • Allows states to request waivers for SNAP maximum amounts, as well as

flexibility in caseload managements;

• Expands FMLA for employers with fewer than 500 employees and government workers who have been on the job for at least 30 days to take up to 12 weeks of job protected leave (mix of unpaid and partial pay);

• Provides emergency grants to states for unemployment insurance; • Provides emergency paid sick leave for up to two weeks for things directly

related to covid-19; and • Provides some tax credits to employers for leave.

This bill is considered Phase 2 in a three phase process. Click here for an overview of the Coronavirus Stimulus Package legislation and click here for an update on Access to Health Care for Immigrants and Their Families from the National Immigration Law Center.

UPCOMING WEBINARS: SAFE HOUSING FOR IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC

VIOLENCE

Visit http://nashta.org for more information about NASH! View this email in your browser

Upcoming Webinars: Safe Housing for Immigrant Survivors of

Domestic Violence

Safe Housing for Immigrant Survivors: Foundations

Webinar Date/Time: Monday, April 6th from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. PT / 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CT / 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ET

Immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault often face unique challenges and additional barriers to accessing and maintaining safe housing. Attendees of this webinar will learn how to identify and help immigrant survivors navigate challenges when seeking services and safety, as well as focus on strengths-based and trauma-informed advocacy for immigrant survivors. Presented by:

• Teresa Burns, Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities

Intended audience: Domestic and/or sexual violence organizations, and homeless/housing organizations

Register Now: https://ta2ta.org/webinars/registration/safe-housing-for-immigrant-survivors-part-1.html

Safe Housing for Immigrant Survivors: Legal Protections

Webinar Date/Time: Thursday, April 23rd from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. PT / 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CT / 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. ET

Since the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, VAWA has always included vital protections for immigrant survivors, recognizing that abusers often use their victims’ dependent or unauthorized immigration status as a tool of abuse. Presenters will discuss VAWA protections, as well as the impact of potential policy changes, such as the HUD mixed status rule or the public charge rule, and provide additional resources and information. Presented by:

• Rosie Hidalgo, J.D., Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities

• Grace Huang, J.D., Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence

Intended audience: Domestic and/or sexual violence organizations, and homeless/housing organizations

Register Now: https://ta2ta.org/webinars/registration/safe-housing-for-immigrant-survivors-part-2-legal.html

About the presenters:

• Teresa Burns Teresa is the Refugio Manager at Casa de Esperanza and her day-to-day work is focused on: ensuring the shelter provides holistic and culturally-specific support, managing Minnesota’s only 24-hour bilingual crisis line, overseeing advocate training, and grant reporting. She sits on homeless and housing system committees in the community to improve access to and coordinate services for domestic violence survivors, especially those in immigrant communities. She has worked in partnerships with police departments, consulates, prosecutors, and the courts. Teresa is trained to respond in the areas of domestic violence, human trafficking, and felony-level assaults. As an ally, she sees her work as being a 'puente' or bridge between cultures, and enhancing understanding and appreciation of all communities

• Rosie Hidalgo, J.D. Rosie is the Senior Director of Public Policy for Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities, a national resource center with a focus on providing training, research, and policy advocacy to prevent and end domestic violence and sexual assault. She also serves on the Steering Committee of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Rosie previously served as the Deputy Director for Policy at the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) at the U.S. Department of Justice. She also previously worked as an attorney at legal services

programs for low-income families in New York City and in Northern Virginia.

• Grace Huang, J.D. Grace is the Policy Director at the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence. For over 20 years Ms. Huang has worked with domestic violence survivors, both by providing direct legal representation and by working on statewide and national public policy as an advocate to improve domestic violence services and increase protections for victims. These policies include advances in state law relating to victim services and confidentiality, housing, employment leave, protection orders, and child custody and child welfare. Ms. Huang has also worked on several federal policies, including the Violence Against Women Act, the Family Violence Services and Prevention Act, and on immigration laws affecting survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. Prior to her work focusing on public policy, Ms. Huang engaged in private law practice in immigration and citizenship matters, and in civil legal aid practice in family court, domestic violence, and housing and economic support matters. Ms. Huang is the editor of the Washington State Domestic Violence Manual for Judges, and currently serves as a steering committee member of the National Taskforce to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. She is a member of the Washington State Women’s Commission and the Gender and Justice Commission of the Washington Supreme Court.

National Alliance for Safe Housing (NASH) is a national training and technical assistance provider whose mission is to ensure that survivors of domestic and sexual violence have a full range of survivor-defined safe housing options, through improved access, increased resources, and innovative solutions, ultimately catalyzing a safe housing movement. Our vision is to create a world where safe housing is a right shared by everyone. Find out more at nashta.org.

RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND SHELTER DURING CORONAVIRUS

Resources for Food and Shelter During Coronavirus Mutual Aid in Los Angeles: Here’s a Mutual Aid volunteer sign up for people in Los Angeles who either NEED assistance, or can OFFER assistance, or BOTH. This can be to help with grocery delivery, errands caregiving, etc. Thanks to groundgamela.org for setting this vital service up!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGfypKKirsvUQCX5eVix86nIrTaf5atsnhn8bWxpCRn_lM9Q/formResponse

NextDoor App: If you can access the NextDoor app on a smartphone you may be able to find neighbors who have offered rides, delivery etc. and other forms of help especially for seniors and people needing special assistance:

https://nextdoor.com/login/

Grocery Stores Opening Early for Seniors, Disabled, Pregnant Women (Exact Groups Depend on Particular Store)

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/coronavirus-senior-grocery-shopping-hours-socal-panic-buying/2329889/

Los Angeles Unified School District Grab and Go Meals for Students

https://achieve.lausd.net/resources

CalFresh and other Public Benefits: Offices Closed But Phone and Online Are Available

LA County Department of Public Social Services Press Release: “All DPSS offices are temporarily closed to the public until further notice; however, we are continuing to provide services through our website and call centers.” For New Applicants: Customers can apply for the following benefits online through the Your Benefits Now website or by Calling the DPSS Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777.

CalFresh: Food benefit program for individuals and families;

General Relief: Cash assistance program for single adults;

CalWORKS: Cash assistance program for families;

CAPI: Cash assistance program for immigrants; and

Medi-Cal: Health benefits for individuals and families.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): in-home provided care for persons with a disability can be applied for by calling the IHSS Application line at (888) 944-4477 or the IHSS Helpline at (888) 822-9622.

For Existing Customers: In accordance with Governor Newsom's Executive Order, ALL DPSS benefits, including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief benefit payments will be issued without interruption for the months of March, April and May 2020 Customers can upload

period reports (QR-7 or SAR-7), annual recertifications or renewals, or verifications online through the Your Benefits Now website or by calling the Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777. Governor Newsom issued an executive order on Wednesday: SNAP households (among other benefits) will have their annual recertifications waived for 90 days – i.e. no recertification interview or paperwork required from those who have one due in the next 90 days. Benefits will continue to be granted and people will not be terminated from benefits for lack of submitting their recertification.

WIC Families are receiving remote benefits during COVID-19 crisis: From PHFE WIC: “In Los Angeles County, during this period of social distancing, many WIC centers have transitioned from providing face-to-face services to providing remote services to families through active outreach by phone, text and email. WIC is also responding to those who contact us via phone and text. Please be assured that WIC is able to upload food benefits to the WIC card for families already participating in the program, and is actively engaged in enrolling new participants remotely.”

People who have been economically affected by the COVID-19 crisis and are pregnant, postpartum or have a child under five years old can apply for WIC services by texting APPLY to 91997, calling WIC at 888-942-2229, or visiting www.phfewic.org/apply.

Please show courtesy to WIC shoppers: A suggestion from Daily Kos: “Unless you qualify for the program, please leave WIC-approved items on the shelf as you stock up during this coronavirus outbreak. If you’re in a nightmare scenario where these are the only items left, of course, do what you need to do. But if other options are available, or if you can reasonably get to another store, come back another day, or so on, please think twice about buying out what might be someone else’s only option.

While every person’s individual situation is different, it’s worth considering that for people who are approved for WIC, money and resources are likely tight all around; people might not have their own reliable transportation, for example, or might not be able to afford childcare while they bounce from one market to the next. If those scenarios are more of an inconvenience than a true barrier or risk for you, consider leaving the WIC-approved item on the shelf.”

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/3/18/1928708/-The-real-reason-to-leave-WIC-approved-grocery-items-on-the-shelf-as-you-stock-up-amid-coronavirus?detail=emaildksp

Food banks need volunteers: Californians can learn about ways to assist their community at www.serve.ca.gov. California Governor Gavin Newsom last week announced the deployment of California National Guard members to provide short-term food security to isolated and vulnerable Californians. Building on Governor Newsom’s prioritization of protecting the most vulnerable from the COVID-19 pandemic, the short deployment will help to stabilize the immediate need of food banks.

https://fresh-news-now.com/2020/03/21/gov-newsom-activates-national-guard-for-food-distribution/