Fairfield COVID-19 Updates and Resources

April 27, 2020

On this gray Monday, I am remembering that 1970s Karen Carpenter classic, Rainy Days and Mondays. Some of you may be too young to remember the voice and a song that reminds me of my childhood. I’ve heard from many folks who are a little tired this week - of the cold weather, the gray and the need to stay at home. I know that it has been hard, but I want to offer encouragement and thanks. What we are doing is saving lives. Data Haven estimates that our efforts have saved approximately 10,000 lives. This is tremendous.
 
But I know that whether you are a senior citizen separated from your grandchildren or a teenager stuck at home with your parents (the worst!), this time can be more than just sad, but a significant struggle. Below, I have shared resources that can help to deal with the loneliness, the stress and the grief. One of the lyrics of the song says, “Funny, but it seems that it’s the only thing to do; Run and find the one who loves me.” Please do reach out for help from one another and members of the community who care deeply about your well being.

Payroll Protection Program (PPP) – Applications Re-Opened this Morning

The Federal PPP for small business was replenished by Congress last week, and applications opened again this morning. Click here to apply if you have not done so already. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • If you are a small business and applied in the last round, your application remains in the queue. Please follow up with the lending agency to confirm your status.
  • If you have not yet applied, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, as funds are available on a first come first serve basis. It is expected that, like the last time, the funds will be depleted fairly quickly.
  • If you are self-employed or a small business, you can also apply for Unemployment Insurance. You cannot receive both at the same time, but can suspend your unemployment benefits upon receipt of a PPP loan.
  • If your bank is unable to process a loan or you have questions, please reach out to Women's Business Development Council and Connecticut Small Business Development Center
Unemployment Benefits

Please go to CTDOL website and use the FAQ and tutorial to apply. The more accurate you can be with your application, the better chance for a timely response.

  • The additional $600 per week is beginning to appear this week for applicants. Payments will be retroactive. Once an eligible claimant receives the additional $600, they can expect a subsequent lump sum payment with all retroactive weeks (only back as far as effective 3/29) within the next two weeks.
  • Those who are self-employed should have the ability to apply for unemployment beginning April 30th
  • Please remember to file weekly through the green button on the website so as not to interrupt your continued payments.
  • The delay and backlogs for traditional applicants should be down to one week beginning this week
  • Please continue to monitor your e-mail daily, including your spam and junk mail folders for information from the Department of Labor
Mental Health and Self Care

Last week the Fairfield state delegation hosted a virtual town hall and I shared some resources with those on the call. I wanted to make sure you were aware of those resources. As we manage this experience, I encourage all of you to acknowledge the suffering, stress and grief you are facing. The most important message I have is to please reach out for help if you need it. There is strength and solidarity in doing so. We are going to have to rely on one another to get through this.

Fairfield CARES

  • Information for parents and children. You can follow Fairfield CARESon FB, Twitter and Instagram and on Town website
  • Survey for parents and kids coming out soon – how are you coping

The Hub CT – This is a regional clearinghouse and place to find resources for many issues including

  • Youth peer support
  • Family support groups
  • Recovery resources
  • LGBTQ+ support
  • Yoga, mindfulness, meditation

Domestic Violence Resources

  • Center for Family Justice
    • Domestic Abuse Hotline - (203) 384-9559
    • Sexual Assault Hotline - (203) 333-2233
  • CT Safe Connect – If you or someone you know is in need of a restraining order, you can reach out for help online or by phone. Visit their website, or  call 888-774-2900

Direct Support

  • Disaster Distress Hotline – This 24/7 hotline is available for crisis support– 1(800) 985-5011
  • You can dial 211 to be connected to crisis support, housing, medical needs and more.
  • Talk it Out is a new line for parents set up by DCF and is completely confidential (833) 258-5011
  • Soundview Warmline – This is an option for peer support and not crisis services – (800) 921-0359

Suicide

  • If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you can call 2-1-1, which is easy to remember
  • You can also reach out to the Suicide Hotline – 1(800) 273-TALK
  • If you or someone you love is facing an immediate threat to self or others, please call 911

Things you can do to Deal with your Stress

  • Limit the amount of news you are watching or reading
  • Call or text people you love
  • Try some new relaxation techniques – check out The Hub for resources and suggestions
  • Add extra time for daily stress relief – right now, we may need a little more self care than usual

Pay attention to how you are doing. Are you sleeping a lot more or having trouble sleeping? Has your appetite changed significantly? Is that glass of wine turning into 3 or 4 glasses? Parents, be aware of what your modeling for your kids.

 
Previous COVID-19 Updates: