The majority of contents were copied from the following links:
https://www.clickondetroit.com/topic/help_me_hank/
https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98158-521972–,00.html
Disaster Distress Helpline @ 1-our office: This can provide immediate crisis counseling to people affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. If you want or need help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by this pandemic, call. It’s a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week, free resource. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Helpline specialists are trained to assist callers who have a range of symptoms.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Emergency Food Hotline : This can be used for senior residents and those with pre-existing conditions who are in need of food in Warren. It will be coordinated with local food pantries and volunteers from Warren.
Map Available to Find Meals for Children During School Closure
The map can be found at: https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/, and will be updated twice each day during the closure period.
For questions about Michigan’s Summer Food Service Program or Unanticipated School Closure, contact MDE [email protected]..
Blake’s: Parents and caregivers are welcome to pick up free lunches for kids (under the age of 18). Especially for those who may otherwise go without. The cider mill and new drive-thru has lunches to go, 7 days a week from 11am-3pm.
Food for Seniors: Michigan has received additional federal dollars to help provide meals to seniors through a food delivery program. Seniors in need of extra support can sign up for assistance including; meal delivery, delivery of non-perishable food items and daily wellness-check calls.
Buddy’s Pizza: Buddy’s is inviting the community to submit names of hospitals, local police and fire departments, or any other organizations aiding in the fight against COVID-19. It’s to help the heroes helping the community. Click the link to submit a name/organization.
Gleaners Community Food Bank: The food bank is continuing to serve those in need during this unprecedented time. If you’re in need, call 211 or visit the organization’s distribution page to find out where food is being handed out in your community.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
If you’d like to help Gleaners help other during this time, you can.
- Make a Donation to help the bank collect food.
- Create a Virtual Food Drive to help Gleaners purchase and deliver food to those who need it.
Focus: HOPE: The organization is doing a Food for Seniors program during this pandemic. It’s offering pre-packaged food boxes through a drive-up distribution. Hours for the drive-up: Monday through Thursday from 8am-4pm and Friday from 8am-12pm. Food center locations include: Westside Food Center at 1300 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, Inkster Food Center at 759 Inkster Road, Inkster and Eastside Food Center at 9151 Chalmers, Detroit. There are requirements:
- Provide proof of age 60+ (e.g. state ID card)
- Provide # of people in household
- Reside in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw counties
- Income limits
- 1-person household: $16,588 or below
- 2-person household: $22,412 or below
- 3-person household: $28,236 or below
- 4-person household: $34,060 or below
- 5+ person household: $5,824 or below per additional household member
For any questions about food pickup or delivery, please contact 313-494-4600
TRANSPORTATION
DDOT and QLINE
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation
Contact Customer Service Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m
Buses are on the Saturday schedule
Enter through rear of bus (except walkers and wheelchairs)
Fares are not being collected (free rides)
Sit every other seat on the bus
A bus may pass the bus stop if it is at the new standard capacity
Recommend riding for essential needs only: hospital, grocery store, work, and to care for a loved one
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1243639352657358848
QLINE Detroit on Twitter: “The QLINE will temporarily suspend operations following the close of service on 3/29 at 8 pm due to Covid-19 and its impact on transit demand along the Woodward Corridor. M-1 RAIL encourages Public to Make Only Necessary Trips and Ride DDOT and SMART During Service Pause
SMART Bus: SMART continues our efforts to protect our drivers and riders. It instituted free fares on all services and rear boarding/deboarding policy as a way to limit the exposure for both drivers and riders. Efforts continue to enhance cleaning and sanitizing of SMART buses and facilities to further protect all SMART staff from the spread of COVID-19. Routes have been reduced, especially as less people are taking the public transportation system. Visit their website for more information.
Rides to the Fairgrounds for Testing: The city of Detroit wants to make sure every Detroiter has access to COVID-19 testing regardless of whether they have a primary physician, health insurance, or a car. Since the tests at the Fairgrounds are free, the city is offering Detroiters a ride to appointments at the Fairgrounds. Rides are provided by IntelliRide. Round trips only cost $2.
Here’s how it works:
- Call Your Doctor to get a prescription. If have symptoms of coughing, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor to get a prescription. If you don’t have a doctor or don’t have insurance, go to the city website at detroitmi.gov and you will find several across the city who will take you now. Click here on how to access a doctor.
- Make a Fairgrounds Appointment. Once your doctor orders a prescription, your test is free. Call 313.230.0505 to make an appointment – appointments are available in 24-48 hours.
- Don’t have transportation? Tell the call taker who books your Fairgrounds appointment. They will connect you directly to the car service to book your $2 ride. The rides are only for Detroiters being picked up and dropped off at a Detroit residence.
- The day of your test. When your driver arrives, bring your identification (if you don’t have a state issued ID, you can bring any other piece of identification such as a work badge, utility bill, etc.) and your prescription. Both the driver and passenger will be asked to wear masks and gloves for their protection. After the test, the driver will take you back home.
What to do while Secretary of State branch offices are closed
Many people have asked what they are supposed to do if they need a Secretary of State branch.
Offices are currently closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Kiosks are also out of service.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said people can go online to do what they normally would visit a branch to do.
“For nearly everyone who needs to renew their license or their vehicle tabs, they can do that online at michigan.gov/sos,” Benson said.
Benson said restrictions, such as insurance requirements, that would typically require someone to visit a branch in person have been lifted. Late fees have also been waived.
She said some things may not go smoothly as many people try to access online services, but noted that her office is working to make sure everything works as best as it can.
Benson also said her office has been preparing for more people to vote by mail.
SHOPPING
Some retailers are setting aside time for senior citizens, the most vulnerable customers, to shop.
Alcamo’s Market: This Italian/grocery market is doing things to help the community as well. They’re doing a seniors only (60+) shopping hour from 9am-10am from Tuesday through Saturday. During this time, seniors get 10% off their total purchase. The grocery store is also delivering items as well. The store is located at 4423 Schaefer Road in Dearborn.
Big Lots: Stores are reserving the first hour of each day for senior citizens and those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Check the website for a store near you and when it opens.
Costco: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Costco warehouses will open from 8 to 9 a.m. for members ages 60 and older, and for those with physical impairments. During this early hour, the pharmacy will be open, but the Costco Food Court will not.
Dollar General: Seniors and at-risk people are encouraged to come in for the first hour of operation from 8am-9am.
Kroger: Seniors, expectant mothers, first responders and those with compromised immune systems have a dedicated hour of shopping. It’s on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-8am.
Meijer: Stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am-8am. Also, Meijer stores will now be closing at 10pm, overnight.
Nino Salvaggio: Open 7am-8am, daily for those immunity-deficient patrons. There are four locations; 17496 Hall Road, Clinton Township, 27900 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores, 6592 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township and 6835 Rochester Road, Troy.
Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market: The store is setting aside hours for seniors (62+), pregnant women, those who are disabled and those with compromised immune systems. The hours are 8am-9am on Mondays and Thursdays. Shoppers can also utilize the curbside personal shopping service online.
Sam’s Club: The chain is introducing two new programs to support seniors, those with disabilities or compromised immune systems.
- Special Shopping Hours: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7am-9am.
- Concierge “Shop from Your Car” Service: During the special shopping hours, Sam’s Club members can shop from a designated parking location, place the order from their car, a store associate will grab the items on the list and bring them to the car.
Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores is reserved for vulnerable patrons. Target opens at 8am.
Trader Joe’s: The specialty supermarket will reserve the first hour of shopping for senior customers from 9am-10am. Many of the stores are also practicing social distancing by only letting a few shoppers in at a time.
Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market: Open from 8am-9am for those over 60, pregnant women and those with disabled or compromised immune systems. There are two locations; 55178 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township and 41790 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.
Walgreens: The store is rolling out new services for seniors during the pandemic. Every Tuesday from 8am-9am is “seniors only” shopping hour. The chain says customers 55 and older can also get special offers and discounts online on Tuesdays both online and in person.
Walmart: From March 24-April 28, stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers 60 and older, which will start one hour before stores open.
Western Market: Located in downtown Ferndale, the store has special hours for seniors and people with compromised immune systems. The hours are from 8-9am.
Whole Foods Market: All customers who are 60 and older will be allowed to shop one hour before opening to the public.
Pet Supplies Plus: If you need to stock up on pet food and supplies, the chain is offering free 2-hour curbside pickup. You can order online, store associates will gather and package your items. Once ready, pull up and they’ll put the packages in your car directly.
All American Pet Resorts Royal Oak: This one is for medical professionals, especially those who work at Beaumont in Royal Oak. The pet facility will remain open for the care of your pets, providing daycare and boarding services during the crisis. Many measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the owners, pets, and the staff. Click the link for more information.
KEEP YOUR KIDS (and ADULTS) BUSY
Future Engineer Program: Amazon is looking to help school kids who are not able to have access to a computer science education right now. Amazon is providing free access to sponsored computer science courses for grades 6-12. There’s a virtual robotics program also available with the partner company CoderZ. This is for grades 2-12. Another program available is called Earsketch. It helps kids learn to code through music. Click the link to access these classes.
Otter Cam: We’ve put a live camera in the otter exhibit at the Detroit Zoo! So while you might not be able to go to the zoo, visit the otters from your couch!
Pure Michigan Web Cameras: The website has different cities and Michigan landmarks with live cameras, so you can take a peek at what’s happening all over the state.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: The museum is offering a digital collection where you can explore artifacts and stories.
Michigan History Museum: Take a virtual tour of the museum, it’s 5 floors!
Michigan Science Center: Kids of all ages can take a virtual tour of the science center.
Menominee Range Historical Museum: This is a collection of museums in the Upper Peninsula. Take a virtual tour of these as well.
The Henry Ford: The Henry Ford is providing a free, innovative curriculum, even with its doors shut for now. The institution is waiving the normal fee to access the information for parents, students and educators doing homeschooling. It focuses on STEAM and of course, innovation!
Fred Astaire Dance Studio: It’s hard to get in exercising during quarantine, but this dance studio is offering a fun alternative. You can take dance classes online for free! They’re offering everything from ballroom to the cha-cha.
Future Engineer Program: Amazon is looking to help school kids who are not able to have access to a computer science education. Amazon is providing free access to sponsored computer science courses for grades 6-12. Parents can also access this curriculum. There’s a virtual robotics program also available right now with their partner CoderZ. This is for grades 2-12. Another program available is called Earsketch. It helps kids learn how to code through music. Click the link to access these classes.
Michigan Opera Theatre: “MOT at Home” is being launched to provide everyone with daily opera and dance content while we’re all home during social distancing. There’s studio performances, opera recordings, dancing, Met Opera Previews, podcasts, blogs and more. Check it out!
Motown Museum: The Motown Museum is staying connected with Motown fans and continuing to celebrate the Motown legacy. During the month of April, it will unveil a virtual liner of education programming including activities for kids grades K-12. The lessons can be found on their Facebook page. Also, Motown Mic: At Home will feature new and prerecorded performances premiered live for Motown Museum Facebook fans. The Hitsville Youtube page also has a large catalog of videos and concerts from all the Motown greats for fans to access.
SCAMMERS
People are targeting Metro Detroiters (especially seniors) and hitting them with coronavirus-related scams mostly via email.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.GOV) has released guidance to guard against Internet scams and cybercrime specifically related to COVID-19. You can learn more about these scams here: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2020/200320.aspx. You can also find additional resources related to COVID-19 on the FBI’s website at https://www.fbi.gov/coronavirus.
As many of you turn to video-teleconferencing (VTC) platforms to stay connected in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve received reports of VTC hijacking, also called “Zoom-bombing.” The FBI has received multiple reports of conferences being disrupted by pornographic and/or hate images, and threatening language. Earlier this week, we issued a public service announcement (PSA) that includes some basic steps that can be taken to prevent teleconference hijacking from occurring. You can access that PSA here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/boston/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-of-teleconferencing-and-online-classroom-hijacking-during-covid-19-pandemic.
| Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams
Telephone and email scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal action. Do not be fooled! If you receive a suspicious call: 1. HANG UP! 2. Do not give money or personal information 3. Report the scam at www.oig.ssa.gov |
IRS Releases Details of Stimulus Checks
irs.gov/coronavirus and then the link below for News Releases and specifically one with scam warnings.
Those who wish to make a report about potential scams, price-gouging and any other violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act can do so with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team by filing a complaint online .
Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest public health information is available online at a state website focused on the issue, and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.