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Friends,
I'm Representative Monica Duran of House District 24, which includes Golden, Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, and Mountain View. Thank you, Representative Herod, for offering this space to discuss an issue that is very personal for me.
My journey to hell and back began when I was 19 years old. Not long
after I married my high school sweetheart, he began drinking, became verbally and emotionally abusive, and over time became physically abusive. This once young, vibrant woman, who was full of life, began to live in fear, shame, and isolation. This went on for several years.
It was a cold, rainy night when the sound of his yelling voice made me shake uncontrollably. I knew what was coming next. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him pulling out a gun like he often did to scare me.
All I could think of was my little boy crying in the next room, as this man threatened to end both of our lives. How was I going to keep my son safe, how could I protect him against a gun? At that moment my life flashed in front of me. All the beatings that caused blackouts, all the verbal and emotional abuse that left me empty, finally gave me the strength to break my silence. I told my family, friends and my son and I made our escape.
Domestic abuse does not discriminate
based on race, religion, income, or education level. 50,000 women are killed by intimate partners and family members each year worldwide.
While working from home, one of my continued priorities has been addressing the impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence victims who face
additional dangers
when isolating at home. In response, legislators, organizations, and community advocates signed on to a
letter
I helped organize, encouraging Governor Polis to prioritize domestic abuse victims and the programs that serve them.
If you are a survivor, know that help is available. If you feel unsafe in your home, you can leave in search of safety regardless of stay-at-home orders.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
is available 24/7 in more than 200 languages at 1-800-799-SAFE or text LOVEIS to 22522.
We need allies, especially during this time. You can help victims by
keeping in touch
, believing them, and helping them break the silence by sharing their story. Tomorrow at 1 PM, I am
hosting a Facebook live
to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and domestic violence. Find more information
here
.
As a survivor, it is my mission to make sure all of our cries are heard and we are not forgotten. We must have hope for a better life, hope to know we are worthy, and hope to just be loved for who we are.
I look forward to getting back to work in the legislature next month to continue to advocate for the residents of Colorado and survivors of domestic abuse.
Sincerely,
Representative Duran
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For general questions
, call (303) 389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911.
For written answers in English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more, email COHELP@RMPDC.org.
For telehealth providers and nurselines, click here.
For info and resources in Spanish (Español), click here
(ACLU of Colorado).
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ACLU Webinar: Ensuring Racial Equity During COVID-19 (And Beyond)
Join us for a webinar to address, through a racial lens, the collection and reporting of demographic data of COVID-19 cases in Colorado, how to address the racial inequities of the COVID-19 response, and resources available to communities of color.
When: Thursday, April 30th at 6:30 PM
Where: Your house! Register
here.
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Join me and elected officials from Northeast and Far Northeast Denver for our weekly Facebook LIVE town hall on COVID-19.
When: Friday, May 1st, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
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Stay-at-Home Orders and 'Safer-at Home'
The statewide stay-at-home order has ended. Counties with
local restrictions
can continue to enforce them.
Governor Polis has
announced
a new 'safer-at-home' phase starting today, Monday, April 27th, which will have many of the same recommendations and restrictions currently in effect, while allowing for a gradual reopening. Read the executive order
here
.
P
lease call 3-1-1 to report Denver businesses that you believe should be closed, that are not practicing social distancing, that are not maintaining a clean and safe work environment, or that are violating any other city laws.
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COVID-19 By The
Numbers
Denver
2,900 cases and 175 deaths.
[
Source
]
Colorado
442 new cases were reported on Wednesday for a total of 14,758 cases and 766 deaths.
[
Source
]
United States
New York leads the nation in total cases (305,024)
and total deaths (23,317).
Other states with high case totals include
New Jersey (116,264), Massachusetts (58,302), and Illinois (50,355). [
Source
]
Global
The United States leads the world in new cases (25,409), total cases (1,035,765), and total deaths (59,266).
Other nations with high numbers of new cases include the UK (3,996), Brazil (6,398), and Russia (6,411)
.
[Source].
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Note: if you had more than $2,500 in W-2 income, you must apply for benefits through the regular state unemployment portal
here. This applies even if you had substantial income from non W-2 sources.
Governor Polis has taken the following executive actions:
Allowing homeowners to
split their property tax payments over April and May.
For Individuals and Businesses in Denver:
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Additional COVID Updates from Governor Polis and Mayor Hancock
Updated 4/27 at 2 PM
Denver is
banning alcohol and group sports in city parks until July 23rd.
Elective surgeries and medical procedures are allowed to resume.
Governor Polis announced new regulations to keep residents of senior living facilities safe.
Read more here.
Governor Polis announced the formation of a health equity response task force to ensure equitable access to care and testing for all Coloradans. The state will also be providing new COVID-19 updates
including racial data.
The Department of Corrections will have greater flexibility to manage the prison population in order to reduce the likelihood of an outbreak behind bars. [Full text]
Click here for a full list of the Governor's executive orders.
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$1,200 Economic Assistance Payments
Who is eligible? Single adults with Social Security numbers who are U.S. residents and make $75,000 or less will
receive
$1,200 ($2,400 for a couple), which phases out for individuals making more than $99,000 or couples making more than $198,000. Eligible individuals will also receive $500 for each child 16 and younger. FAQ here.
Individuals without documentation and others without a social security number, including those with an ITIN, are not eligible.
How do I receive my direct payment?
If you filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and received a refund via direct deposit, you do not need to take additional action. Automatic payments have begun. Click here if you haven't received your payment.
If you filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and did not receive a refund, or if you did not provide your direct deposit information, you need to enter your direct deposit information here.
Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return do
not need to take action.
Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits.
Individuals who make less than $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019 or w
ere not otherwise required to file a federal tax return for 2019, and don't plan to, should fill out this quick IRS form to receive their payment. You will need to provide your
Social Security number, name, address, and dependents.
Why can't I get my payment status?
The "Get My Payment" application will return "Payment Status Not Available" for several reasons, including:
- You are required to file a tax return, but:
- The IRS hasn't finished processing your 2019 return
- The application doesn't yet have your data; the IRS is adding more data to allow more people to use it.
- You don't usually file a return, and:
- You used Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here but the IRS hasn't processed your entry yet.
- You receive SSI or VA benefits; information has not been loaded onto our systems yet for people who don't normally file a tax return.
- You're not eligible for a payment (see Eligibility).
 Expanding unemployment benefits. More than doubles the average unemployment benefit by adding $600 to the weekly benefit. It also allows self-employed and part time workers to receive benefits. Apply here.
Delaying student loan payments. Federally-serviced student loan payments are automatically deferred until September 30th without interest or penalty.
PERA. Waives the penalty for Coronavirus-related distributions up to $100,000 during 2020, along with other changes.
For an F.A.Q on direct payments, unemployment and the rest of the bill, click
here.
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*Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Updated 4.28 at 3:09 PM
*As of Monday, April 27th, Governor Polis
announced
that the state had distributed the following personal protective equipment.
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Type of PPE
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Distributed
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N95 Masks
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Surgical Masks
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Face Shields
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100,000+
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Surgical Gowns
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100,000+
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Gloves
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1,000,000+
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Coveralls
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3,816
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To donate Personal Protective Equipment. If you have small quantities of supplies to contribute, between 1-25 boxes of personal protective equipment, donate these supplies to the Denver public health department or fill out
THIS FORM for larger donations.
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Connect for Health CO Open!
Updated 4.27 at 3:15 PM
COVID-19 testing is free if you're uninsured, but if you test positive and have a serious case, you may incur large costs for treatment without insurance.
If you are uninsured, consider signing up to protect your health and safety during this epidemic.
Get coverage today.
Note: you have 60 days to get health insurance anytime you lose job-based health coverage.
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Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Updated 4/14 at 12:40 PM
If you are in danger, call 911.
If it's not safe for you to remain home and you can't find another safe place to stay, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233. If you can't speak safely, visit thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
If you or someone you know is in an unsafe living arrangement, call Safe Shelter at (303) 772-0432.
State and national guidance to help domestic violence coalitions, service providers and advocates support survivors and operate effectively (from the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): click here.
Tip sheet that outlines key steps in advocating for survivors' continued access to mental health and substance use services and medication, from the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health: click here.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Reports of child abuse have dropped drastically since the stay-at-home order was implemented. Service providers worry that abuse and neglect is still happening but going unreported due to school closures.
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Seniors
Updated 4.22 at 3 PM
Senior Care Centers. Governor Polis announced
new regulations to protect residents of senior care centers.
Senior shopping hours. Stores are dedicating hours for seniors,
click here.
Show our seniors some love and support.
Read
7 ways to boost your loved one's morale here (provided by AARP).
Transportation
for seniors. The Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council has transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Older Adult Resource Directory. An extensive directory of contact information, including benefits, emergency services, meals and healthcare.
Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging and Disability Resources. A collection of resources including guides to in-home healthcare, transportation, and legal assistance.
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Rent, Utilities & Services
Updated 4.28 at 2 PM
Housing
Utilities and Other Services
AAA is providing free emergency roadside assistance for first responders and healthcare workers traveling to and from their duties. Read more here.
Lyft is providing free scooter rides for first responders, medical, and transit staff. Critical business employers can email HeroScooters@Lyft.com to enroll employees.
McDonald's is providing free "Thank You Meals" to all first responders and healthcare workers via drive-thru and carry-out by simply showing a work badge.
For additional resources, discounts, and offers for health care workers, click here.
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Small Businesses
Updated 4.27 at 3 PM
Colorado has opened applications for the Colorado COVID Relief Fund,
which provides small business relief funds up to $25,000.
Denver businesses who have had to temporary close, lay off staff, or are struggling to pay rent and utilities, can
apply for grants
up to $7,500.
To apply,
click here
.
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Employment
Updated 4.22 at 3 PM
State benefits will be retroactive back to February 2nd and the federal $600 per week is retroactive back to March 29th for those who qualify.
Note: if you had more than $2,500 in W-2 income, you must apply for benefits through the regular state unemployment portal here. This applies even if you had substantial income from non W-2 sources.
Unemployment benefits f
or traditional employees (apply now).
Layoff / separations assistance, information and
resources.
Finding New Work
Health care facilities, grocery stores, package delivery companies, and companies offering online products for delivery are hiring. Register here
for more details.
Connecting Colorado state database for job seekers.
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Mental Health
Updated 4.13 at 1:25 PM
Support for Isolated Trans People. The Validation station is a free text service which sends daily support to isolated trans people.
Mental Health Center of Denver has compiled a list of resources to help maintain positive well-being during this time. They are providing "telemental" health and are accepting new clients. Call (303) 504-7900.
Colorado Crisis Services. If you are concerned about your own mental health or someone close to you, call (844) 493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.
Denver Therapy Match. Search for Denver providers
here.
Open Path.
For additional reduced rate
options
.
Psychology Today. Search for statewide providers here.
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At Home Learning & Activities
Updated 4.13 at 1:15 PM
DPS has family and student
resources for Pre-K through 12th grade including at-home
activities for art, math, reading / writing, science and more.
Virtually Denver includes dozens of ways to experience arts and culture from home, including Denver museums, music, and performing arts.
The Denver Public Library has free online resources including books, movies, music, story time, and other programs.
Virtual Field Trips including over 500 museums, Yellowstone National Park, and the Great Wall of China.
The Stay at Home Colorado Guide has free resources, supports, and activities to help you, your family, and your loved ones during this time. You can submit suggestions of free resources here.
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Assistance for Students
and
Families
Updated 4.24 at 4 PM
DPS has
suspended in-person instruction for the rest of the school year.
Meal Assistance
Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. DPS students and families can receive free meals at sites throughout the city. Breakfast and lunch are available from 11 AM - 12:30 PM, Monday - Friday, and dinner is available from 3:30 - 5:30 PM. For a list of distribution sites, click here.
Powersacks.
Food for Thought Denver
will be providing Powersacks at all distribution sites, every Friday. Each Powersack contains enough food for a family of four for two days. They are available for anyone in need, not just DPS students.
Meal Delivery. School buses will deliver weekday meals to schools and community locations throughout the city for the remainder of the school year. They will stop at each site for 20 - 30 minutes to hand out breakfast and lunch. On Fridays, weekend breakfast and lunch are also available for pickup. For delivery sites, click here.
Hunger Free Colorado
has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals, food pantries, and info on SNAP and WIC enrollment.
Students outside Denver can find nearby locations to pick up meals
here.
A map of the 44 open food pantries in Denver can be found
here.
Wifi at home. N
ew Comcast customers will receive 2 months of free service, which is normally $9.95/month.
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Childcare and Tips for Parents
Updated 4/22 at 3 PM
Other Resources for Parents
Talking to kids about COVID-19:
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Donate and Volunteer
Help Colorado Now has raised over $12 million, including $1 million in small donations, and recruited more than 10,000 volunteers, including more than 2,500
health care volunteers. You can donate or sign up to volunteer here.
Apply here for grants up to $25,000 from the COVID-19 Relief fund.
Health Care Response Volunteer Sign Up. Once you sign up you will be contacted and matched with a hospital or care facility in need in your area.
Other Volunteer Sign-up here. Roles include administrative, client advocacy, construction, mental wellness, food bank support, language skills, healthcare, volunteer management, childcare, delivery of goods and more.
Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here. Make an appointment here.
Plasma donation. If you have been diagnosed and completely recovered from COVID-19, you can donate your plasma. For more information on donor eligibility and how to sign up click here.
How to help feed unemployed workers, hospital staff, school kids and others in need around Denver.
National Jewish Health & St. Joseph: Contact Justine at (303) 270-2833.
Presbyterian St. Luke's & Rose Medical Center: Fill out this
form explaining your donation.
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College Students and Higher Education
Updated 4/22 at 3 PM
This guide offers a few ways that institutions are stepping up to meet students' basic needs, including buying food and paying bills. (provided by CoPIRG Foundation).
FedLoan Servicing will reduce their interest rates to 0% and automatically delay federally-serviced loan payments until September 30th.
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Protect Yourself and Others
Updated 4/13 at 1:30 PM
Each of us can do our part to fight COVID-19 by staying home as much possible. When its necessary to leave your house, please practice social distancing and wear a mask.
Guidance For People Experiencing Symptoms, provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE)
- Mild symptoms (might include a combination of cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness, with or without fever): Self-isolate, and use over-the-counter medications to treat your symptoms -- like you would for a cold or other respiratory illness.
-
Serious symptoms, especially trouble breathing:
Self-isolate, use over-the-counter medications and contact a health care provider or nurseline if your illness becomes more severe. The provider may recommend you be tested for COVID-19, and should be able to instruct you on how to get a test.
-
Severe symptoms: call 911 for symptoms of heart attack or stroke; difficulty breathing or choking; difficulty speaking, walking, or seeing; an allergic reaction; confusion, dizziness, or disorientation; sudden, severe pain.
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Past COVID-19 Newsletters
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Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Contributions are limited to $400 every 2 year election cycle from individuals, sole proprietorships, LLPs, LLCs and state PACS and $5,350 from small donor committees. Contributions from corporations, labor unions, foreign governments and non-US citizens are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donations from registered Colorado lobbyists or principals of lobbyists are prohibited during the legislative session running from January 8th to May 6th, 2020 and any email or donation page from this campaign is not soliciting a contribution from lobbyists or principals of lobbyists.
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