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Welcome to the Barnstable County Department of Human Services' E-Newsletter. This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to provide timely information on health and human service topics of interest for people living and working in Barnstable County.
For additional information visit the Department website at
www.bchumanservices.net
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Barnstable County HOME Consortium Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2020-2024
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY and COMMENT PERIOD
Barnstable County HOME Consortium
Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2020-2024 |
Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2020, and Amended Citizens Participation Plan
The Barnstable County HOME Consortium is preparing a Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2020-2024, an Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2020, and an amendment to its Citizen Participation Plan. These plans outline funding priorities and serve as the strategic and planning documents for Barnstable County's HOME Program, which is funded by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The proposed funding allocation from HUD for Program Year 2020 is $462,217.
Virtual Public Hearing: To be held April 16, 2020 @ 8:30 a.m.
Document Availability: to be posted April 13, 2020 through May 14, 2020. Please visit the Barnstable County Department of Human Services website to view the Public Hearing Notice in English , Spanish or Portuguese.
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Community Agencies and Therapists Offering Telehealth Support
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The Barnstable County Children's Behavioral Health Work Group has developed a list of community agencies offering telehealth support,
HERE
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Please email [email protected] if you have additional telehealth support that you would like listed, or if you want to update your listing. This listing will be periodically updated and distributed by Barnstable County.
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Yarmouth Draft CDBG Five-Year Consolidated Plan and One Year Action Plan for Public Comment
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Yarmouth's Draft Community Development Block Grant CDBG) 5-Year Consolidated Plan (PY2020-2024) and 1-Year Annual Action Plan (PY2020) is available for review and comment. The CDBG program is funded by US HUD. Comments on these plans are due by May 1, 2020. See Consolidated Plan and 2020 Action Plan
HERE.
Please see legal ad for more details
HERE.
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Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment - COVID-19 Updates
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Please also find the following links to Town Health Departments
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| Donation of Home-Made Face Masks and Face Shield Headbands to Support COVID-19 Emergency Response |
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The
Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps (MRC),
in service to the Barnstable County Incident Command COVID-19 response, wishes to bring to the public's attention the following information for people willing to produce and donate face masks and the headbands that hold plastic face shields. Learn more
HERE.
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Housing Assistance has established the Cape Cod COVID-19 Workforce Housing Relief Fund to provide urgent and ongoing assistance with past due rent or mortgage payments or other housing-related expenses for current, year-round Cape Cod and Island residents who are losing income due to the coronavirus. To apply for support for any Housing Assistance programs, contact an intake counselor at
[email protected]
,
508-771-5400. See more information
HERE.
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Unemployment Insurance During the Coronavirus Outbreak
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The
Barnstable County Department of Human Services, in service to the
Barnstable County Incident Command COVID-19 response, wishes to bring to the public's attention the following information for workers who are out of work or losing hours due to COVID-19. Please go to the
Department of Human Services website for more information.
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Need Assistance? Dial 2-1-1
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If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, the United Way can help.
Visit 211.org
or dial 2-1-1. The service is accessible 24/7, available in 180 languages and confidential.
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Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
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Launched by Massachusetts Governor Baker and First Lady Lauren Baker, the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund will help support essential frontline workers and vulnerable populations across the state, including Massachusetts residents and immigrants facing homelessness, food insecurity and loss of critical services as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The Fund is administered by Eastern Bank providing a safe and reliable way for donations to be made to this Fund, and at no cost to the Fund. In addition to the $10 million already announced by our Charitable Foundation, our Foundation has donated to this fund and Eastern is among the leading organizations and philanthropists that are Founding Donors.
Please help at
https://www.macovid19relieffund.org/
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Access the Food Finder
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The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) partners with 500+ hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers throughout the nine counties and 190 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts. Access the Food Finder
HERE.
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Free Student Meal Services & Pick-up Sites
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 CLICK BELOW TO ACCESS FREE STUDENT MEAL SERVICE INFORMATION
ACCESS THIS MAP
Access this map of s
ites serving meals to children and teens during March and April school closures due to Coronavirus pandemic.
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Grocery Stores - Updated Service Hours
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Grocery Store Updated Services and Hours
:
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Family Pantry Hours this Week | April 6, 2020
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Please see d
onation, drop-off hours and locations at the
Mobile Pantry Truck Campaign
Our senior population is being hit hard by the pandemic. With your support we can help sustain our neighbors who are vulnerable, isolated and food insecure.
In response to this immediate need, a group of North Chatham Summer residents have pledged to match all donations up to $125,000 to help us purchase and stock a second Mobile Pantry truck.
Please donate
HERE.
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YMCA Cape Cod EXPANDING FREE Childcare for ALL Essential Workers Effective April 1, 2020
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Governor Charlie Baker, through the
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care ("EEC"), has established a process to fund approved Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs to serve vulnerable children and the children of families who are required to work to maintain the health, safety and welfare of all Commonwealth citizens. Please read details
HERE.
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Council of Churches News
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The Council of Churches operates as a "front-line" service provider in many areas and offers
remote operations where possible. Please see beloew.
Faith Family Kitchen
will continue to provide nutritious dinners on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Please note these revised hours. At the door, families and other adults will be given a paper bag containing Jeni's homemade soup plus a few supplemental items. No guest is to enter the Kitchen dining room or use the Kitchen bathrooms during regular service hours. Faith Family Kitchen is located at Faith Assembly of God, 154 Bearse's Way, Hyannis.
Hands of Hope Food Pantry
will continue distributing a single prepackaged bag of groceries during regular hours of operation, which are
Monday and Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Clients will wait outside the door for a bag that is designed to feed 1, 2, 3 or 4 people. New clients, please call 508-432-1312 or email [email protected] first to register. No client should come inside the building during service hours. The Thrift Store is closed until further notice. Hands of Hope is located at 49 Route 28, West Harwich.
A Baby Center
will offer "To Go" bags of baby essentials for existing clients on Wednesdays 10 a.m. - noon. This will be a "drive up window" service only; no clients are to enter the building. A Baby Center is located 81 Willow Ave, Hyannis.
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Health Imperatives News
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Health Imperatives is now delivering most services by telephone. They are able to quickly assess a caller's needs, provide some services directly over the telephone, and link callers to multiple services to provide coordinated and comprehensive assistance. Please see how to access those services
HERE.
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News from Duffy Health Center
Adjusting Services Under the Threat of COVID-19
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"How do you self-isolate somebody at home when they don't have a home or when they live in group housing such as the shelter?" asked Robert Baginski, medical director of Duffy Health Center. "That was one of the first issues that we worried about."
On Monday, March 30th, Dr. Robert Baginski was featured in the cover story of the Cape Cod Times,
along with other local leaders of nonprofits that provide services to those who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness. Duffy Health Center continues to work with the Barnstable County Department of Human Services to arrange housing for the homeless who might need to be quarantined or isolated.
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If you or someone you know is in need of treatment for a substance use disorder, please note:
Duffy Health Center is accepting patients into our Medication Assisted Treatment program, Alternative Peer Group for adolescents age 13 to 17 with substance use concerns, and our Moms Do Care program for pregnant and parenting women with a history of opioid use disorder.
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News from Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod
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Due to Governor Baker's declaration of a Stay at Home Advisory until May 4th, Habitat construction sites will remain closed to all visitors until May 4th, possibly longer.
Please do not drop in to say hello or check on progress.
Visiting goes against the stay at home advisory put forth by the state of Massachusetts.
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Message from the
Community Engagement Division
Office of Attorney General Maura Healey
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See information about a free Civil Rights Webinar being offered on Monday, April 13th at 2:00 PM. A specialist from the Civil Rights Division will be presenting on discrimination when it comes to employment, housing, public accommodations, and other issues brought to fruition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can register for these trainings or share them among your communities using our
Eventbrite
and selecting the respective date
Please join us for any of the following and stay tuned for more topics:
- Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilities - Tuesday, April 7th 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law (Portuguese) - Thursday, April 9th 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Workers' Rights - Thursday, April 9th 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Civil Rights - Monday, April 13th 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilities - Wednesday, April 15th 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Teen Workers' Rights - Thursday, April 16th 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Note the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division hotline is 671-727-8400.
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WE CAN News
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WE CAN continues to offer legal, career, business and financial empowerment consults by phone or zoom. People can continue to call WE CAN at 508-430-8111 to schedule or
[email protected]
to reach out to us.
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Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance News
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See Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance updates
HERE.
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Homeless Prevention Council News
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The Homeless Prevention Council (HPC) is here to assist and provide support for our neighbors in need on the Lower and Outer Cape. They have undertaken the following actions to ensure that their services are not interrupted. Please read more
HERE.
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Statement from
Independence
House
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM LYSETTA HURGE-PUTNAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INDEPENDENCE HOUSE ON THE RECENT MURDER IN MASHPEE
While details are still unfolding about this tragedy, Independence House sends our heartfelt condolences to the survivors of this
victim. During this Covid-19 crisis we are concerned about victims of domestic violence whose lives and safety are at risk. Independence House services are available
and we urge anyone in a domestic violence situation to reach out to us via our 24-hour hotline at 800-439-6507.
In addition to providing direct support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, Independence House also offers services and support to grieving family members, loved ones, friends, neighbors, peers and associates of a homicide victim.
Visit Independence House at
independencehouse.org
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7 Lower Cape Based Non-Profits Collaborate to Better Support the Community
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Cape Cod Children's Place, The Community Development Partnership, The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Helping Our Women, Homeless Prevention Council, Lower Cape Outreach Council, and WE CAN have joined together to better serve the unique needs of the Lower and Outer Cape Communities. In this unprecedented time, their collaboration and communication is focused on removing barriers to human service delivery--now more important than ever. A list of free and confidential services provided by these organizations that community members can access is available
HERE
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*All community members are welcome to reach out to the organizations regardless of income or immigration status.
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Contacts for Older Adults and People with Disabilities Needing Non-Medical Emergency Assistance
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Please see a list of contacts for older adults and people with disabilities needing non-medical emergency assistance
HERE.
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Senior Centers Closed
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Senior Centers on Cape Cod and the Islands closed due to COVID-19 precautions are listed by the
Cape Cod Times at the following link
COVID-19 Closures.
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Senior Homes - A Downsizing Guide
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Many seniors look around in their sixties, seventies, or beyond and realize that the home that they live in is too big, full of clutter, expensive to live in, tiring to take care of, or isolated. The solution to these problems is often to downsize by moving to a smaller home...Read more in the
Downsizing Guide .
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| Samaritans Senior Outreach Program |
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The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands Senior Outreach Program is open to all older adults living on the Cape or Islands who are experiencing signs of isolation, loneliness, and/or depression and would benefit from a weekly call. Samaritan trained volunteers are matched with seniors on Cape for weekly telephone chats. Volunteers listen without judgement, with compassion and empathy, and all calls are confidential. Seniors are typically referred to the program by Elder Services, COA, primary care physicians, friends, family, religious organizations or they may self refer using a simple referral form. For more information, or to refer a senior please contact Karen Ellery Jones
[email protected]
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| CCCC Seeks a to Fill the Coordinator of Student Life and Fitness Position |
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Cape Cod Community College is seeking to fill a Coordinator of Student Life and Fitness position in the
Division of Enrollment Management and Advising Service,
Full-time, Benefited
MCCC Unit Position.
Please see more information
HERE.
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MEETINGS & GROUPS | UPDATES
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Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention
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Hyannis Recovery Connection Center (RCC)
Virtual Groups
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The
Hyannis Recovery Connection Center (RCC) has worked to develop groups that can be done over the phone and virtually through the ZOOM app. Individuals who self identify with a mental health/dual diagnosis are welcome to call up and attend these groups. Please see the attached list of group along with phone numbers to call and a group ID (no pass code needed)
HERE.
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Training & Event Registration Postponed
Samaritans on Cape Cod & Islands
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Due to state and federal advisories about the coronavirus outbreak, the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands has made the decision to postpone upcoming training scheduled for:
- April 21, 2020 - Elder Suicide Prevention Training for Cape and Islands Communities
- April 29, 2020 - Helping After A Suicide Loss: Community Dialogue with First Responders
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Thrive! at CIGSYA - LGBTQ and Ally Center of Cape Cod Continue Digital Meetings
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Thrive! Wednesday Events have been moved to a digital / online gathering the past few weeks and this format will continue until further notice. The Thrive! building will be closed on Wednesdays . Folks who are ages 22 and under are encouraged to login to join Wednesdays from 4 - 6pm. Additional Saturday meetings have been added. For the link or any questions and additional info please check our Facebook
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| Nathan's Circle Grief Group Canceled Until Further Notice |
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Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition
has suspended
Nathan's Circle Grief Group for Adults who Have Lost a Love One to Addiction
(held at Barnstable Adult Community Center) until further notice. For any information or for support please call 508-771-4336 and leave a message, someone will return your call. Or you can email
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Submission Guidelines
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Please submit your request to be included by clicking on the image below.
- Content Policy - We are prioritizing timely information on the ever-changing landscape of health and human services events and opportunities.
- Due to the increasing number of submissions to the newsletter, the Department reserves the right to limit the number of times a submission is published.
- Posting of articles submitted for publication in the Barnstable County Department of Human Services E-Newsletter is at the discretion of the Department. To request this newsletter in alternate formats, please call 508-375-6628.
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