How to Give and Get Help

Here to serve in troubled times

Dear Friends of District 8,

Although the challenge we face is grave, in recent days I have been heartened to see so many across Miami-Dade step up to meet this crisis. From the unbelievably brave healthcare workers at our hospitals, to law enforcement, to our nonprofit and business leaders, to residents seeking ways to help, so many are working to support and sustain our community.

In this newsletter we have compiled a list of available community resources and services – both for those in need of support and those who would like to contribute.

Do you have a resource to share or other ideas for our office? Please send an email to district8@miamidade.gov .

Yours in community,

Daniella

Key Information on COVID-19

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL SICK

If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call the local Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400 or call your medical provider directly. If traveling to a medical office or facility, call ahead.

COVID-19 TESTING

The following testing sites are now available:

Marlins Park: Testing available for residents 65 and older who are showing symptoms. By appointment only; call 305-499-8767.
Hard Rock Stadium: Testing available for those 65 and older who are symptomatic as well as healthcare workers and first responders. Call the county hotline at 305-499-8767 to schedule.
Community Health of South Florida: Testing available for patients who have symptoms and either a recent history of travel to an affected country or contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19. By appointment only; call 305-252-4820.
Larkin Hospital in Hialeah: Testing available for first responders and healthcare providers (for a fee). By appointment only; call 305-830-0790.
The City of Miami has also launched a testing service for homebound seniors. Learn more.

JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM

Any patient experiencing serious symptoms of COVID-19 can seek emergency treatment at any hospital emergency room, including any Jackson facility. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitation is suspended for most patients at most facilities, and Jackson encourages the use of phone calls, electronic messages, and videoconference. Watch a video from Jackson's leadership.

OTHER RESOURCES

Looking for Help? Community Services + Resources

RESOURCES FOR JOBSEEKERS

CVS, Publix, Amazon, Walmart, Milam's, Pizza Hut, and many other companies are hiring across our community to keep up with demand. Check the Miami Herald's list of companies with open jobs.
Visit Floridajobs.org to learn more about Reemployment Assistance in Florida.
Register online with CareerSource South Florida, and watch my virtual conversation with CareerSource Executive Director Rick Beasley for other tips.

RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, interest-free working capital loans for impacted small businesses. Learn more and apply.
Completing the Business Damage Assessment Survey is an important way to make sure the state mobilizes resources to help our small businesses. Take the survey.
Enroll your business in Florida's Short Time Compensation Program , designed to help employers maintain their staff by reducing weekly working hours during slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees.
Let customers know you're open for business by filling out this form and sharing ways the community can support you.
Download the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Resource Guide.
Find resources available to tourism and hospitality workers.

RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS

Fill out the Miami Foundation nonprofit interest form to share information about your organization's needs (the Foundation is still establishing a grant application process to be announced).

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

Our county is now serving seniors in need of meals via delivery. To set up meal delivery call 3-1-1.
Many grocery stores including Publix, Sedano's, Target, and Winn-Dixie are offering senior shopping hours so the elderly can shop safely. Details on senior shopping hours currently available.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

United Teachers of Dade put together a video "crash course" on distance learning for parents.
Join me for storytime on Facebook Live every weekday at 11 am.
Take a virtual field trip! You can tour museums around the world through Google Arts, visit a national park on Google Earth, and visit Vizcaya online.

RESOURCES FOR THE HOMELESS

Camillus House, the Homeless Trust, and other community partners are mobilizing resources to help ensure the wellbeing of our homeless population. If you need assistance call the Homeless Hotline: 1-877-994-HELP.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Under the state of emergency, evictions in Miami-Dade have been suspended.
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer has suspended water disconnections and FPL is halting service disconnections at least through the end of March; many phone and internet providers are also suspending service cut-offs and waiving late fees.
Legal Services of Greater Miami has also compiled a great set of resources and is providing assistance online.
This year's tax filing deadline has been pushed back to July 15 and the property tax deadline is moved to April 15.

FOOD SECURITY

Schools across Florida are providing free hot meals for students and families who normally receive school meals. Find the site nearest you online, text FLKIDSMEALS to 211-211, or call 2-1-1 to speak with an operator.
Feeding South Florida and Farm Share are other resources for those experiencing food insecurity.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

If you or someone you know has a need that is not being met – including food, physical or mental health, shelter, etc. – call the Switchboard of Miami (dial 2-1-1 from home or 305-631-4211 from a cell).
Request support from the Miami Pandemic Assistance Fund (a collaboration of United Way and other partners) by completing this form.

How to Help (Including Ways to Help at Home)

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

A great way to support our local businesses through this difficult time is to order delivery from your favorite restaurants. Check Order Out. Help Out for a list of restaurants and special offers.

CONTRIBUTE TO RELIEF FUNDS

If you are in a position to give back financially, here are a few options to consider:

Give to the Miami Pandemic Response Fund, a partnership of the United Way of Miami-Dade and the Miami Herald / El Nuevo Herald.
Support the Miami Foundation's Community Recovery Fund.
Help support thousands of service industry workers – who will be among the hardest hit by this economic crisis – through UNITE HERE's Education and Support Fund.
Help provide food to hungry families by supporting Feeding South Florida or FarmShare.
Help immigrants in detention facilities (where in-person visitation has been suspended) call their loved ones by contributing to Friends of Miami-Dade Detainees.

DELIVER FOOD TO THE ELDERLY

If you're in good health, volunteer to help deliver supplies to those unable to leave their homes. Contact buddysystemmia@gmail.com to learn more.

DONATE BLOOD

Across the country we have seen an alarming rate of blood drive cancellations – but it is essential that we continue to collect blood during this crisis. Find a donation center near you.

COMPLETE THE CENSUS

It's more important now than ever that our community gets the resources it needs – which is why we need to ensure that #MiamiDadeCounts in the U.S. Census. You can complete the census online, by calling 844-330-2020, or by mailing back the questionnaire sent to your home.

HELP HOMELESS PETS

Support vulnerable animals in need during this crisis: Consider adopting or fostering a dog or cat through Miami-Dade Animal Services if you are able. Friends of Miami Animals has a list of other ways you can help.

DON'T FLUSH YOUR WIPES!

Cleaning and/or disinfecting wipes (including “flushable” wipes) can clog pipes, leading to sewage overflows and pump system failures – creating an additional public health risk. Make sure your wipes go in the trash.

Miami-Dade County Services

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Did you know? You can use your existing library card to access all MDPLS online services and digital content – like eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines, music, movies, and research and learning resources for people of all ages. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for an eCard online at ecard.mdpls.org or through the free mobile app available for iOS and Android. (Also, don't worry about returning any library books on time – MDPLS has extended due dates for all library materials and there are no late fees.)

MIAMI-DADE TRANSIT

Starting Monday, March 23, Miami-Dade Transit has suspended all fares and is also operating a reduced service schedule. The department continues to urge the community to use public transit for essential trips only and for riders to practice social distancing while using transit. Learn more.