Dear Friends,

The surge in COVID infections, especially among youth, has the Maryland Department of Health offering a plethora of vaccine sites for those in need of a vaccine so please visit the state website listed below for details. Also read more about applications for temporary virtual learning with Prince George’s County Schools (PGCPS) with an application deadline 0f 20 August 2021.

Additionally, the end of state of emergency status has seen an uptick in threats of eviction. Below you will find updated information about the Federal Rental Assistance Program for landlords and tenants, implemented by the state and distributed through the counties, as well as a City of Bowie Rental Assistance Program.

As always, reach out to me with any questions or concerns as I am pleased to be of assistance.

Sincerely, 
Geraldine 
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
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Back to School

Deadline for Virtual Learning
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is returning to
in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year with Tuesday, September 7 slated as the first day of school. PGCPS is also offering a temporary Virtual Learning Program. See more details and application procedures here and please note deadline is 20 August. PGCPS states that it may not be possible to accommodate all requests and adding students will depend on hiring additional staff. 
School Vaccine Clinics
PGCPS is collaborating with County government to offer COVID vaccine clinics. Please visit this webpage for upcoming vaccine clinic dates, mobile clinic availability and for the parent consent forms.
 
Additionally, children entering school are required to have the standard childhood immunizations. The Prince George’s County Health Department’s is offering back-to-school immunization clinics by appointment only. To make an appointment prior to school please visit here. Parents or legal guardians must bring a copy of all your child’s immunization (shots) records. Only the children who have immunization appointments should be present at the clinic.

Rental Assistance
  • The Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which launched statewide in Maryland at the end of May has provided $58 million to 10,000 renters and an additional $34 million in payments are processing now.


  • In addition to local programs, tenants in eligible properties may qualify for DHCD’s Assisted Housing Relief Program, which serves rental units in multifamily projects financed by the department’s Community Development Administration using state funds or federal resources. Tenants in those properties should contact their property management company for application information.

City of Bowie
Rental Assistance
  • The City of Bowie Office of Grant Development and Administration (OGDA) is now offering relief to renters experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Eligible Bowie residents may receive rental assistance from the City of Bowie to help remain in their homes.


  • Paper copies of the application are also available at Bowie City Hall. This program is eligible for Bowie residents who live within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Bowie.
COVID Infection Rate Surge 
You can track the surge in infections in our state here. In the middle of the page is a new drop down menu for “Schools Data” detailing infection rates by school. 

Vaccines Widely Available

Vaccines are widely available. Please find a vaccine site anywhere in the state by zip code here.

By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer