Jacob's Golden Update: Coronavirus Update (cont.)
March 18, 2020

Given the likely severity of the pandemic and the economic downturn we have very quickly fallen into, I’m keeping this issue of the newsletter entirely focused on COVID-19 news. I’ll start to cover other issues again soon, but for the time being this feels like the most important information to share.

First, a quick survey-ish question: Are you getting the information you need as we all navigate through all of this? And if not, what are you not getting?

I’ll try to track down and share good resources for whatever the gaps are.

Second, a quick editorial comment: The City of Golden is doing a lot behind the scenes and has been communicating more frequently (including last night's online presentation by Mayor Weinberg and the City Manager), I know Jeffco is working hard, and Governor Polis and the state agencies seem to be doing a really solid job as well. I’m grateful for all of this. And in a turn of events that might have been tough to predict, Republicans and Democrats at the State Legislature have been collaborating to an impressive degree in figuring out their part of the state’s response to the crisis. Deep bipartisan collaboration isn’t the norm for them, and they seem to be rising to the occasion (and thanks to Golden’s State Representative Monica Duran and State Senator Tammy Story for their roles in this).

And now some updates:

1. Volunteering to Help Out During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2. Supporting the Groups Doing Critical Work During the Pandemic
3. What We Know and Don't Know Yet about COVID-19
4. Resources for Folks That Need Help or Support
5. Information Resources on COVID-19

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1. Volunteering to Help Out During the COVID-19 Pandemic

There is a multi-organization effort coming together here in Golden to help coordinate volunteers and make sure our vulnerable neighbors have the support they need. Stay tuned on that.

In the meantime, Governor Polis just launched a statewide volunteer coordination effort including a volunteer signup page. In his press conference today, he specifically called out the need for help with food delivery, childcare, mental health support and organizing. He also called out the importance of donating blood; it’s safe to do so and hospitals are facing potential shortages at a time when they can’t afford to run low. If you can donate blood, money, or time, please do.

It’s been wonderful to see so many offers to help on Nextdoor, and I want to call out one specific effort to create a community spreadsheet of people who are able to help and those who need some. If you want your name added, you can contact Koko at 720-628-2901, and if you are on Nextdoor you can also check out the thread, which began with Koko’s post late last week called “I'll be making a spreadsheet for those that can help others.”

2. Supporting the Groups Doing Critical Work During the Pandemic

The coordinated effort here in Golden will include a fundraising component, since a lot of what folks need now and will need for a while is help with basics like food. And the number of kids, families, and elderly facing financial challenges is likely to escalate quickly as unemployment numbers grow. I’ll help spread the word on this coordinated fundraising as soon as they launch, but in the meantime if you can help here are a couple of great options:

Golden Backpack Program helps make sure kids have enough to eat, especially on non-school days when they don’t have access to school breakfasts and lunches (which right now means every day). They need financial support (to pay for food and meals), bags (reusable totes, plastic and paper bags), and food. You can donate online or drop off bags and food at the 14th street entrance to the Calvary Church in Golden (10am-6pm). They will also pick up donations if you call or text 720-443-5708.

The Golden Civic Foundation supports a wide range of Golden nonprofit organizations and is playing a key role in coordinating Golden’s response.

The Family Tree supports families escaping unsafe domestic situations in Jefferson, Denver, Adams and Arapahoe Counties.

Golden's Christian Action Guild is asking for help with non-perishable food donations. At the moment they are accepting donations from 9am-4pm daily through March 20.

3. What We Know and Don't Know Yet about COVID-19

The Colorado Independent published a nice wrap-up on what state health officials know and don’t know about COVID-19.

4. Resources for Folks That Need Help or Support

Rent and Utilities

Energy Outreach Colorado is a statewide nonprofit organization that helps Coloradans pay their utility bills during hardship.
Xcel Energy has agreed not to disconnect residential customers until further notice.
The City of Golden announced that for the time being they will not cut off anyone's water for failure to pay.
Comcast is increasing internet speeds for all customers and offering 60 days of free internet services to low-income families.

Unemployment

The Governor has ordered up to four days of paid sick leave for certain workers experiencing flu-like symptoms and awaiting COVID-19 test results.
Anyone who has lost their job or had their hours cut due this pandemic may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
For employers looking to avoid layoffs, CDLE's Work-Share Program allows eligible employees to work fewer hours and collect partial unemployment benefits.

Food Assistance

If you or someone you know needs help with meals, here’s a map of Denver area meal distribution sites.
Here in Jeffco, “Grab and Go” meals should be available for collection for breakfast (8:00-9:00a) and lunch (11:30a - 12:30p) at a number of schools around the district. I think the closest to Golden at the moment is Welchester Elementary. This is currently scheduled to run through Friday, March 27.
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 SNAP and WIC enrollment.

Child Care

The newly established Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative will provide emergency child care on a sliding scale to essential workers with children ages eight and under, including; health care providers and staff, public safety officers, and those supporting at-risk populations.

Homelessness

Metro Denver Homeless Initiative offers critical services to the those weathering this pandemic without stable shelter.

5. Information Resources on COVID-19

COVID-19 Resources

The Colorado Sun has a useful overall resource page, including a map of COVID-19 cases in Colorado.

City of Golden’s COVID-19 page.

Jefferson County Public Health.

Bill Fisher's "Staying Healthy in Golden (during a pandemic)" blog post: A really nice list of suggestions and tips.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado: Contains a wide range of links and CDPHE’s media releases regarding COVID-19.

COVID-19 Facts for Coloradans: The fact sheet includes information about the disease, how to avoid spreading it, and other actions to take to remain safe.

COVID-19 Recommendations: This link leads to recommendations from CDPHE in consultation with the CDC for how to handle COVID-19 in regard to high risk populations, public events, workplaces, and schools.

CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for general questions about the coronavirus: 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, (multiple languages supported) or email questions at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

COVID-19 Testing: This link will take you through all of the proper steps surrounding how and when someone should go about getting a test for COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control coronavirus website.

Some Twitter accounts you can follow: @COHealth, @CDPHE, @COEmergency, @CDCGov

Some Facebook pages you can follow: https://www.facebook.com/CDPHE/, https://www.facebook.com/COEmergency/, https://www.facebook.com/jaredpolis/

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