COVID-19 Update and Resource Information: March 19, 2020

Dear Bath Housing Residents:

As we continue with precautions around the COVID-19 virus, especially in light of the increased risk associated with older individuals and those with underlying health issues, we have this update on key resources:

General Information

• Call, text or e-mail 211 for general information about COVID-19 as well as for information and assistance with a wide variety of needs. You can reach them by phone by dialing 211, by texting your zip code to 898-211 or by e-mailing .

 

• Resource Tables will be added outside the main entrance of the Anchorage Community Room, Dike’s Landing lower parking lot entrance, Seacliff Floral Street front entrance, and Moorings front entrance. These tables allow anyone bringing in supplies to leave them on the tables.  Then you can retrieve the items after that person leaves.  Anyone delivering supplies will not need to enter the building in an effort to reduce the spread of illness.

 

• As of March 18, Governor Mills has prohibited all non-work gatherings of 10 or more people. This would apply to all gatherings in building Community Rooms.

 

• You will likely be seeing just a single member of our administrative staff in your building for notice deliveries in the coming weeks. We have assigned a staff person per building in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading illness among buildings.  You will also notice that our staff will be wearing gloves when making any deliveries.

 

• Our Admin Office now includes a Dropbox outside the front entrance with directions for how to use it in the event that you may need us to make copies or have documents that we need to handle. The Dropbox is available during our business hours; if you need to get anything to us after hours, please use the mail slot in the front door.

 

• The Maine CDC website remains the most reliable source of current information and is available at maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus.

 

Food

• Because the combination of current precautions, discontinuation of bus services and general food costs will create food hardships for many, we are working to identify active resources and want to pass the following along:

 

• Merrymeeting Gleaners will increase vegetable deliveries. These will arrive weekly.  Gloves will be worn for sorting and delivery of this produce.  Bath Housing staff will deliver produce to the Resource Tables.

 

• Anyone with food needs should contact Kristen as soon as possible. On Thursday, March 26 Bath Housing staff will deliver boxes from the Bath Food Pantry to the Resource Tables.  In order to receive a box, you must sign up with Kristen (295-3317) by Friday, March 20. Boxes will be delivered with your apartment number and we hope to be requesting deliveries every 2 weeks.

 

• Please call today even if you are currently supplied with food but may need food in the coming weeks.

 

• Food resources for children: Any child under 18 can pick up Grab & Go breakfasts and lunches at Dike-Newell or Fisher-Mitchell Monday-Friday 10:30am-1pm.  The Bath Bus Service is experimenting with delivering the Grab & Go meals along select bus routes.  They are running a trial with Bus #51 and Bus #32, with bus routes beginning at 10:30am and stopping periodically along their usual routes.  Children 18 and under are welcome to take a Breakfast and a Lunch.  Grab & Go grocery bags from the Bath Area backpack Program are also available at the Skatepark on Fridays from 4-5pm.

 

• Please reach out to us with not only current questions and needs but with issues that you see as possible future Because things are changing so rapidly, it is helpful for us to have any advance notice of behind the scenes work that we could be doing to make useful connections.

 

Internet Access

• HUD has just made us aware that multiple Internet Service Providers have updated their programs so that people can stay connected during this time. In our area, the lowest cost option would be through Comcast Internet Essentials.  This program costs $9.95/month, and as a result of COVID-19, Comcast is offering 60 days of free internet service for new connections.  Though most residents will be eligible as a result of living in an apartment with HUD assistance, there are a few exceptions.  For more information, call 1-855-846-8376.

 

Maintenance Services

• Maintenance staff continues to respond to Emergency Work Orders only and will be wearing protective gear as needed.

 

Transportation

• Bath bus service has been discontinued.

 

• As of March 19, 2020, MidCoast Connector (for eligible MaineCare medical appointments) and MidCoast Public Transportation and they are still operating. However, they strongly recommend checking with them if you have a ride scheduled, as they are operating with fewer drivers than usual.

 

Income Changes

• If you live in a subsidized apartment, are employed and have lost wages due to COVID-19, we may be able to reduce your rent related to loss of income during this time. All changes must be submitted in writing before the end of March to take effect in April.  You can drop a note through the mail slot in our door or e-mail Kevin at .  Income updates will be verified at a later date.  You can reach Kevin at 449-0353 with any questions.

  

Re-certification

• If you live in a subsidized apartment and have Re-certification paperwork due, go ahead and send in whatever you are able to complete. If you have questions about your paperwork or are not sure how to complete it, Kevin can assist you by phone at 449-0353.

 

 Self-Care

• We understand that following current precautions can be lonely, confusing and stressful. If you have access to e-mail or phone service, this is a good time to be reaching out both for connection and support and to check in on others.  In the event that you or someone you know is in crisis, the Maine Crisis Line number is available 24 hours/day at 1-888-568-1112 or 711 for Maine Relay Service.  You can find more information, including texting and chatting options, at https://heretohelpmaine.com/.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline is also available 24 hours/day at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. 

 

• Many organizations are beginning to offer everything from online fitness programs to online religious services. People Plus, for example, is providing daily Community Update Videos as well as some exercise videos.  You can access these on their Facebook page, Vimeo page or YouTube channel or on local cable channels 3 and 14 every day at 3pm.

 

There are no ideal systems of communication right now.  If you are aware of neighbors who do not receive OneCalls or who may have trouble accessing the information in this notice, please do what you can to keep them informed.  Again, we’re all in this together.  Please take extra good care and do not hesitate to reach out to us:

• Sarah Rockwell, Housing Associate:  295-3506,
• Kevin Boyle, Property Manager:  449-0353,
• Kristen McEvoy, Resident Service Coordinator:  295-3317,
• Jess Irish, Director of Housing:  449-0377,

Updates are also being posted on the Bath Housing website in the News Section (www.bathhousing.org) and Facebook page.