Keeping you Informed

As the City of Baltimore continues to respond to COVID-19 under the leadership of Mayor Young, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) is working to ensure that critical information is available in multiple languages. For multilingual up-to-date information regarding the city’s response, follow us on Facebook.

In addition, MIMA has been working closely with the Health Department to develop a central location for translated resources which can be accessed through the COVID-19 main website. Information will also be uploaded to MIMA’s website.

Lastly, MIMA will be providing multilingual weekly updates with information regarding services and resources impacted by COVID-19. The English version of this week’s update is below.

To read this update in other languages, visit MIMA’s website
Para leer este reporte en español, visite la página web de MIMA
Pour lire cette mise à jour en Français, visitez le Site Web de MIMA

What’s New This Week?

Lendistry
Small businesses owners can apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program loan through Lendistry’s online portal. Lendistry is working on making the portal available in languages other than English. Small business owners with social security numbers are eligible to apply for this forgivable loan program.

Baltimore City’s Food Distribution Map
This interactive map now includes food banks as well as food distribution sites at recreation centers, churches and schools – visit bit.ly/38XqBp2

Save Small Business Fund
This new initiative was announced by the US Chamber of Commerce this week. Small businesses with 3 to 20 employees and have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 can apply for a grant of up to $5,000. Small business owners can apply here.

MIMA – Baltimore City COVID-19 Nonprofit/Organization Survey
MIMA is working to serve as a source of information for New Americans in Baltimore City during COVID-19. Non-profit organizations and services providers who work with immigrant populations are encouraged to fill out this survey to determine service levels.

Baltimore City School System has created this online survey to better assess the technology and food needs of its students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey is available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Arabic.

Payment Drop-Off Location
To ensure that all residents stay safe and protect themselves during this time, payment drop boxes are available at the Holliday St. entrance of the Abel Wolman Building, 200 Holliday Street, Baltimore MD 21202.

Economic Relief
Unemployment Insurance and Employment
For displaced workers due to COVID-19, please click here for more information. Workers and independent contractors with social security numbers can apply for unemployment here. For assistance getting a job or support, please contact the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development and someone will reach out to you within 2 business days. MOED also keeps a running list of companies and nonprofits hiring in Baltimore City.

Resources Available Regardless of Immigration Status

Gas and Electric
BGE is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges until June 1 and will be working with customers on a case by case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. See BGE’s coronavirus website available in English and Spanish for more information.

Small Businesses

  • The Baltimore Development Corporation has created this business impact survey for Baltimore City small businesses in English, Spanish and Korean. This information will be kept confidential.
  • Small businesses affected by COVID-19 can apply for the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to receive affordable or forgivable loans.
  • Can a Creditor Garnish My Paycheck Protection Program Funds?.
  • Baltimore City small business owners can apply for PPP through Lendistry.
  • The US Chamber of Commerce just launched a grant for small businesses with 5 to 20 employees, and you can apply here.
  • Please note that the Maryland Grant and Loan programs are no longer accepting applications. Public Justice Center at (410) 625-9409.

Evictions in Baltimore City

Evictions are halted while schools are closed. If you receive an eviction notice during the state of emergency, call the Public Justice Center at (410) 625-9409.

Health and Human Services

Esperanza Center Coronavirus Health Hotline
If you do not have a doctor and you are experiencing symptoms related to coronavirus/COVID-19, you can call Esperanza Center’s team of medical professionals in English or Spanish at 667-600-2314.

Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Site at Pimlico
Residents need to bring a referral from a doctor for a test. Testing for coronavirus is not considered in public charge decisions.

Resources for Victims of Abuse and Assault
Things are more stressful than usual. If you’re experiencing abuse or assault, there are organizations ready to help.

211 Call Center
211 is now accepting calls in many languages using telefonic interpretation to recommend next-steps if you think you have or have been exposed to coronavirus, including connect you with a clinic if you do not have health insurance of a primary care provider.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
Greater Baltimore Area foundations have created a streamlined opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to sustain, deepen, or pivot their operations to address critical needs in local communities resulting from the pandemic. Apply at greaterbaltimorecovidresponse.org.

School and Daycare Closure
Baltimore City Schools will be closed until May15th. The district has developed downloadable learning packets that students may complete while schools are closed due to COVID-19.City Schools has also started broadcasting daily reading and math lessons on City Schools TV (Comcast 77) and Charm TV (Comcast 25 and 1025). Broadcast schedules are available in English and Spanish. Daycares have also been closed by order of Governor Hogan. Essential employees who still have to work can access free child care here.

Food Distribution
Food sites have been activated to protect vulnerable populations, including children and families and older adults. Identification or personal information will NOT be required at food sites. This is NOT a public benefit that would be considered on the public charge test. See this map for food distribution site locations: bit.ly/38XqBp2. See this map for food banks: bit.ly/2WZm6Ie. If a person needs help with Food and Cash Supplements, visit dhs.maryland.gov and click on the Food and Cash icon.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment
You may be eligible to enroll in a qualified health plan through Maryland Health Connection, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, if you are present in the US under certain immigration statuses or if you have applied for certain lawfully present statuses. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov to find out if you are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance by June 15th.

City Services and Government Announcements

Stay-at-Home Order
Governor Hogan has issued a stay-at-home order by executive order. No Marylander should leave their home unless it is for an essential reason. Read the full text of executive order in English and Spanish. This is not an 8PM curfew!

Virtual Rec Center
The Recreation Centers may be closed, but you can access fun, alternative recreation activities through this resource bank full of STEM projects, work out routines, and games for all ages.

Tax Sale Postponed
The annual tax sale property auction has been scheduled for May 18 will now be held on July 20. Postponing the tax sale allows residents more time to plan for this event.

Check MIMA’s website for City Service updates, where the graphic below is available in multiple languages.