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March 18, 2020
Dear ONE Northside Family:
While we are in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, we will be sending out regular information, action steps and possibly even fun distractions. We may be keeping up important "social distancing" but we are still a connected community. Here are ways you can stay connected and continue the fight for a just society.
Resources You Can Use:
This is a time where we are all paying close attention to our physical health, but there is no doubt that this is taking a toll on our mental health. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention created this short article. Here is one piece of advice they give:
"Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding—you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control."
Take Action:
1. Complete the Census virtually!
You should have received a letter from the Census in the mail in the last few days. It is so vitally important that we all are counted. So, see all those people around you in your house right now? Those kids home from cps and college? Your cousin who lives with you? They all need to be counted. By filling out the census right now from home, you are doing your part to flatten the curve - you're making sure a Census worker doesn't need to stop by your house to remind you to complete the Census.
You can do the Census online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844.330.2020.
The 2020 Census is an opportunity to show the wide diversity of our community. An inaccurate 2020 Census count denies money for schools, healthcare, and housing to millions of low-income households, immigrant communities, people of color, and young children.
If you or someone close to needs help completing the Census because of unstable housing, homelessness, fear of ICE, language barriers, or spotty internet/phone access – please contact Census Outreach Coordinator Eugene Lim
2. Call your Senators to support the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
TODAY please call your Senator and urge them to immediately pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (H.R. 6201).
The recently-enacted emergency coronavirus supplemental of $8.3 billion in entirely new funds was critical to our nation’s public health response, which the House approved the bill with an overwhelming 415-2 vote. H.R. 6201 is the next step to quickly deliver additional relief to the American people. We recognize that not all protections and workers are covered within this bill and our national partners are working with other groups to address these exclusions from this relief package through subsequent Congressional legislation and action. However, immediate passage of the current legislation is an imperative next step we all need as we continue to weather this public health emergency.
Congressional members are working on other legislative packages which are moving quickly, where we should have the ability to fix and/or improve on what is in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), such as the soon-to-be introduced bicameral bill by Senators Gillibrand, Murray and Representative DeLauro (more details will be shared separately as information becomes available).
For today (Wednesday, March 18, 2020), please take a few minutes to call your Senator and urge passage of H.R. 6201.
3. Support the homeless in Chicago
Many of us are feeling isolated and afraid in our homes right now. Others are dealing with this fear and isolation while staying on the streets, in tent cities and in shelters. Homeless service providers have been scrambling to keep people sheltered and safe in this unprecedented time. They are heroes.
If you are feeling healthy and are able, please make a donation to The Night Ministry. They need donations of hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, twin sized sheets, blankets and towels. These can be dropped off at Edgewater Presbyterian Church at 1029 w Bryn Mawr. There is an intercom for TNM in the vestibule, and a sign posted with phone number on the kenmore side. Best to call ahead 773.784.9000. They are accepting gift cards and donations too. Lastly, they need help with prepared meals. If you are able to drop off prepared meals, please contact Brittany Caine-Conley to coordinate.
It's Not All Bad....
We've been figuring out Zoom calling as a staff - here we are at our staff meeting yesterday!
To distract myself recently I listened to the Bon Appetite Foodcast, watched The Incredibles 2 on Netflix, and am reading the book Good Husbandry by Kristin Kimball (which is so good and very distracting!).
Thanks for making it to the bottom of this newsletter! Stay safe and healthy.
In community,
Jennifer
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