Councilors Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Helen Anthony (Ward 2) proposed a resolution at tonight’s City Council Meeting urging Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to enact a complete eviction moratorium. Additionally, this resolution encourages cancellation of rent and mortgage payments and forgiveness of prior payments and obligations for the duration of the State of Emergency and for 120 days after the order has been lifted.
“Rhode Island courts have been closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. There is a backlog of eviction cases coinciding with a jump in the state’s unemployment rate from 5% to 17%. It is clear that many Rhode Islanders are facing financial turmoil, and this is not the time to throw them out of their homes,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “As legislators it is incumbent upon us to protect the residents of Providence from further financial hardships and displacement. This pandemic has touched the lives of everyone, but it is having the greatest effects on our low-wage and gig earners who have not been able to work due to closures of bars, limited reopening of restaurants and other parts of the service industry.”
“The COVID-19 crisis is far from over,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller “Moving forward with evictions would not only be unethical but it would increase homelessness and cause a heightened threat to public health and safety; possibly creating further spread of the COVID-19 virus. The majority of residents in Rhode Island are struggling, and we should be creating safety nets, and doing whatever we can to ensure that no resident faces eviction or foreclosure due to this global pandemic that was out of their control.”
The Councilors are also urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to take up a bill which replicates the language proposed in HR 6515- “Emergency Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act of 2020”, proposed by Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. This resolution would prohibit evictions for nonpayment of rent or mortgages, prohibit fines, fees and debt accrual for nonpayment, enact rent forgiveness and establish a relief fund to assist landlords.
“Our State government must work to support all Rhode Islanders during this difficult time; from renters and homeowners, to landlords. We cannot turn our backs on our neighbors who are struggling now, simply because the courts have reopened or executive orders have expired. The economic effects of COVID-19 remain and our government must continue to work to ensure all Rhode Islanders are able to get back on their feet without the fear of losing their homes or becoming homeless,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
Upon passage of the resolution, a copy shall be sent to Governor Gina Raimondo, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello.
Councilors Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Helen Anthony (Ward 2) will introduce a resolution at tonight’s City Council Meeting condemning the cancelation of health insurance benefits for employees by the Omni Hotel in Providence.This is particularly egregious because of the ongoing global COVID-19 public health crisis.
“The Omni Hotel, an integral part of our downtown economy, has benefitted from the hard work provided it’s employees. Additionally, these workers have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Several Omni Hotel employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Taking away their right to healthcare would not only endanger the employees but also add to the ongoing public health threat throughout the City of Providence,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
This cut to insurance benefits is in direct violation of the contract between the Omni Hotel and UNITE HERE Local 26, the bargaining representative for nearly 200 of the hotel’s employees. Many Omni Hotel employees live in Providence, are low-wage earners, and cannot afford to pay the COBRA premiums being offered by the hotel. Creating further financial strains and barriers to receiving adequate healthcare.
“As our City and State are working so hard to safely re-open the economy, the unethical actions of the Omni Hotel would lead to an increased health threat,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “This action by the owners of the Omni could potentially lead to an increase in positive cases of COVID-19, financial hardship due to medical bills, and severe illness for which employees will not be able to receive treatment. This will greatly slow the re-opening of the hotel and endanger not only Omni Hotel employees and guests, but residents throughout the City.”
“In this time of crisis, local employers, especially those like the Omni whose property has received a substantial investment of public money over the years, should be doing everything they can to protect the health and safety of their workers. The actions of the Omni Hotel are unethical and pose a public health threat to the City as a whole. I stand with UNITE HERE Local 26 in solidarity and will continue to advocate for our hard working men and women of the Union to ensure that they get the benefits they need and deserve,” added Councilor Rachel Miller.
The resolution condemns the actions of the Omni Hotel and calls on the hotel leadership to reinstate health insurance benefits to employees immediately. Upon passage a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the owners of the hotel in the hopes that they will change their current course of action.
I have gotten multiple calls this week from concerned friends and neighbors who have witnessed reckless partying on Eaton Street. The partying, occurring in off-campus housing abutting Providence College comes at a time when the COVID-19 crisis remains extremely dangerous and is taking lives every day.
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health gatherings are still limited to 5 or less, and these students refuse to comply with that and other safety precautions put forth by the Department.
These students endangered my community, a largely low income and black and brown community that has been hit hard by the pandemic. In fact, the “02908”, which is a popular housing company for students, was in the top 5 zip codes in the state for COVID-deaths.
A few days ago, a white student reportedly told a community member to “fall down the stairs” when she voiced her concern about student partying in her neighborhood. This news is especially troubling during a week when we have learned that two innocent, Black Americans lost their lives at the hands of white violence and multiple white police officers issued force when addressing Black and Brown Americans who were not wearing masks in public.
The Providence College community must learn to be more sensitive about their positionally in the community which they continue to gentrify and benefit from. I am disgusted by this behavior and I look forward to an apology from these students and a conversation with the College about how they will remedy this hurt that they have caused Smith Hill and my neighborhood.
To be clear, the problem is not exclusively Providence College students— Johnson and Wales University and Bryant College students also live around the PC campus on the street perpendicular to Eaton. Regardless, they remain the majority of students living in this area.
Participants Can Call Into the Meeting With Their Phones
Providence will be the first Council Body to use this Teleconferencing Technology
In light of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak which has affected many of us here in Rhode Island, the Governor issued an executive order earlier this week lifting the Open Meetings Act (OMA) restrictions for public meetings.
The order allows for adequate alternative means of public access such as over phone, internet, and audio or videoconferencing when it comes to public body meetings.
“Our goal as a City Council is to be as transparent as possible,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). “We have decided to move from livestreaming to teleconferencing due to the rapid spread of the virus here in Rhode Island. In the last 48 hours, we have seen an increase of 21 positive infections, totaling 44 positive infections here in Rhode Island as of 1:30 PM today. It’s with that in mind that we have made the difficult decision to host our meeting using a teleconference line, a widely used and implemented practice. This will allow for residents to hear the discussions as it happens by our body in real-time.”
In light of this executive order, in addition to the prior executive order limiting gatherings of more than 25 people, and to protect the health of our Councilors, staff, and our residents Council President Sabina Matos has decided to seek alternative public access mediums for tonight’s Council meeting. The City Council will be using a teleconferencing platform for tonight’s meeting.
Call-In Information is Below: Please dial: 1-646-558-8656 Pin: 692739810# Press # again to enter the conference waiting room.
This tough decision is premised on an urgency to preserve public health while also maintaining the spirit of an open and transparent governmental process.
Updates Regarding the Federal, State, and City’s Response to COVID-19
Anyone who would like confidential assistance with any questions they have regarding healthcare, testing, housing, food delivery, etc, can call “The Point” this is a confidential help line. The number is 401-462-4444
Rhode Island launched a one-stop COVID-19 app called Crush COVID RI. This app is available on the Apple app store and on Google Play in English and Spanish.
A second stimulus package has replenished the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fund. If you are a small business owner you are encouraged to call your banker immediately. If you do not currently have a relationship with a bank please email ppp@commerceri.com and they will help you find a lender.
Any public facing employee (store clerks, office workers, etc.) will be required to wear a cloth face mask while at work. Residents also must wear the same type of cloth masks while out in public. Be sure that it covers your nose and mouth to keep others safe from the virus and other germs. To learn more visit: Face Masks How To’s
Surge Hospital locations have been chosen: Providence – The Rhode Island Convention Center; Cranston – The Citizens Bank Building; Quonset – Former Lowe’s Wharehouse.
The RI Department of Health is looking for part-time or retired public health workers including doctors, nurses, LPN’s, CNA’s, CNE’s, social workers and mental health workers to help during the crisis. If you would like to sign-up please visit RIResponds.Org.
The RI DMV is providing 90-day extensions on registrations, renewals, etc. from the date of March 1, 2020 until the crisis is over.
If you are a frontline worker in need of childcare or eldercare the State has partnered with Care.com to offer 90 Free Days of premium access to our state’s hospital, public safety, and other frontline personnel. This is a paid service. You can also volunteer as a provider offering your services for free, or sign-up to be a provider. Please visit: Care.Com RI
Don’t fall prey to COVID-19 Scams. No government agency will ask for your SSN or your address, they know it. For more information visit the Federal Trade Commission’s site regarding scams: FTC
If you are seeing price gouging the Attorney General has created an online complaint form: Online Complaint Form
Both Federal and State governments have extended tax filing deadlines until July 15, 2020.
There is now a 30-day waiting period for the purchase of firearms in place, due to the need to have safety personnel available to assist with the ongoing health crisis.
The Department of Administration has implemented the Federal Work Share Program for State Employees. Voluntary participation is highly encouraged as a way to immediately cut costs while preventing widespread layoffs or furloughs.
The Federal Government has extended an executive order allowing Rhode Island to maintain its utilization of the National Guard under federal funding until August 21st.
Governor Raimondo announced the WeR1 initiative, in an effort to bring relief to Rhode Islanders who are undocumented and therefore are not eligible to benefit from Federal and State relief programs. Donations to the weR1 Rhode Island Fund can be made at http://bit.ly/give-wer1 or by texting weR1 to 27126. Learn more here.
Reopening Rhode Island
The State of Rhode Island has launched a website to describe the plan to reopen the economy here you can find guidance for reopening your business, plans for the phases of re-opening and resources to share your ideas: REOPENINGRI.COM
Governor Raimondo shared what the guidelines looked like for determining wether or not the state is ready to move on to a new phase of re-opening. These guidelines can be viewed here.
Health Resources for COVID-19
There have been 17,204 positive cases of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, 5,735 (as of July 9, 2020) positive cases in the city of Providence, and 971 deaths related to the virus. (This number changes daily and will be updated immediately after the Governor’s daily briefing.)
Everyone must wear face masks when at work or out in public until further notice. Learn more about masks here: Face Masks
There are several walk up and drive-thru testing sites in Providence as well as many across the state. To get tested, you will need a referral from your doctor. There are tests being offered at Clinica Esperenza, Rhode Island Department of Health, local hospitals and respiratory clinics, Stop & Shop testing locations and CVS’s rapid COVID-19 Testing Sites. In all cases you need to make an appointment first, either with your primary care physician or urgent care facility. At the CVS sites no doctor referral required and testing is free. Make your appointment on CVS.com.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed you can access services for adults and children where you will be matched with mental health professionals. Adults can call BHLink at 414-Link and for children, you can call KidsLink at 855-543-5465. If you are experiencing violence in the home or other mental health struggles here is a great resource provided by the RI Department of Health: In EnglishEn Español
For more information on what you should do if you feel that you may have contracted COVID-19, or come into contact with someone that could potentially have COVID-19 please visit the Rhode Island Health Department’s website or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 401-222-8022.
Any person in the State of Rhode Island currently on Medicaid will remain on the plan until the health crisis is resolved.
Governor Raimondo has announced that testing and treatment for COVID-19 would be free for Rhode Islanders, with no co-pay or out of pocket expenses.
If you are sick at all – headache, runny nose, cough, fever or other symptoms you must stay home from work.
If you are in quarantine the state has set up a program for food service, you can go to RIDelivers.com or call 211 to access this service.
Keep a daily log of where you have been and who you came in contact with to help in mitigation and contact tracing if you become infected with the COVID-19 virus.
The Red Cross has launched the Virtual Family Assistance Center. This program will provide help to families who have lost a family member due to COVID-19, this includes counseling services, legal resources, funeral information and more.
CVS has opened 10 new drive through testing sites throughout the state. These are appointment only, you can make the appointment on CVS.com. The locations offer same-day testing, but results will take 2-3 days.
Governor Raimondo shared the state’s “SOS” testing system which comprises of the following factors:
Symptomatics- Testing individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19
Outbreaks- Controlling and containing outbreaks
Surveillance- Frequent testing of individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19
Rhode Island has established itself as one of the most advanced states in the nation regarding testing. About 15% of the population has been tested which is 3 times higher than the national average. Moving forward, the state will be continuing to work to further expand testing. This includes a new effort to increase testing of asymptomatic people.
Close contact workers (hair stylists, barbers, nail salon employees etc), restaurant workers, bus drivers and child care workers will be able to receive free COVID-19 testing at any of the National Guard testing sites. You do not need to have symptoms to get tested.
The goal is to test 900 asymptomatic people a day, and to expand the testing to more people over time.
To sign up for an asymptomatic test click here or call the Department of Health at 401-222-8022
City Council and City Services Remaining Operational
The City Council Office remains accessible via phone at 401-521-7477, or email at council@providenceri.gov. Staff members can answer your calls and help assist you with any needs you may have.
All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and—for life safety matters only— Animal Control will continue regular operations.
Mayor’s Center for City Services will be taking calls from 8:00AM to 8:00PM and will continue to address concerns submitted through the PVD311 app or website.
City planning applications, permits, and licensing reviews will require residents and businesses to use online and email tools for submission of materials and payment. In cases where this is not possible, documents can be dropped off at specified times or submitted through the drop-box located at the back entrance of 444 Westminster Street (accessible by the parking lot on Greene St).*[2]
All Public Works requests will be handled on a case by case basis as it relates to the safety and sanitation of the city.*[1]
The Inspections of buildings and other infrastructure will continue as regularly scheduled.*[1]
Tax Collection will be accessible online, by phone or by mail. Mailed payments should include quarterly coupon and a personal check, certified check or money order payable to the City of Providence.*[1]
Tax Assessment services will be accessible online. Time-sensitive documents, such as homestead exemption applications, are available online and can be mailed to City Hall or emailed to assessors@providenceri.gov and will continue to be processed.*[1]
Vital Records will continue to receive documents for death certificates through mail, at specified drop-off times*[2] or using the City Hall drop-box accessible through Eddy Street. Select documents can be requested online and will be provided through mail.
Licensing will continue to receive documents online or through mail.*[1] New licenses will not be issued and all food, entertainment and liquor licenses and licensing violation hearings will not be held until further notice.
Public meetings that are non-essential will be postponed for the next 30 days, per the Governor’s Executive Order, and all essential meetings are encouraged to happen online or by phone as specified.
Documents processed by the Recorder of Deeds can be mailed to City Hall or dropped-off during specified times.*[2] Property history can be searched online, research prior to 2004 cannot be done at this time.
Commission of Human Relations complaint intake will be accessible online only.
All Finance and budget functions essential to core city operations and payroll will continue.*[1]
The Board of Contract and Supply will continue to receive bids on city contracts according to specified drop off hours*[2] and on the same day that the Board of Contract and Supply meetings occur between the hours of 11AM and 2:15PM. For day-of drop-offs, documents can be submitted using the buzzer located next to the wheelchair-accessible entrance of City Hall on Eddy Street and giving the documents to a member of the City Clerk’s office.
*[1] Please note that there may be slight delays in carrying out these operations due to reduced staffing or helping address pandemic-related issues.
*[2] Please note that select documents can be dropped off Tuesday and Thursday between 10AM and 1PM through the wheelchair-accessible entrance of City Hall on Eddy Street. Upon dropping off documents, please use the buzzer outside of the door and wait for assistance. Documents can also be submitted via drop-boxes located at City Hall, accessible through Eddy Street, and at the Doorley Municipal Building (444 Westminster Street), accessible through Greene Street. Drop-boxes will be checked twice a week, so processing may be delayed.
How to Volunteer, Help Your Neighbors, How to Safely Grocery Shop, & Restaurant Food Donations
The United Way of Rhode Island is creating a list of volunteers as a proactive measure to protect and support our communities during COVID-19. If you’re interested in helping nonprofits meet Rhode Islanders’ basic needs, please complete this short survey. Note: we’ll only contact you if there is a match.
The RI Department of Health is looking for part-time or retired public health workers including doctors, nurses, LPN’s, CNA’s, CNE’s, social workers and mental health workers to help during the crisis. If you would like to sign-up please visit RIResponds.Org
Check out this handy guide of best practices that City Council has created: English and En Español
The City’s Healthy Communities Department has issued the following guidelines for grocery shopping: English and En Español
If you are a restaurant or would like to donate food from a restaurant, please follow these guidelines: English and En Español
How Can a Business Donate to the Department of Health
If you are a business owner and have the ability, supplies, or equipment to donate to the Health Department please fill out this online form: Health Donation Form
Do not go to malls or areas where large numbers of people may be – like bars or restaurants.
Do go for a walk or a run – it just means that you need to keep your distance from other people. Otherwise seemingly healthy people can be a carrier for COVID-19 and have no symptoms, but it can quickly spread – especially to individuals over the age of 60 or to those who have compromised immune systems or other underlying health concerns. So please be mindful.
Practice Social Distancing: Social Distancing is the practice of keeping a distance of roughly 4 to 6 feet between you and other people – even your loved ones. It means no close personal contact like hugging or handshaking. Say hello or nod your head when greeting a friend or neighbor.
Remember to practice safe hygiene by washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your elbows, using hand sanitizer, and staying indoors and at home if feeling sick.
Resources Regarding Providence City Schools and Meal Services for Residents 18 & Younger.
The Providence Public School Department has a distance learning hotline for students and families: 401-456-0686What Distance Learning looks like – check out this Google Document for more information: Distance Learning
There are 13 sites across the city where all children, ages 18 and younger, regardless of where they attend school, can access several days worth of “Grab & Go” meals.The locations will be open from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm (for school students their lunch break is from 11:00 am to 1:00 PM) Tuesdays and Thursdays during the duration of the closure. On Friday, they will be sent home with three meals for each day of the weekend: Meal Distribution Locations
In addition to the meals being provided at the schools, the City of Providence is offering free, packaged dinner meals at each of Providence’s eleven recreation centers. Meals can be picked up between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays by residents 18 and under but they must be personally present at the distribution site. No ID is required: Meal Distribution Locations
Providence City Schools will be undergoing a deep cleaning and disinfection of all schools and administrative buildings per CDC Guidelines.
Providence Community Libraries and the Providence Public Library and all associated programming have been closed/canceled until further notice.
Governor Raimondo announced a statewide goal of reopening schools for full in-person learning on August 31st. All schools will follow the same schedule for the year, which can be viewed here.
The state will be allocating $42 million of CARES Act funding to schools in order to assist with the changes and adjustments. The state is also prepared to use additional stimulus money as necessary.
The state has set up a COVID Response Youth Summer Jobs program for high school students who are looking for summer jobs. The state will be supporting employers hiring youth for summer jobs related to the COVID-19 response. Students and employers can find more information at https://www.reopeningri.com/
Resources Around Utilities, Social, Federal and State Services
To find out more information regarding the U.S. Economic Impact Payment Program (Stimulus Checks) see these Resurces:
If you find yourself experiencing homelessness or know someone who is here is a great resource: RI Coalition for the Homeless.
Residential trash and recycling pick-ups are considered essential services and will continue as scheduled.
Department of Labor and Training (DLT), and HealthSource RI will be moving to online and telephone-only services until further notice. This includes all new applications, renewals, or changes in benefits. Individuals who need to drop off paper applications will be able to do so without speaking with a customer service representative.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced earlier today that licensing road tests will be canceled through the end of the week. In addition, beginning tomorrow, all DMV satellite offices will be closed. (Closures of the satellite locations in Westerly and Warren has previously been announced).
The Cranston DMV will only be providing the following limited services: dealer appointments, adjudications, and commercial drivers licenses. Rhode Islanders are encouraged not to go to the DMV unless absolutely necessary. The DMV is only taking clients for all services by appointment only. Please check the DMV website to confirm an appointment before visiting the DMV.
SNAP recipients are now able to buy groceries online from Amazon and participating Walmarts with their EBT cards.
The state has partnered with United Way of RI and the Rhode Island Realtors Association to start the Housing Now Initiative. This initiative is asking Rhode Island landlords to pledge at least 100 rental units by July 1st to renters who have housing vouchers. In doing so, landlords would receive a $2000 signing bonus for the first unit they pledge and an additional $500 for each additional unit. For more information call 211.
Resources for Seniors
Providence has several meal sites dedicated to serving older adults throughout the city. Please contact each site directly as information may change daily: Senior Meal Sites
Grocery stores throughout Rhode Island are providing dedicated shopping hours to promote the safety and wellness of older adults: Dedicated Senior Shopping Hours
With the recent stay-at-home orders issued across the states to further contain the spread of COVID 19, SeniorLiving.Org has compiled information on how to help seniors with communication, grocery delivery, home care and, health monitoring. This guide, Social Distancing: Apps for Seniors, provides practical apps for seniors (tech-savvy or not), along with setup assistance.
Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Office of Health Aging held a Facebook Town Hall for older Rhode Islanders. This can be viewed here.
Governor Raimondo took some time to go over the current situation in nursing homes.
About 76% of Rhode Island deaths due to COVID-19 have been nursing home residents. This is higher than both Massachusetts and Connecticut.
However, on a per capita basis, Rhode Island has seen less nursing home deaths compared to MA and CT.
Rhode Island is currently in the third phase of nursing home testing; through this program, every nursing home employee is able to get tested for COVID-19.
The National Guard has been providing assistance to any nursing home that requests it. This assistance includes employee PPE training, supplemented staffing for understaffed shifts, grief and trauma counseling, increased employee wages and increased PPE funding.
Resources for Renters & Homeowners
The State of Rhode Island has created a fund to help individuals who have past due rent and for those eligible can seek a grant of up to $5K. To find out if you are eligible, please visit HousingHelpRI.com or call the United Way at 2-1-1 if you don’t have access to the internet.
The State of Rhode Island has partnered with several financial institutions to provide a 90-day grace period on residential mortgage payments, no negative impacts to credit ratings from this relief, no late fees or charges, and a 60-day moratorium on initiating foreclosure sales or evictions for those who are impacted by COVID-19. To find a list of participating financial institutions visit the Department of Business Regulation.
HomesRI has released fact sheets on your rights as a tenant and how you can be protected during this COVID-19 crisis: In EnglishEn Español
HomesRI has released fact sheets on your rights as a homeowner and how you can be protected during this COVID-19 crisis: In EnglishEn Español
Governor Raimondo is allocating and additional $5 million to emergency rental assistance. This will be available starting tomorrow and those who qualify can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for past due rent. Visit https://www.housinghelpri.com/ for more info.
Resources for Lost Wages and Employee Rights
Here is a great resource of what you may or may not qualify for, and how to apply as published by WPRI News.
If you lost a job due to COVID-19 or unemployed, the State has launched a new website to match employees with companies that are hiring: employri.org
If you lost a job due to COVID-19 or unemployed, the State has launched a new website to match employees with companies that are hiring: employri.org
If you have lost work or have to stay home because of COVID-19, the state may be able to help: Workplace Aid
If you are quarantined with COVID-19 you can apply for Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI): TDI Application
If the place where you work closes or your employer tells you that you must stay home without pay, you may be able to collect Unemployment Insurance if you can please fill out the form online and not call the office as it slows down processing of checks: File an Unemployment Claim
Rhode Islanders have a right to paid sick time as passed by the General Assembly in 2018. Use them: Paid Sick Leave Fact Sheet
Are you a member of the RI AFL-CIO? Here’s a comprehensive guide of resources if you are out of work and other benefits: AFL-CIO
Resources for the Self-Employed, Contract Workers, Sole Proprietors, or Gig Workers
Gig workers, contract workers, self-employed, small business owners, sole proprietors, and other people who do not qualify for traditional unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are covered in the new federal CARES Act, can file online here: File an Unemployment Claim
Resources for Small Businesses
A second stimulus package has replenished the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fund. If you are a small business owner you are encouraged to call your banker immediately. If you do not currently have a relationship with a bank please email ppp@commerceri.com and they will help you find a lender.
The City of Providence has made adjustments to the Providence Business Loan Fund (PBLF) allowing businesses to borrow as little as $10K with closing costs capped at $500, with zero interest for up to 12 months, and deferred loan payments for 6-12 months. To further address the current disruption to the business community, PBLF is suspending the accrual of interest and fees on the loans to all current borrowers in April. Businesses interested in learning more about PBLF—including eligibility requirements—should visit providencebusinessloanfund.com, or contact PBLF Director Tom Hoagland by calling 401-680-8412.
The state is launching a short-term bridge loan program for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The loan fund is seeded with $2M, and you are able to apply for the loan after you have filled out the SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application. Call (401) 521-HELP.
The SBA Disaster Loan Assistance has been approved by the Small Business Administration, please note due to high volume the website has had a tendency to move slow or crash: Application
If you own a small business and need assistance because of COVID-19, the RI Commerce Corporation asks that you call: The Small Business Hotline (401) 521-HELP during normal business hours or via e-mail at info@commerceri.com any time. They can help by guiding you through the claims process.
Commerce RI, with support from volunteers from the Tech Community, will provide free tech support and advice on moving their businesses to remote working.
The Department of Business Regulations‘ regulations include a defined number of people allowed in the establishment at one time, creating social distancing in lines, increased and more thorough cleaning, and having designated staff to keep a physical count of shoppers in a store at any given one time.
If you are having issues with the Disaster Loan Assistance application, or have been issued a denial please call 401-521-HELP.
If you have lost business because of COVID-19, we ask that you fill out the Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet shared by the US Small Business Administration. By doing this, it may help Rhode Island get federal aid in support of our small businesses who have suffered adversely due to the ramifications of COVID-19.
Changes to Municipal Courts, Fines, Scofflaw Booting, and State Courts
All trials scheduled before the Municipal Courts have been canceled until further notice. If you had a court summons to appear you will receive a new one in the coming days.
The Municipal Courts remain closed until further notice. If you need to make a payment you can do so online.
Current Overnight Parking Permit holders whose permits have expired will be extended until the Municipal Courts re-open. If during this period you receive a parking ticket for illegal overnight parking, you will need to bring that ticket with you when you go to renew your permit and the Courts will dismiss that fine.
The City Council has instructed the Municipal Courts to stop all Scofflaw Booting of Vehicles in Providence until further notice.
The City Council has instructed the Municipal Courts to suspend all collection actions until further notice.
The City Council has instructed the Municipal Courts to stop all doubling and tripling of fines as of Friday, March 16, 2020.
State Courts are closed until May 17, 2020, and will only be open for essential matters.
The Courts will be opening on June 1st but have agreed to only open eviction cases that initiated prior to March 17th. No COVID-19 related evictions will be opened until July 1st.
Potential Resources for Educators, Learners, and those Craving the Arts
Governor Raimondo announced that this summer, summer camps will be allowed to operate in person, with a goal of starting on June 29th. There will be new guidelines involving cleaning, group sizes and other restrictions. More information will be available as plans are formed.
While the Governor has stated that organized youth sports can not happen until the CDC changes its guidelines, she assured Rhode Islanders that the state will be working to ensure that children in Rhode Island have access to a full range of Summer programming from camps to summer classes. More information on this will be made available next week on reopeningri.com.
Here is a great selection of sites that have waived subscription fees during this period: Online Learning
The Roger Williams Park and Zoo are offering “Zoo School” on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s at 2 PM on Facebook!
The Social Distancing Festival – Opera, Dance, Theater – all in one spot – and Free: Social Distancing Festival
If you have access to streaming services, some of Broadway’s best shows are available across platforms including Amazon Prime, Apple, Netflix, Hulu, PBS and a host of others. Here’s a good list compiled by Playbill: Broadway on the Small Screen
Fan of opera? Want to expose your young ones to one of the oldest performance artforms, NYC’s Metropolitan Opera is offering nightly viewings of some of their most revered performances: OperaWire
12 of the world’s most famous museums have virtual tours you can access online for free. Check out this article from Travel & Leisure to find one you might want to visit! Virtual Museum Tours
The Rhode Island Department of Education is launching “Sail” Courses this summer. This temporary program is designed for students of all ages who may have fallen behind in distance learning. This program is free and there are a wide variety of courses for students from PreK-12. More information can be found on https://www.ride.ri.gov/Home.aspx
Providence Restaurants Open for Takeout or Delivery: Thank You Eat Drink RI for This List For a Complete List of Restaurants Open in Rhode Island: Eat Drink RI
There are 13 sites across the city where children ages 18 and younger, can access several days worth of “Grab & Go” meals (breakfast and lunch). The locations will be open from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday during the duration of the school closure.
Service lines will be located at the front entrance of each school. No families will be allowed in the buildings. Sodexo staff will hand each student pre-packaged meals. Please note that children do not need to be enrolled in the Providence Public School District to access this program. This is a change to what has been previously shared.
The 13 Sites Are:
William D’Abate Elementary School School located at 60 Kossuth Street.
In addition, the City of Providence will be offering free, several days worth of packaged dinner meals at each of Providence’s eleven recreation centers. Meals can be picked up between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are available for those 18 and under, but they must be personally present at the distribution site.
Please note that all childcare centers have been ordered closed by Governor Raimondo effective Monday, March 16, 2020 for at least one week. This is a change from what was originally reported.
We will update as other sites are designated for this service.
