Category: Uncategorized

Things You can Do to Support Yourself

• Be Informed

Make sure you are understanding facts about COVID-19 and the risk to you and others can make it less stressful. Listen to only trusted sources for information such as CDC, WHO, or the City of Berkeley for accurate information.

• Take Breaks

Watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media can be upsetting. Take a break and engage in relaxing and enjoying activities.

• Take care of your body

Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get plenty of sleep and try to avoid alcohol and drugs. Exercise regularly at home. Enjoy open spaces in large parks and read about the park openings.

• Connect with others

Talk with people you trust about concerns and how you are feeling. Stay in touch with members outside your household through phone / video.

The Berkeley Mutual Aid connects neighbors during the Coronavirus pandemic so that no one in our community has to face this crisis alone. If you are at high risk this is a way to have access to basic needs, with the help of your community.

This is a program that is matching service between individuals who are higher-risk and those who are low-risk. The form you will be able to fill out (link below) are for individuals who are considered high-risk include: those who are 60 years or older, who are immunocompromised and/or people who are experiencing homelessness or economic hardship.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5MXDzg9TDF91Ck00DvVHjgmQgulNdHBM1EjEWTANlAqaf_Q/viewform

While being stuck at home it’s definitely hard on people to feel like there’s nothing to do. We hope that people can resort to the many opportunities that we have online especially with the amount of technology that we have.

It might be frustrating to just be at home all the time right now, but if you lean into some of the things on this list, you’ll find that the time passes in a meaningful way, leaving you feeling as though this period wasn’t just a few lost weeks.

A great list for you to look at if you are wanting some great interactions you can still have online! Check our .PDF’s below!

A list of recommended and inspiring books to read at home to get us through the days being at home

The credit for customers receiving natural gas as well as electric services will amount to $62.91. Those who only receive natural gas will receive a credit of $27.18, while those with electric-only services will receive $35.73.

Statement from PG&E Senior Vice President during a press release

“During the COVID-19 public health crisis, we know that many of our customers may face uncertainty and financial instability due to school and childcare closures, job loss and other economic impacts. We want customers to be aware that the semi-annual California Climate Credit will help reduce their energy costs this month.”

Laurie Giammona

To help manage costs associated with increased energy usage, PG&E is offering several rate plan options as well as assistance programs.

Additionally, PG&E has instituted a moratorium on service disconnections for nonpayment that can be applied toward residential and small business customers, according to the release. They will remain in effect until further notice.

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE -> https://www.dailycal.org/2020/04/02/pge-customers-to-receive-california-climate-credit-on-bills/

Step 1 : You will need to go on to this link for the application -> https://www.ourfundoakland.org/apply-for-help/

Step 2 : Fill out the application questions. It will take about 5 minutes as the questions are really straight forward.

Step 3 : One you are going to submit this message appears for your information:

“Once you complete and submit this application, your name will be added to the waiting list. You will not receive any automated response. DO NOT complete the form more than once. If we can help you, we will contact you.”

Step 4 : Submit your application

If you have any questions there is a number and email

(510) 437 – 1554 | ourfund@centrolegal.org

Website for MORE INFO: https://www.ourfundoakland.org

Berkeley Relief Fund is giving you a very great opportunity to receive a grant that can help with any financial hardships due to the affects of COVID-19. Please remember it is a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis. 

The application process was made a little more clear to me today as I received an email from the City of Berkeley. With the high volume of applications they are no longer accepting email inquiries. You will need to call EBCLC at 510-548-4040, ext. 629 and leave a voicemail message with your 

1. Name
2. Phone number
3. Brief statement that you are a Berkeley Tenant seeking financial assistance. 

The staff will need approximately 3-5 business days to call you back to determine your eligibility. Once the application process is started it takes 2-4 weeks to process. As you await for the call back please make sure that you have all REQUIRED DOCUMENTS on-hand so you can set them immediately. 

Catholic Charities of Oakland — Rental Assistance Program

For Oakland renters you can apply for the Rental Assistance Program. They are taking in consideration of the COVID-19 crisis for eligibility. Follow these steps instructed by a representative I spoke with. 1) Call this number 510-768-3166 and you will speak with Annie. Only call Mondays from 9am-11am. 2) Leave a voicemail with name, number and reason for needing assistance 3) Allow up to 3 business days for call back 4) Once they call back they will determine your eligibility and next steps. 

Website information –> https://www.echofairhousing.org/rent-review–eviction-programs.html

Website Information –>  https://seasonofsharing.org/about-the-fund/how-to-apply-for-assistance/

The Seasons of Sharing  

For Contra Costa County renters who are senior citizens (60+), head of household with dependent children under 18 years old, disable individuals are able to apply for assistance.

It is a one time grant that is paid directly to the supplied of services, such as landlord. It will not cover utility bills. Follow these steps 1) Call the number 925-521-5065 and you will be directed to a voicemail. 2) Please leave you name, phone number and reason for calling 3) Expect up to 3-4 business days due to high call volume at this time. 4) You will be directed to an intake agency once they call you back. 

Shelter Inc

For Contra Costa County renters you can apply for rental assistance through Shelter Inc. They have high volume calls right now expect long delays in response back, they are returning calls in order they receive them. 1) Call 925–338- 1038 and leave a voicemail stating your name, phone number and the reason for your call 2) Someone will get back to you as soon as they can so please be on alert for a phone call. 3) They will instruct you with next steps. 

In this video you are able to learn about the following points.

• The Stimulus Package Bill that passed will not only send families a check in the mail but it will also ADD $600 ON TOP OF your Unemployment Pay /per week should you get approved through California Employment Development (EDD)
• If you are self-employed you are NOW ELIGIBLE to Apply for Unemployment due to loss of income due to COVID-19.
• Who qualifies (though there might be more): Independent contractors, Self-Employed, a Part-Time worker, Gig workers, Uber/Lyft Driver, Small Business workers and etc..
• Apply for State Unemployment plan, we’ve had ALREADY 3.3 million people applied for Unemployment, so ACT FAST!
• The Unemployment is EXTENDED from 26 weeks to 39 weeks.