The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created new workplace obligations for employers and expanded supports for individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight days later, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) authorized more than $2 trillion in spending to inject cash into the economy, businesses, and nonprofits. 

CARES Act Stimulus Package Analysis – March 27, 2020

Analysis from National Alliance of Community Economic Agencies 

The U.S. Congress approved and the President signed a $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that includes major funding for the community development sector.

Comprehensive list of community and economic development funding - Rapoza Associates

Section-by-section explanations

Small business provisions

Summary of unemployment and tax provisions

Overview of who's getting what and why it matters – Politico

What the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Means to Nonprofits

On March 19, the President signed into law, H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The bill includes a complex set of temporary paid leave mandates and employer reimbursement provisions, as well as funding for free coronavirus testing, food nutrition security, and Unemployment extension.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act imposes new job protections for workers, paid leave mandates on employers, and a generous reimbursement scheme for employers that are designed to hold nonprofit and for-profit employers. The law provides two weeks of paid sick leave, a subsequent ten weeks of partially paid family leave for care of a child, and refundable tax credits in many cases will result in the Treasury Department writing checks to employers to cover some of the costs of the mandates.

Governor Hogan Issues Stay At Home Order for Maryland      Residents - Marylanders must stay at home!

The Maryland Department of Health’s Coronavirus Tracking Page – Includes the latest information of the number of cases by jurisdiction, and the latest state information with regard to the pandemic.

Maryland Unites – Governor Hogan’s COVID-19 page, including background information, the latest news, a list of opportunities to help, and an “A-to-Z Resource Guide”.

The CDC’s Novel Coronavirus Outbreak Website – Includes state-by-state breakdown of Coronavirus cases, information about the Federal government response, and frequently asked questions about the pandemic.

Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center – Contains detailed information on the spread of the outbreak.

World Health Organization’s Coronavirus Portal – Realtime visualization of worldwide situation.

Social, community, religious, recreation, and sporting events and gatherings of more than 10 people are now strictly prohibited in all locations and venues in Maryland. Click here to read more about the restrictions in the executive order. 

Grab-and-go meals for students 18 and under, or for students with disabilities who are older than 18 are available.  For a statewide map, click here. 

Maryland Senior Call Check System

Maryland is the first state in the country to start a free, opt-in, telephonic service to check on Maryland’s older residents, all across the state.​ Click here for more information.

United Way of Central Maryland COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund -- to help with rent, food, and bills. 

 FAQ on Maryland      Unemployment Insurance Benefits and COVID-19 from Maryland DLLR

Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured Marylanders. As part of the state’s overall response to the coronavirus, and in an effort to prioritize health and safety, Maryland Health Connection opened a new special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders.

Marylanders Serving Marylanders: Resources During the Coronavirus

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) 

The FDIC is working with federal and state banking agencies, as well as, financial institutions to consider all reasonable and prudent steps to assist customers in communities affected by COVID-19.  

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) 

The OCC is working cooperatively with all state and federal banking agencies and other organizations to regulated institutions and their customers in managing the impact of the outbreak. 

Federal Reserve System 

The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. Link to COVID-19 resources. 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 

Information on protecting consumer finances. 

Expansion of CRA Credit for Activities in Respond to COVID-19 

Joint statement from the Federal Reserve System, FDIC, and the OCC providing guidance to financial institutions on how they can receive credit on their Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities to low- and moderate-income people and communities affected by the coronavirus. 

HUD Waiver Suspending Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements with Default Mortgage Borrowers 

Link downloads temporary, partial waiver of 24CFR§203.604 Servicing Responsibilities, Contact with the Mortgagor. 

FHAC Resources for Renters

FHAC Resources for Renters – Baltimore City

Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition link here 

National Multifamily Housing Council Coronavirus preparedness for apartment firms. 

Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund offers working capital to assist Maryland small businesses and nonprofits with disrupted operations due to COVID-19. This funding does not cover self-employed people working in community development.

Nonprofit Resources for Remote Work During the COVID-19 Outbreak -- provides short reviews of different communications solutions for staff working remotely.

If your nonprofit pays Sales & Use Tax, note that the deadline has been extended and payment is not due until June 1st. The Comptroller's Office set up a dedicated email address taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov   to assist businesses with extension-related questions. 

 Maryland Nonprofits is compiling information here  

Enterprise Community Partners – Understanding Relief for Homeowners and Renter

National Community Reinvestment Coalition

National Low Income Housing Coalition

Joint Center for Housing Studies COVID19 

National Consumer Law Center article on consumer protection with links

Chief Judge Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals ordered that residential foreclosures and foreclosures of the right of redemption of residential properties pending in the circuit courts are stayed, effective immediately; residential evictions are stayed effective immediately; and new foreclosure of residential property, foreclosure of rights of redemption after a tax sale, and residential evictions are stayed upon filing. However, Circuit Courts will process land records filings.

Click here to read the latest from the Maryland Judiciary. 

Maryland Multi-Housing Association Statement on  Renter Protections

FHFA Moves to Provide Eviction Suspension Relief for Renters in Multifamily Properties

Maryland Department of Planning Statement on Census 2020 and COVID-19

We are in the midst of a pandemic that is changing the way we approach common, daily routines – but we are also learning even more so the importance and impact of the Census.

Census 2020 invitations were sent to homes by the U.S. Census Bureau between Mar. 12 and 20 with instructions on how to participate. 

It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. These are 21st century tools for a 21st century Census and you should take advantage of them as soon as you receive the invitation. You can even complete your Census now before the invitation arrives by simply clicking here.

Instructions on the invitation will include the web address for the online questionnaire in English and 12 additional languages. Further, it also includes phone numbers for those who prefer to call in their responses. Residents can also respond via a paper questionnaire that can be mailed with a prepaid postage envelope. The deadline for responding on your own through these easy methods is July 31st. We urge you to complete the Census before that date. More information about the Census forms and deadline can be found at Census.gov. 

Planning’s Census website is a one-stop shop of information about the Census and is charged with getting the word out to all Marylanders.  We ask you to take 10 minutes to complete your form – it has a larger impact on the health and safety of our communities than you may have thought. Please help shape the future of Maryland at my2020census.gov.

We have prepared a survey for our members around the state to communicate the needs of their community and organizations.  Please fill it out so we can address your needs.