Neighbors Helping Neighbors Overcome COVID-19
In this time of stress and uncertainty, we need each other more than ever. The COVID-19 crisis has impacted our neighbors in many ways, including their health and wellbeing, jobs and income, and ability to pay rent and find food.
We remain dedicated to acting with compassion and solidarity to build upon the strengths of our community and find practical solutions that help all neighbors overcome the evolving crisis.
Below, you’ll find our recommended actions to lessen the impact of COVID-19 in our community, COVID-19 disease and prevention information, and a list of active community resources including food and medical care providers.
Recommended Actions
Housing
Property Owners:
- Contact lenders to suspend mortgage payments for 90 days.
- If you own rental properties, use your mortgage forbearance to provide rent relief.
Renters:
- If you are unable to pay full rent, contact your landlord to consider waiving or deferring your rent for the month, including late fees.
- If you are comfortable, direct your landlord to our resources about suspending mortgage payments.
Renters Receiving Assistance:
- Contact your assistance agency to increase your assistance if your income has changed. If you have a Section 8 voucher, use this online form.
Everyone:
- Know your rights and watch for municipal notices. Lewiston's Mayor has called for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
Employment
If you lost your job:
- Learn about and apply for Unemployment Benefits. Benefits have recently been expanded by the State of Maine.
Employers:
- If you are able to continue operations: provide a safe workplace and adhere to CDC guidelines, including providing remote work options whenever possible.
- Keep employees on payroll as long as possible.
Everyone:
- Keep neighbors employed and businesses open by spending locally.
- Access the LA Chamber of Commerce's resources for employers and employees as well as their growing list of businesses who have shifted their operations but are still open at this website.
Food
Families with children:
- Get free breakfast and lunch for children age 0-18, Monday - Friday, 10AM-12PM at all Lewiston elementary schools and other neighborhood locations.
FAMILIES RECEIVING SNAP AND TANF:
- The Lewiston office is closed; to review your benefits or apply for new benefits, use this website or call 1-855-797-4357.
Everyone:
- Use our growing list of community resources for free and low-priced food.
- See the Sun Journal’s growing list of restaurants that are open for take-out.
- Shop thoughtfully, making sure there’s enough food and supplies for all.
COVID-19 Disease & Prevention Information
Please share this information widely to help everyone stay safe and healthy, and know what to do if they become sick.
Video Resources
The City of Lewiston's Coronavirus Resource page is offering videos in these languages:
English | Français (French) | Português (Portuguese) | Soomaali (Somali) | عربى (Arabic) | Ikirundi (Kirundi)| Af- Mai-Mai (Maay Maay)
Print / Written Resources
The Center for Disease Control is offering 1-page fliers in these languages:
English | Français (French) | Português (Portuguese) | Soomaali (Somali) | عربى (Arabic) | Ikinyarwanda (Kinyarwanda) | Lingála (Lingala) | Kiswahili (Swahili)