OLM Community Announcement

Dear Community Members, Partners and Friends:

As we all try to deal with the challenges posted by the coronavirus (COVID-19), and in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations, we want to inform you that the OLM office will remain closed for the next fourteen (14) days effective March 17, 2020.  We are suspending all programs and activities offered at our office.

In case you need to reach us, we will respond to emails within 24 hours.  Our email address is:  olmnus@gmail.com.

Because no one is in our offices, we encourage everyone to email us.  We will however, respond to telephone inquiries as needed.

We encourage all members of the Liberian Community in Minnesota to do what they can to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

CENSUS

The Census Forms were mailed to homes on March 12, 2020.  We are encouraging all members of our community to complete their census forms online using the following link:  https://my2020census.gov/.

COVID-19

• COVID-19 Updates: Please visit Minnesota Department of Health website:  https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html

• Materials and Resources for Coronavirus Disease (COVID019): https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/materials/index.html

Some Community Resources that’s available to the public

COVID-19 virus details – Resources and updates from the State of Minnesota

Low and No Cost Internet and Computer Options

• Internet Essentials – Comcast is offering ‘Internet Essentials’ package free for low-income customers for 60 days . There is also an option to buy refurbished low-cost computers.
  NOTE – Comcast announced Friday 3/13, it would open free public Wi-Fi hot spots throughout the country, as part of its response to the Coronavirus outbreak. It will also eliminate data caps for its customers.
• Charter Communications is offering Free Spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days in home with K-12 and/or college students that don’t have an existing Spectrum service level up to 100 Mbps.
• Minnesota Computers for Schools – Lifelong Learners Program: Do you needed a computer but had no way of getting one? This may be a program to help. There is an application process, and the student would need a portion filled out by a Learning Partner/Counselor/Social Worker/Job Coach, etc.
• PCs for People – This option provides the ability to provide low cost internet and computers to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. The internet access is provided with mobile hot-spots, which would allow students to take it wherever it is needed.
• Refurble – Provides low cost refurbished machines to students.
• MIDCO Lifeline – Lifeline is a federal program intended to put home phone and internet service within the reach of qualifying families – giving low-income households affordable home phone or internet access.
• Minnesota Office of Broadband Development – Digital Inclusion

DEED COVID-19 UPDATE

Regarding restaurant, bar and other hospitality closures

St. Paul – In order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Governor Walz announced the temporary closure of Minnesota restaurants and bars to dine-in customers as well as the closure of other places of public accommodation and amusement. This order is effective March 17th at 5:00 p.m. until March 27 at 5:00 p.m. The closures will be evaluated at the end of this 10-day period.

The Governor also issued an executive order to help ensure that workers who are not able to work as a result of COVID-19 have benefits available. Workers who are unemployed or who have hours reduced due to the COVID-19 outbreak are asked to apply for unemployment benefits online at uimn.org.

The website can accept applications Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please apply on the website to ensure the most efficient processing of applications during this unprecedented situation.

Information is on the UI website for people who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut because of COVID-19.

Find out more about the actions taken on the Governor’s website.

For the most up to date information on what DEED is doing during the COVID-19 outbreak refer to COVID-19 webpage on the DEED website.

Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.

ONGOING EVENTS–CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Youth Night @ OLM is held the last Friday every month

• Contact Joel Reeves:  Joelbusyboyzmanagement@gmail.com
• Leila Mawlue:  leilamawlue@gmail.com

Seniors Program is held at OLM every Wednesday