Smithsburg Lions Club

Maryland - United States

The Smithsburg Lions Club is led by our global mission to serve our communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.

While the Smithsburg Lions Club is growing, we are looking for more people to join or donate and help our community. For more information please email us at smithsburglions@yahoo.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world as millions of people have been tragically impacted and brought unease and uncertainty about our well-being and jobs. The unemployment rate is on the rise and many people will now face the overwhelming reality of loss of income and the ripple effects of how to support yourself and your loved ones.

Our goal in creating this document is to assist our community with some suggestions on how to move forward with a couple topics that we have identified as the most common issues facing us today. We will continue to update this website to better assist you as information becomes available. Try to stay positive by focusing on family, friends, and the future you will begin building during this transition.

Here are some measures you can take to help you get back on your feet:

1. Housing

• How to request a COVID-19 mortgage forbearance, or if your forbearance plan is ending visit the following Fannie Mae website: https://www.fanniemae.com/heretohelp/kyo/index.html

• If you are a renter visit the Maryland Attorney General Website: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/COVID19/default.aspx

 

2. Employment:

• File for and collect unemployment if you lost your job.

• Network

• Update your resume

• Use online platforms to post your resume and look for jobs

• Contact Temp Agencies

• Interview Tips: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/boost-your-interview-iq

• Visit the Muse website for companies hiring: https://www.themuse.com/advice/companies-hiring-during-coronavirus-covid-19

 

3. Health Insurance:

• You can get health coverage! According to the Maryland Department of Labor, about 108,508 Marylanders filed for unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you recently have lost your job-based health benefits, you may be eligible to enroll in health coverage through Maryland Health Connection, visit https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/lost-your-job-you-can-get-health-coverage/

• Information for Health Insurance and Dental Coverage for Children: https://www.insurekidsnow.gov or 1-877-KIDS-NOW  (1-877-543-7669)

 

4. Expenses:

• Ask about a hardship program. Call the customer service department for your credit card or loan, and ask about a hardship program that can help you pay your bill.

• Potomac Edison has an energy assistance program: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/help/billingpayments/assistance_serviceprogram/potomac_edison_maryland.html

• Need legal advice? The People’s Law Library of Maryland offers legal self-help for Marylanders. https://www.peoples-law.org/

 

5. Food:

• Tabitha’s Table is a local food bank located in Smithsburg, Maryland that works with families in need of food. They are open Tuesday 1 – 5 PM. Find more information at www.tabithastable.com. Phone: 301-331-1464

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture website has information regarding food assistance for those in need. https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus

• If you have a school aged child, please contact your child’s school to learn more about meal programs that are offered while schools are closed due to the pandemic. Many meal sites are located around Washington County and school staff will help you locate the site that is most convenient for you.

 

6. Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19:

• Visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

• To help with the CIVID-19 pandemic, the American Psychiatric Association has created a website with hotlines that provide assistance to families. Visit: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/covid-19-coronavirus

• Salvation Army is helping those in need. Pastors and emotional care personal are available to speak to you 9:00AM-9:00PM EST. Call 1-844-458-HOPE.

 

7. Overwhelmed?

• 2-1-1 Maryland is a statewide resource available by telephone and internet to connect residents to health and human resources. It is also a resource for government officials to make information available to Marylanders in the event of natural disasters or man-made incidents and a way for Marylanders to connect with opportunities to offer help to others. https://211md.org/ or call 211.

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This information is solely to support you and your family in locating resources. The Smithsburg Lions Club does not endorse or receive any benefit from any services or provider mentioned in this communication.