April 1 is Census Day: The 2020 Census is happening NOW!

The 2020 Census is happening NOW! It only takes 10 minutes and it’s the law. Census findings inform the appropriation of billions of dollars in federal funding across states and communities, which directly affects public health, housing, and early education programs. The census also determines the number of seats each state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new concerns about undercounting, which makes participation and awareness-raising more important now than ever before. Go to https://www.2020census.gov/ and complete your profile.

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Mid-Ohio Foodbank: COVID-19 UPDATE

 

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Governor DeWine Issues “Stay at Home” Order

Today, Governor DeWine issued a “Stay at Home” order which requires all Ohioans to stay at home, and limit trips to essential errands only. The order will go into effect Monday at 11:59 p.m.

It is important that we take this order seriously to stop community spread of COVID-19. We are at a critical point in our fight to stop the spread of this virus, and we must follow the governor’s order.

But this order should not cause panic, and I urge the residents of Columbus to act responsibly. You will still have access to the necessities you need to keep the community healthy and safe, including grocery stores, pharmacies and health care.

For government, businesses and nonprofit organizations that will remain open to serve critical needs and provide essential services, this is not business as usual. Employees who can work from home should, and steps should already be in place to allow employees to practice safe social distancing and assure proper sanitation. We should redouble our efforts to ensure steps we’ve taken to protect our employees are being followed in practice.

For individuals, to the extent you must leave home, follow the advice of public health experts. Limit your movement, practice safe social distancing, and wash your hands.

Finally, while these are challenging times, it is not a time for fear. Instead, we must rely on facts. Our decisions should put the common health and well-being of our community and our families first.

Be patient with one another. Support each other and be kind.

These are times unlike any most of us have ever seen, but together we will get through this and we will emerge stronger, smarter and healthier.

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From the City of Columbus — Office of the Mayor

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COVID-19 Message — Stay Connected

Message From The Community of Caring Development Foundation (COCDF)

As your community and economic development partner, the Community of Caring Development Foundation (COCDF) cares for the health and well-being of all our neighbors in Linden and Columbus, which is aligned with our mission of creating a connected community. During this coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that we stay connected as a community and share information and resources.

We are closely monitoring the situation. Please take care to review the information below.

The City of Columbus public health officials are working in tandem with federal, state and local officials and agencies to continuously monitor the evolving coronavirus/ COVID-19 situation and appropriately alter its response plans to mitigate community spread.  Health officials strongly recommend that seniors and those most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill consider avoiding large crowds, traveling only if necessary, and taking extra precautions when leaving the house. It’s also recommended that all residents:

  • Clean your hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • If you are sick, stay home, unless you are seeking medical care. Look out for symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If you’re not familiar with your employer’s sick leave policy, please talk to your supervisor or HR representative.
  • While sick, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones and tabletops.
  • Social distancing is key to slowing the spread of the virus. According to the CDC, maintain about six feet of personal space and avoid public places like movie theaters and shopping centers. Avoiding shaking hands and touching, as much as possible, by practicing social distancing – an infection control action intended to stop or slow down the spread of the contagious disease. The objective of social distancing is to reduce the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection, and others who are not infected, to minimize disease transmission, morbidity and ultimately, mortality.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all events with more than 10 people be canceled in the U.S. The agency also provides the following insights:

  1.     STAY INFORMED: To make sure you have the most up-to-date information, check the CDC site regularly or sign up for the CDC newsletter here, and share the information with your neighbors.
  2.     BE PREPARED: Make sure to have enough food, household supplies, water, vitamins and medications for each person (and pet) in your home. If you run out of supplies, let neighbors know so they can share or direct you to available supplies at businesses in your local area. Should you become ill, it is important to have health supplies on hand including pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, and fluids with electrolytes.
  3.     GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS: Talk with your neighbors (particularly the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions) about emergency planning and let them know you’re there to help. According to the CDC, older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Localized community response can be critical during times when federal, state and local authorities are overwhelmed.
  4.     IDENTIFY AID ORGANIZATIONS IN YOUR COMMUNITY: Create a list of local organizations that you can contact for information, health care services, support, resources, and mental health or counseling services.
  5.     CREATE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST: Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

As we tighten our daily interactions and remain closer to home let’s use this as an opportunity to support the businesses in our community who service and support us every day!

Resources 

Federal, state and city: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.htm

https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/welcome/

https://www.columbus.gov/publichealth/

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

Unemployment Compensation:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/coronavirus for new information and visit http://unemployment.ohio.gov

Community Aid Resources from around Ohio including Central Ohio.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M6NIp9liiQyoFMaAbQNW2A082eJ_bDZCKyfeF4s-Cb4/edit?usp=drivesdk

Volunteer or donate to the Columbus City Schools. 

https://www.ccsoh.us/Page/7564

What do you do if you are sick? 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsteps-when-sick.html

Is Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

How to keep work, schools and homes safe.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

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Missions Team Ambassadors Arrive in Liberia

Missions Team Ambassadors arrived safely in Liberia and hit the ground running. Taking our work in the community beyond the borders. We’re laying the groundwork toward a Linden-Liberia Education & Cultural Exchange.

 

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Adam Troy at OSU Legends Lecture Series

COCDF’s Executive Director and Chief Engagement Officer Adam Troy spoke at this year’s OSU Legends Lecture Series: How to Become a Legend in Business at OSU’s Fisher College of Business on Thursday. The event was sponsored by the Black MBA Association. Adam spoke to students, faculty, and guests about the foundation’s mission: Creating a Connected Community, and his personal mission of “Maximizing Human Potential through the Art of Access — Connecting People, Place, and Product.’ The presentation centered on social entrepreneurship and driving meaningful and productive partnerships. He emphasized working with young people, especially young entrepreneurs. Too often we leave them out of the conversation or push them away from the table because they may not have the years of experience or education. But as business people, they have ideas and this is where they can learn. Adam also advised everyone in the room to be a connected citizen. Network, get to know people, work on different projects in the community, volunteer. This is how we grow and make a difference.

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Celebrate LEAP this Saturday

 

This Saturday!

Come join us at St. Stephens Community House to celebrate community connection with the Linden LEAP. The nation’s first Public, Self-Driving shuttle, servicing the Linden neighborhood daily throughout 2020. Brought to you by SMRT Columbus.

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Linden LEAP Year Celebration

Linden is introducing the LEAP.

The nation’s first Self-Driving neighborhood shuttle.

Free to the public and stopping at four locations throughout the Linden area for the next year.

Come down to St. Stephen’s Community House on Saturday the 15th to see for yourself and celebrate smart community connection.

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Linden January Open House

Through the winter cold and rain, Linden residents, business owners came out to the 614 for Linden January Open House on Saturday. The next open house is Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020. Location to be announced and more info to come.

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