Update on Community Resources and Requests for Assistance for Yavapai County

35 mins read

Update on Community Resources and
Requests for Assistance 

 Prescott Indivisible – April 2, 2020
Have something to add? Email: IndivisibleAZ4@gmail.com

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Message from Prescott Indivisible 
Thank you to all who made donations to Prescott Indivisible to provide meals for the residents of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) shelter. They are now the city’s sole 24-7 emergency shelter for the area’s adult homeless.
For the area’s most vulnerable, the COVID-19 coronavirus threat is just another struggle to endure.
CCJ Executive Director Jessi Hans said the agency is answering this crisis by putting 100 percent of its focus on providing meals, shelter and long-term housing for those who have no other place to go. 
Ideally Prescott Indivisible would like to offer dinner once a week, depending on funds available. To provide food from El Gato Azul for 40 costs $120. Donations to Prescott Indivisible will help fund this critical need. Please send a check, made out to Prescott Indivisible, to our Treasurer, Jane Doyle, 1295 Pinecone Terrace, Prescott 86303.
Our PI community is helping our in so many ways. This newsletter will give you other ideas to volunteer and make a difference during this difficult time.


WHEN TO WEAR A MASK
 Widespread use of non-medical masks could reduce community transmission. If you are not a health care worker, homemade masks can be effective, per the latest CDC reports
Click on “How to Sew a Face Mask” for pattern and instructions (NYT 4/1/20)  Louise Clara, who is a volunteer with PI’s Voters Value Project, made a video describing how how to sew a non-medical mask. Check the PI YouTube channel to watch the video.
Yavapai Community Health Dept is accepting handmade masks by donation.
Joanne’s Fabric (The Boulders) is leading a national mask donation effort. They are accepting masks and distributing to local first responders, nursing homes, etc. Call to see when they are open.


UPDATED INFO FROM THE YAVAPAI COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICEWed. April 1 Afternoon Update – Yavapai Co. has 31 Cases of COVID-19; First Minor Reported  (This website is usually updated between 9:30-11am)  

21,058 Arizonans have been tested for COVID-19.  619 residents have been tested in Yavapai County, with 591 tests being negative. We now have 31 positive cases in Yavapai County, 19 residents in the Quad-Cities area, and 12 in the Verde Valley area have been affected; 13 seniors 65+, 17 adults 18-64; 1 minor. 17 males, 14 females. YRMC has reported 2 of the 3 patients hospitalized have been discharged, so only 1 remains in the hospital. The YCCHS Epidemiologist will be following up with the released patients as they recover at home.  COVID-19 is widespread in Arizona.  Everyone should assume COVID-19 is in their community.


THE COVID-TRACKING PROJECT – is grading the states on COVID-19 data quality – Arizona got a “B”
The analysis considers whether states reliably report positive and negative results, and whether they report all commercial tests. (AZ Republic 3/31/20)


THE SCOOP ON SIGNING UP FOR THE ACA – Last week, Gov. Doug Ducey wrote an open letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar asking him to open a special Obamacare health insurance enrollment period so that Arizona residents hit hard financially by the coronavirus crisis might get some coverage. Other elected officials in the country made the same request.
President Trump has opted against opening a special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act, as huge swaths of the population suddenly lose their job-based health insurance. Thus, many more people will be uninsured in the midst of a pandemic, and either face enormous medical bills or risk their lives by not seeking treatment. It’s a completely unnecessary burden on workers who are already struggling.
Importantly, you can still sign up for ACA coverage outside of enrollment periods if you lose your job, you’ll just need a little extra paperwork. Spread the word! 
Go to 
https://www.healthcare.gov/


STAY AT HOME IDEAS – SUPPORT THOSE THAT PROVIDE OUR SERVICES – As we “Stay at Home” don’t forget those who have been so gracious to us in the past–your favorite restaurant, your hair stylist.  If your favorite restaurant provides take out, check out their menu online, call ahead and place your order.  They will deliver curbside.  Don’t forget to tip well! Other businesses where you regularly make appointments, hair stylist, massages, etc. – purchase gift certificates!  Include a tip, like you usually do. 


NEED A COVID-19 HERO? MY CHOICE: BARRY BARBE, OWNER OF EL GATO AZUL

  • If you, or someone you know is in need of No Cost Meals, grocery items, etc. please contact El Gato Azul at GCGprescott@gmail.com to request assistance through their “Gato Community Gives” program.  Once they receive the information they are contacted and their situation is evaluated. They arrange for pickup of No Cost Ready to Eat Meals, Reheat and Serve Dinners,or “Weekend Packages” of pantry items, milk, fresh produce, deli meats etc. GCG is provided and funded through the generous contributions of our guests and the Prescott Community. Go to the website and read how you can help. You can send a check, drop off cash, or use a credit card by calling 928-445-1070. You can also purchase a gift card through their website and note it is for “Gato Community Gives”.For additional info, contact GCGprescott@gmail.com
  • Take a night off and order your dinner.  Barry is rotating daily features every two (2) days.  Dinner selections can be placed between the hours of 12 & 6, and may be picked up between 2 & 7pm by calling 445-1070. They will be offering Tapas on certain evenings in platter format. The El Gato Azul staff looks forward to providing healthy, creative meals to enjoy as a family or to let you escape for just a bit. Keep an eye out for weekend Picnic Baskets, and other things they are working on to keep it interesting. 

MISSING YOUR WEEKEND PRESCOTT FARMER’S MARKET FIX?
       You can order from them online Tuesday at noon through Thursdays at noon (click on the Order Now box, upper right). Orders placed on Thurs. must be in by noon for Fresh Food Boxes for pick up on Sat.  You can also donate to others in need on their order site.
       ***SNAP/EBT Customers: please visit the site and then call 928-713-1227 with your order. They cannot process your EBT card over the phone. You will be able to pay in person, but they need to get your order ahead of time.
       Pick up : 10a – 1p Yavapai College, Parking Lot D,  1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott


DID YOU KNOW?  Translated literally, the word “pandemic” means “pertaining to all people.” As of this writing, the novel coronavirus has spread to more than 170 countries around the world.


FROM APS  “If you need assistance with your bill, please reach out. We have set up a Customer Support Fund that is available.  A number of additional resources and programs listed on our website at aps.com/support. You can call us at (602) 371-7171 (Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas), weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We do expect call volumes could be high and will do our best to get to calls in a timely manner. We continue to monitor the situation, and will provide additional information
to support our customers as things evolve. Let me also reassure you that we do not expect this situation to cause any disruption in providing you
power.”


 Resources NeededURGENT – The Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood is in immediate need of gowns for medical staff. If you can help, or if you know anyone in the Verde Valley, please pass this along. If anyone has or can make gowns, they can be dropped off to Diane Hunt, VVMC Volunteer Coordinator. 
The internet is a good source of patterns that can be used as long as there is an elastic band for the doctors to put over their thumbs to keep the gown down from sliding up their arms. 
Please contact Toby Friedman with any questions – tobyvideo@me.com
American Red Cross Blood Bank – local donation times and places can be found here. You must enter a date and time to confirm your appointment. They want to avert a crisis, this article explains it all.

Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) – Food and Other Needs
CCJ has closed their thrift shop and home repair service. They continue to serve through providing Emergency Shelter, Advocacy for our clients, PWPA (Prescott Workers Progress Agency) employee readiness program and Second Chance Housing.
Due to these changes, they have additional needs.  As a local nonprofit, all of their funding comes from our community.  Here is how you can help:

  • Donate!  Any amount helps!  http://yavapaiccj.org/donate/
  • Dedicate your Arizona Tax Credit to CCJ at not cost to you!
  • Offer to donate dinner for 35 people in our shelter (Prescott Indivisible wants to purchase an evening meal for those in the Emergency Shelter. We chose to feed 40 people, costing $120. See details above.) 
  • Hire the PWPA Crew for landscaping  928-445-8382
  • Send protective supplies, such as; antibacterial soap, gloves, and hand sanitizer 
  • Like, Comment, Share their social media posts, especially the ones with their needs listed  (click on the icons below)
  • Send this info to a friend that may not know about CCJ
  • Twitter      Facebook      Website     531 Madison Ave., Prescott           tel: 928-445-8382 

Food donations can be either pre-packaged food from a grocery store or purchased from a restaurant. CCJ does not have cooking facilities. If you are able to help with this need, contact Tasha, tasha.rosander@yavapaiccj.org.  

Salvation Army, Food and Personal Needs  Please drop off non-perishable food items, diapers, wipes, female hygiene items, razors or donate money to help them. They also request for Children’s Food Boxes: Coloring books/crayons (new); Board games (new);  Crafts (new).           
Drop off is next to the thrift shop, Monday- Friday 8-12 or 1-4. Thank you!  If you are over 65, phone ahead and they will come out and pick it up. Jeff: 928-760-8395 
The donated food is being used to fill Operation Food Box Assistance. They will arrange for a food box to be dropped at an individual’s door, reducing the amount of face-to-face exposure. Tell people they can apply for assistance by calling 928-778-0150 or visiting the Salvation Army Prescott Corps Community Center at 237 S. Montezuma St., Prescott.  Note that assistance is limited and and subject to availability. 

Quad City Interfaith Council – Sanitizing Supplies and Non-Perishable Food Gail Cook, member of Prescott Indivisible (former Peacekeeper Team Leader), is collecting donations of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and non-perishable food to give to those who can’t afford to stock up and/or don’t have transportation. Anything will help: 2-4 rolls of toilet paper, one large bottle of hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes will be broken up into smaller packets. She is working with the Quad-City Interfaith Council who is also affiliated with the Coalition for Compassion and Justice and the Salvation Army and U.S. Vets. Quad Cities Interfaith (QCI) is a grassroots coalition of congregations and community groups.  Contact Gail re donating or volunteering. gacooklotus56@hotmail.com   928-899-2507 

Stepping Stones – Donations, Sanitizing Supplies – 6719 E. 2nd Street, Ste. A · Prescott Valley 
– 24/7/365 advocacy services, including safe shelter, to adults and children affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of victimization in West Yavapai Co. Hotline – 928-445-HOPE.  Website 
Their Prescott (408 W. Goodwin St.) and Prescott Valley (2651 N. Industrial Way) thrift store hours beginning March 31 through April 30 will be:Tue – Sat 10 am – 4:30 pm  Donation drop offs and pickups can be found at their website.
They ask for your support for local families with a donation (and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit through Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit donation program). Click here to donate online.Emergency supplies currently needed for their shelter location include: Bleach cleaning supplies (bleach, Clorox spray, Lysol WITH bleach), Antibacterial soap. Rubbing alcohol (at least 70% – to clean thermometers), Disposable thermometer covers, Toilet paper.
These items can be dropped off at their Administration Office (6719 E. 2nd Street, Suite A in Prescott Valley) Monday – Thursday 9am – 4pm; and Friday by appointment only. Call 928-772-4184.

The Kino Border Initiative, Nogales, AZ assists migrants on both sides of the border. A faith-based organization, it fosters humanitarian assistance, education and advocacy. They need acetaminophen, anti-bacterial gel, lysol, vitamin C, Caladrl, hospital masks and rubber gloves.  If you can assist them, it would be best to order on-line and send to: Kino Border Initiative, 81 N. Terrace Ave., Nogales, AZ  85621. Website and facebook page is available.


 


   LOCAL RESOURCESChino Valley – The Town of Chino Valley has put emergency measures in place.
     The Senior Center will be open 10am-1pm. To-go meals will be offered to all and are strongly encouraged. If dine-in is necessary, people are encouraged to leave as soon as possible.  Other restrictions are in place. Public computers have been shut off, although free Wi-Fi is available for the public on their own personal devices.
     The Chino Valley Library is closed for regular business hours until April 1.  A curbside service is available. Reserve your materials on line or by calling928-636-2687 (Main) or 928-636-9115 (Children’s Library). When you arrive at the library to pick up your materials, knock on the door.  Mon – Fri 9a – 6p and Sat 10a-2p.
     Other town information can be found on their facebook page.
 Chino Valley Schools are currently distributing over 1,000 meals a day, serving meals at the Territorial Early Childhood Center, M-F 7-8:30am and 11am-1pm. They are also distributing meals at bus stops. Free for all kids 18 years old and younger, regardless of where they attend school. Go to www.chinovalleyschools.com for details about the meals program and At Home Learning packets.
Chino Valley Food Bank, 840 E. Rd. 1 South, Chino Valley  (928)636-8478. Produce, packaged bread, baked good (when available) will be included in food boxes (they will not be distributed separately).  There is curbside pick up only. Show your card at the door and volunteer will bring the food out.  Facebook.

Town of Paulden – 
     
Paulden Food Bank, 195 Aspen Rd. Paulden  It is open on Thursday 12 to 2 pm.  If you need help, go to the Paulden Neighbors and More Facebook page. If you put your request on there within minutes someone will reply with what you are looking for or tell you where to go from there.  
     Information on the Paulden Community Schoolhere.
City of Prescott – The city’s facebook page has frequent updates about Covid-19. Mayor Greg Mangarelli posts frequent video updates–see the latest from Tuesday, March 31. City webpage: www.prescott-az.gov/covid19
     Prescott Chamber of Commerce encourages purchasing gift cards from our local businesses and purchase their products and services on line, if possible. They encourage the use of credit/debit cards and not cash because it is safer.
     The Prescott Public Library is open with modified services (curbside services; check their website). The library will remain closed until at least Monday, April 13, at which time the situation will be reevaluated.
Prescott Community Cupboard, 313 E. Goodwin St., Prescott (928) 778-2531  Website  Donating to those who don’t have other means to feed themselves and their families. Due to a shortage of food, small families (up to 2 people) receive one 11-pound bag of food. Bags include protein filled foods as well as vegetables. Families of 3-5 people receive two 11-pound bags of food and famlies of more than 6, receive three 11-pound bags of food.      Prescott Meals on Wheels Information,Keeping Seniors and Volunteers Safe in Our Community amid COVID-19       Click HERE to read about their temporary process for home delivered meals    “At this time, we do not need additional volunteers to help with meal delivery. We are practicing social distancing with our volunteers and homebound clients and are delivering meals to them once a week one hot meal and five frozen) and calling often to make sure that they are healthy and safe”.   Contact – Prescott Meals On Wheels, 1280 E Rosser St, Prescott    PMOWcares@gmail.com   928-445-7630.  
Ways that you can help seniors our community: 

  • Utilize the Curbside Meal to-go service- click here for details
  • Contact The Salvation Army and arrange for Operation Food Box assistance by calling 928-778-0150 — a food box will be dropped at an individual’s door, reducing the amount of face-to-face exposure. 
  • Set up a grocery pick up by ordering online and pick up groceries when ready
  • Work with neighbors on putting together a phone list to call and check up on one another or start a conversation during social isolation

 Prescott Unified School District will be checking out Chromebooks for students who do not have devices at home. Click for pickup schedule and needed paperwork. 

      Prescott Center for the Arts has launched a program called PCA Serves to provide services for our community during these changing times. In Need of Assistance? Want to Volunteer?  Please Donate


     Prescott Indivisible – If you need help, please post what you need on the Prescott Indivisible Facebook page and we will do what we can to assist, or to help you find assistance. Alternatively, if you can be a helper, please post that also.


Town of Prescott Valley – All the information re the town’s comprehensive protective measures can be found on their website
    The Prescott Valley Library will be closed until April 1.  They will continue to provide many digital services, such as e-books and e-audiobooksfree access to magazines and newspapers; and research. The Library’s Ask a Librarian question platform can also be accessed online or by calling 928-759-3040. Other resources may be found at www.pvlib.net/
     Town Parks and Recreation facilities will remain open, but pubic restrooms and playgrounds will be closed for use.    
Prescott Valley Food Bank, 8671 E. Spouse Drive, Suite A, Prescott Valley. Open Mon – Fri noon – 2:45 pm  Phone: 928-772-4490
Walk-ins served. No referral required. Photo ID and proof of address. Must meet federal poverty guidelines.

Sedona and the Verde Valley Resource List compiled by Holli Ploog and Kathy Kinsella (Candidates for Sedona City Council) and Toby Friedman (Sedona Indivisible).Information on Store Hours
       Costco – M-F 10:00am – 6:30pm, Sat 9:30am – 6:00pm, Sun 10:00am – 6:00pm  Members Ages 60 or Older or with physical impairments, the store is open from 8-9am Tuesday and Thursday. 
  Trader Joe’s – New hours 9am-7pm daily. Seniors are given priority 9-10am. It is suggested to come in after 2p–much less traffic. Items are limited to 2 each per shopper. Only 50 at a time in the store; ‘revolving’ entrance – as soon as one shopper leaves, another enters.  
Sprouts, both locations – 7am-8p daily; Natural Grocers – 8:30a – 7:05p daily; Fry’s, all locations – 7a – 9p daily. Sr. hours 6-7a Mon. through Fri.; Safeway, all locations 6a – 9p daily. Sr. hours 6-9a Tues/Thurs. Walmart, all locations 7a – 8:30p, Sr. hours at all locations – 6-7a daily. Walgreens – 9a-9p, Sr. Hours every Tues. 8a-9a.
     Thank those who serve us in grocery stores, drugs stores, take-out at restaurants and at other essential services. Other Community Resources
 The Launchpad Teen Center is offering a Workforce Readiness/Intern Program (On-Line Training Available). Four Workshops include a multitude of techniques to make you shine in the workplace. Get a Summer Internshp with a local business.  It’s FREE!  Registration begins on April 6. Contact Instructor Denise Herst to sign up – dherst18@gmail.com  (480-235-8049) 

Yavapai County Food Bank8866 E Long Mesa Dr. Prescott Valley, Open Tues and Wed. 3-5pm and Thurs and Fri. 1-3pm
(928) 775-5255  Please refer to their Covid-19 Guidelines.  Clients cannot enter the food bank’s lots before serving times. No walk-ins until the end of March. If you do not have Yavapai Co. Food Bank Card, contact them and get an emergency ticket.

Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) – provides shelter and basic resources to homeless/transitional women, children and families of Yavapai County. Website.

One AZ Credit Union is accepting applications from community non-profits for COVID-19 Community Impact Grants in the amount of $2,000.  Application process here.


Click here for School Breakfast and Lunch Programs 


IDEAS FOR RECREATIONNeed something to read?  Katie Hobbs, AZ Secretary of State has a page devoted to sections of the Digital Arizona LIbrary on their website. Click on any of the selections shown and check out what’s available.

The Prescott Valley Public Library presents “Good Crafternoon” videos on their YouTube channel. These videos will feature simple crafting projects using materials you can find in your home and they will be posted weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so you can check in at your leisure. For more information, contact Coleen at 928-759-6189 or at cbornschlegel@pvaz.netTHE PANDEMIC KITCHEN PROJECT: Chef Molly’s Cooking Classes  Feeling cooped up and bored out of your gourd?  Loaded with dry beans and grains that you don’t know what to do with?  Looking for great healthy and earth friendly meal ideas? Join Molly on Facebook — sharing daily ideas, tips, recipes, and information. Become a part of the interchange.  https://www.facebook.com/mollyscookingclasses/
You also might be interested in signing up for the newsletters from Prescott’s Slow Food Project, prescottAZ@slowfoodusa.org


AZ Roots – For Information state wide –

Contact Information for your elected representatives:

KYRSTEN SINEMA, 825 B&C Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-4521   contact@sinema.senate.gov

MARTHA MCSALLY, B40D Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510
202-224-2235    contact@mcsally.senate.gov

PAUL GOSAR, 2057 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515       202-225-2315   http://paulgosar.house.gov/contact/ 
6499 S. Kings Ranch Rd. #4, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118  480-882-2697
122 N. Cortez St., Suite 104, Prescott, AZ 86301       928-445-1683

Governor, Doug Ducey, State Capitol, 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007      602.542.4331
http://azgovernor.gov/governor/form/contact-governor-ducey

Legislature     http://www.azleg.gov/
Senator Karen Fann          kfann@azleg.gov                 602-926-5874  
Rep. Noel Campbell         

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Prescott Indivisible was founded in 2017, when Paul Hamilton and Nicole Romine put an ad in the local paper, requesting local progressives to show up at the library. Over 100 people lined up. In short order, we had formed a local chapter of the national Indivisible movement. Within six months we adopted a set of Guidelines that sets the framework in which we work, designed a logo and printed and sold t-shirts. Our mailing list quickly expanded from 100 to over 1,200. We usually have 100 or more attend our general monthly meetings.

Prescott Indivisible has a strong track record of activism. We adopted the team concept: Communication/Events; Voter Education and Elections; Education; Environment; Human Rights; Immigration and Peacekeepers to assist with safely issues. Initially we had a steering committee that consisted of volunteers. After our guidelines were adopted, the steering committee is made up of elected officers and members at large and the heads of the various teams, or their designees. A diverse group of community activists, social justice advocates and others that have volunteer ties to non-profits and religious organizations, the steering committee assists the teams when asked and sets the agendas.

Our teams and their members have worked diligently to make their voices heard. We have made thousands of calls, mailed hundreds of postcards to our legislators in Arizona and in congress. We have collaborated with like-minded organizations to advocate for issues of crucial importance to Arizona and the nation.

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