Update on Community Resources and
Requests for Assistance
Prescott Indivisible – April 8, 2020
Message from Prescott Indivisible
We continue to take donations to provide meals for the residents of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) shelter. To date, PI has collected over $1,110 from members for the effort.
The Prescott Indivisible website is back on line with a new look! Check out their Donate button and use PayPal. There is space for comment. If you would like your donation to be directed to the CCJ/Meals Project, please include that info. Note: The website content is still being updated.
CCJ Executive Director Jessi Hans said CCJ 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. 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.
Prescott Indivisible continues to offer dinner to the residents 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 or donate on the Prescott Indivisible website.
Our PI community is remarkable in it’s compassion while we adjust to our new reality. This newsletter offers ideas to volunteer and make a difference during this difficult time.
TWO IMPORTANT ‘ASKS’ FOR OUR PI COMMUNITY –
- We Brought Marion Home! But it was extremely expensive – Did you know that the U.S. does not pay for a citizen who is at risk in a foreign country to return? Marion Pack has to pay for everything–bus, train, lodging and her portion of the return charter flight. Marion fell during the last leg of her journey in India. Upon arriving in San Francisco she had X-rays of her arm taken at the airport clinic. She fractured her arm in two places. The clinic didn’t accept her insurance. Marion is working on getting an orthopedist appointment here. She is staying in self isolation at a friend’s apartment until she can return to her home. Please help her out if you can through GoFundMe. Prescott Indivisible, the Yavapai County Dems, Peacebuilders, GPUUC are all indebted to her for her life of service. Please be generous.
- Keep Prescott Together (KPT) is a local organization committed to empowering the Latinx community of Yavapai County by assisting people with immigration legal processes, creating structural change on a local level, and connecting people to services. They are inviting you to join with them anddonate to a GoFundMe specifically set up to supporting undocumented members of our community during the COVID-19 crisis. Your donation will go to helping families – children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters and brothers – who have been left behind by our federal government during this global pandemic. In times of extreme hardship, it is your willingness to give that will help lift our community up. You can also mail a check (with KPT in the memo line) to: Erika Ayala, 3548 N Lynn Dr., Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
WHEN TO WEAR A MASK? – ALWAYS!! THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME IN YAVAPAI CO. – PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
EVERYONE should wear and gloves while they are shopping. You might enjoy these photos.
Many of us are creating DIY masks,and recent info says that quilter’s cotton fabric is best for filtering out the virus. If that is not available, here is another guideline re fabric:
Hold your fabric up to the light – if you see light between fibers it’s not a good filter. Even on dark fabrics if you hold them up to light or to the sun you will still be able to see if the fabric’s fibers will show or not.
I have two masks – after I wear one when I go shopping, I immediately wash and dry it and throw out my gloves. Am I being too cautious? Read this article on mask washing and so much more from Today.com.
If you are a mask-maker, Prescott Center for the Arts Serves (volunteer program) needs masks for their volunteers. You can sign up here – indicate that you will make masks in the “Other” line. If you need assistance, or can volunteer, click on one of these links: In Need of Assistance? Want to Volunteer? Please Donate!
INFO ON COVID-19 CASES IS UPDATED DAILY ON THE YAVAPAI CO. COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE WEBSITE
Go here for the latest info. On 4/1 Yavapai Co. had 31 Cases of COVID-19. On 4/8 there were 61 reported cases. Doubling in one week is pretty scary. The county also reported it’s first death this week. Click for a list of testing sites – please note the restrictions on testing.
Websites that have COVID-19 and some that have info for people that have been effected by the virus:
- The Yavapai Emergency Phone Bank – 928-442-5103
- COVID-19 Hotline call 2-1-1 from 8 to 8 p.m. each day of the week
- COVID-19 information en español and Governor’s site: https://arizonatogether.org/es
- Arizona Together – https://arizonatogether.org/ It is the most complete website I have seen. Includes information for individuals and businesses.
- AZ Multihousing Resource Page is another great source of information. If you live an an apt. you will want to check it out Look for info on relief for renters, homeowners, etc.
- LGBTQ News and Resources – https://www.equalityarizona.org/
- National Restaurant Relief Fund is accepting applications effective Thurs. April 9 9am MST.
- SNAP – You can conveniently apply online for SNAP benefits using Health-e-Arizona. This website also has FAQ, etc..
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 Arizona Dept. of Health Services has a website that is lacking in updated information. The head of the dept. resigned on March 31, citing that her services were not needed because the governor’s office had taken over. Apparently the governor’s office did not take over updating this website.
Here is the information we are not getting –
- The true state of testing for the COVID-19, because many who have symptoms still cannot get tested.
- Who is dying from the illness because little to no information is given about the deceased.
- What is occurring inside Arizona hospitals during the pandemic, where staff are facing a shortage of personal protective equipment.
We are not getting enough information re when testing will be available.The information below does not adequately answer these questions, so contact Gov. Ducey and complain – tell him we need tests. Call 602-542-4331
NEW AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Last week Governor Ducey said April is going to be a difficult month and that we’re going to have maximum amount of hospitalizations in May, but no one is releasing these predictions. The state is working on selecting an appropriate model.
The Arizona Department of Health Services plans to begin providing “enhanced location information” about confirmed cases on April 12. The director is not sure if the data will be broken down by ZIP code or primary care area. The decision will be made on on which will provide better, more informative data.
Also, as of 4/12, the state also is asking (but not requiring) hospitals to report the number of intubations, ventilators and personal protective equipment used each day, as well as the number of suspected COVID-19 cases per hospital, intensive care unit, emergency department and those that have been discharged.
THE SCOOP ON SIGNING UP FOR THE ACA – 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 here.
BEWARE OF SCAMS – Read this AZ Republic article.
STAY AT HOME IDEAS – SUPPORT THOSE THAT PROVIDE OUR SERVICES – Help small businesses and those that are self-employed. Think about your manicurist, hair stylist, personal trainer, etc. Purchase gift certificates – contact them, ask how you can help. 
Area restaurants – order takeout – they will bring your order to your car. Buy gift certificates!
The Manzanita Grille at Antelope Hills Golf Course (on Perkins Dr., near the Centennial Center) is offering “essential” groceries for take-out. Call 928-777-1879 and Ask For Essentials To Go or email dbugenhagen@antelopehillsgolf.com.
Murphy’s, 201 N. Cortez St., Prescott, is offering a similar service. Please call in your orders at 928.445.4044 or order onlinehere. They will deliver within a 5 mi. radius.
Pangaea Bakery, now located in The Boulders Shopping Center (Gail Gardner) is offering take-out, along with produce and flowers from Whipstone.
Want to have a special evening (aka Date Night)? Check out the offerings of Bowen’s Botanicals – they are partnering with local restaurants and Black Butterfly Chocolates to bring you a package of flowers, food and chocolate! Delivered! (How good can it get?)
Special Good Friday Fish Fry for Take Out at the Antelope Hills Golf Course, 1 Perkins Dr., Prescott. 11a-5p. Call 928-777-1879 to place your order. $7.99 2 pc. fish and fries.
FLIGHTS SUSPENDED AT PRC – Due to emerging challenges in California, United Airlines is temporarily suspending service from Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) to/from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting on April 12. The LAX-PRC and PRC-LAX service is planned to resume on May 4, 2020. The daily Prescott (PRC) to/from Denver (DEN) flight will remain available.
GATO COMMUNITY GIVES
- 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
- NEW!! Volunteers Needed for the Gato Community Gives. Email: GCGprescott@gmail.com. Needs include General Receptionist Duties Iphone), “Case Managers” to contact those in need re household info; Food Box Packers, Light Kitchen Prep and Clean Up Assistance, also Drivers (need copy of driver’s license, valid insurance, and must sign a waiver).
- 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.
MORE ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT THE PRESCOTT FARMER’S MARKET
Order online Tuesday at noon through Thurss 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
Resources Needed Super Sewers! URGENT – The Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood is in immediate need of gowns for medical staff. If you can help provide these, contact Toby Friedman, tobyvideo@me.com. Patterns can be found here (1)(2).
Clean cotton sheets are also needed to make the gowns. Again, contact Toby.
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/ You can dedicate your Arizona Tax Credit to CCJ at not cost to you!
- Offer to donate dinner for 35 people in our shelter. 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.
- 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
Salvation Army, Food and Personal Needs Please drop off non-perishable food items (their greatest need), diapers, wipes, female hygiene items, razors or donatemoney 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. 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.
Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity Serving low-income families in the Quad-City, they needs donations of the following:
Lysol, bleach or other disinfectants; paper towels; children’s toys, books or crafts; non-perishable food items. Call Alice Ayers, Dir. of Community Relations, 928-899-3343 or email: aayers@prescottareahabitat.org.
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. Last week they fed 368 individuals, provided 203 food bags and used 2,537 pounds of food. Since March 18, they have provided food to 1,030 individuals.
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 our Curbside Meal to-go service- click here for details
- View the Yavapai County Emergency Food Resource Directory
- Help with purchasing and delivering groceries.
- Work with neighbors on putting together a phone list to call and check up on one another or start a conversation during social isolation
- Visit Arizona Together for important resources in our community
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
They have closed both Stepping Stones Thrift Stores in Prescott and Prescott Valley until further notice. This includes NO donation drop offs at either location. They are also halting all donation pick ups during this time to ensure the safety of our associates, customers, and our community.
- They ask for your continued 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.
- Items can be dropped off at our Administration Office (6719 E. 2nd Street, Suite A in Prescott Valley) Monday – Thursday 9am – 4pm; and Friday by appointment only. Call us at 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 RESOURCES
Chino Valley – The Town of Chino Valley has put emergency measures in place. Check their website for updated info.
The Senior Center will be open 11:30a-12:30p. To-go meals will be offered to all. 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.
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 online instruction.
Chino Valley Food Bank, 840 E. Rd. 1 South, Chino Valley (928)636-8478. They are closed Fri., April 10 through Tues. April 14. For more info, go to 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 School here.
Paulden Area Community Blood Drive, Sat. April 18 10a-3p at the Community Center. To make an appt. call 877-258-4825 or email PIOPaco2020@gmail.com
City of Prescott – The city’s facebook page has frequent updates about Covid-19. Mayor Greg Mangarelli posts frequent video updates.. City webpage: www.prescott-az.gov/covid19
- SPECIAL MAYOR’S TOWN HALL MEETING IN PRESCOTT ON APRIL 10, 1PM – Hosted by Mayor Mengarelli this meeting will discuss mental health services available for citizens, and resources offered by the faith based community, from 1pm – 2pm via Zoom. There will be a panel of speakers including Leslie Horton, with Yavapai County Community Health Services, April Rhodes with Spectrum Health, Bert Ijams with Meals on Wheels, Carole Benedict with U.S. Vets, Jessi Hans with Coalition for Compassion and Justice, and Jason Price representing Prescott Pastors Coalition. https://zoom.us/j/380013448 If your zoom app requests a meeting id, it is 380 013 448. This webpage has other city info.
- The Prescott Public Library is closed.
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. Mayor Palguta’s 4/8 video is on their facebook page.
The Prescott Valley Library is open for curbside service. They continue to provide many digital services, such as e-books and e-audiobooks; free 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 (Closed April 12, Easter Sunday) Please call and confirm – (928) 541-2203 re store open from 8-9am Tues. and Thurs. for members Ages 60 or Older or with physical impairments.
Trader Joe’s – New hours 9am-7pm daily. Closed April 12, Easter Sunday. 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, Closed Easter; Natural Grocers – 8:30a – 7:05p daily, Closed Easter;
Fry’s, all locations – 7a – 9p daily. Sr. hours 6-7a Mon. through Fri. (Open Easter Sunday);
Safeway, all locations 6a – 9p daily. Sr. hours 6-9a Tues/Thurs.(Please call for Easter Hours).
Walmart, all locations 7a – 8:30p, Sr. hours at all locations – 6-7a daily (regular hours on Easter Sun.).
Walgreens – 9a-9p, Sr. Hours every Tues. 8a-9a (Open Easter Sunday).
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 Bank, 8866 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.
