Update on Community Resources and
Requests for Assistance
Persist & Resist/Prescott Indivisible – May 7, 2020
Have something to add? Email: IndivisibleAZ4@gmail.com
Message from Prescott Indivisible
Our General Meeting is tonight, Thurs., May 7 at 6pm.Tricia Sauer, Indivisible’s Regional Coordinator will give an update on what’s coming up and current action items. There will be a Q&A after. Register in advance for this meeting: CLICK HERE After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you are unfamiliar with zoom, you can download the Zoom app from the Zoom Download Center. Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click a join link. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193– How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting- Feedback from the April meeting was overwhelmingly positive – please join us.
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 $4,000. for the effort. To provide food from El Gato Azul for 35-40 costs $120. Donations to Prescott Indivisible helps fund this critical need. Checks made out to Prescott Indivisible,can be mailed to our Treasurer, Jane Doyle, 1295 Pinecone Terrace, Prescott 86303. Or donate directly on the Prescott Indivisible website. There is space for comment. If you would like your donation to be directed to the CCJ/Meals Project, please include that info.
CCJ is answering the current Covid 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 the city’s sole 24-7 emergency shelter for the area’s adult homeless.
Volunteer Opportunity – Prescott Indivisible has an updated website. We need help to keep it current. Experience with WordPress required. Job requires 3-4 hours per week. Contact Dee: deecohen@cox.net
The Lincoln Project released the video“Mourning in America” – if you haven’t seen it, please take this opportunity. The video and the ads were purchased and created by the Lincoln Project. An Op-ed by George Conway III in the Washington Post (May 6) describes the President’s reaction to the video. The opening sentences in the Op-Ed: “Americans died from covid-19 at the rate of about one every 42 seconds during the past month. That ought to keep any president awake at night. Not Donald Trump.” Imagine…
The failure of leadership from the current President and his administration is appalling. Federal agencies and state and local governments have issued a mix of policy directives, orders, and laws regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the public. Even as the virus rages on, top White House officials are shifting the debate toward a resumption of normal social and economic life. About half the states have begun to reopen their economies and public life and in some of them the risk may be low because they have seen only limited infections to date. But others are lifting restrictions on business and travel even though they do not meet the standards set by the administration calling for 14 days of declining cases before the earliest steps.**(See below – AZ does not meet federal guidelines). More than 1,211,600 people in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus and at least 71,100 have died, according to a New York Times database (May 6, 2020). More than 1,000 additional deaths have been announced every day since April 2.The widely cited model of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington now predicts 134,475 deaths by Aug. 4, twice its previous estimate
On May 4, Gov. Ducey accelerated his phased reopening plan for Arizona, saying expanded testing and declines in reported COVID- and flu-like illnesses had provided “a green light to make additional decisions for our first step forward.” (Unfortunately, this is not the case–on April 30, there were 7,648 reported cases and on May 6, 9,707 cases. An increase of 2,059 cases does not mean a flattening curve!) Barbershops and salons can resume hair, nail, waxing and other services by appointment May 8 if they limit occupancy, implement social distancing measures, up sanitation protocols and provide cloth masks to employees. On May 11 restaurants and coffee shops can start offering dine-in service. They must also limit occupancy and physically distance diners, in addition to checking employees for COVID-19 symptoms before their shifts.
Troubling information – The AZ Dept. of Health Services told a team of university experts working on COVID-19 modeling to “pause” its work, an email from a department leader shows. The state is instead relying on a model from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This model has not been released to the public. The universities’ model had shown that reopening at the end of May was the only scenario that didn’t dramatically increase cases. AZ Central, May 5.
Everyone should volunteer be tested so data is available to the CDC.
- Always ask if the test offered is approved by the FDA.
- Why should you get a test? Covid testing is needed so data is available to do contact tracing and prevention.
AZ is stepping up Covid-19 testing (AZ Testing Blitz). The test provides info on whether you are a carrier or if have the virus. You are asked to get tested whether of not you have symptoms because data is needed by the state to ramp up opening the economy. Up to 50% of those who have no symptoms are carriers. Keep up with what’s happening – free Covid-19 coverage – AZ Republic, Daily Courier. Check the Yavapai Co. Community Health Services website. It has the most recent data on reported cases and up-to-date testing information.
- Spectrum – 651 Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, and at 990 Willow Creek Road, Prescott from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The test is a nasal swab that is sent off to a clinical lab for official processing. This is not an antibody test. We can do those but need a doctor’s order. Our service is free, but you may be charged to your insurance for the test. You can pre-register at our website to make the process faster at https://spectrumhealthcare-group.com/
- YRMC in Prescott Valley – with shortened hours: 8 a.m. – 12 Noon. YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center, 3262 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley, Arizona. Free Testing will take place in the YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center parking lot. Please use the main entrance from Windsong Drive. No physician order is necessary. Please bring identification in the form of a driver’s license. People who present for testing should wear a mask if possible. No need to pre-register. Test results will take between 3 to 5 business days. There is no charge for this community service.
- VVMC has a drive-up COVID-19 collection site to collect specimens. The collection site will be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The test kits being used for the Arizona blitz will be the official COVID-19 PCR virus test, YCCHS said, and are expected to take 2-3 days for results.
- Between the Spectrum sites and YRMC, 680 people were tested last weekend.
- Testing is also being done as a drive-up service at the Thumb Butte Medical Center, 3124 Willow Creek Rd., Prescott. phone 928-445-7085. You will be given a questionnaire that asks if you have been experiencing Fever – Dry Cough – Chest Tightness – Fatigue- Fever/Chilld – Diarrhea – Loss of Smell – Loss of Taste. They will assess your answers to decide whether to test you for Covid-19 or not, and give you an insurance form to fill out. If you do not have symptoms, they will test for antibodies, not the COVID-19.
As of Wed. May 6, the cases in Yavapai Co increased to 153; two deaths.
As of Wed. April 29, the cases in Yavapai Co were reported as 81; two deaths.
An increase of 47% of cases are attributed to an outbreak in Mingus Mtn. Academy and the County jail. Watch the video on the City of Government of Prescott Facebook page with Michael LaMarr, City Manager and Leslie Horton, Head of YC Community Health Services. They discuss containing the outbreak of Covid-19 at the high school. The county is testing and trying to track staff to make sure the virus does not spread. The video is also on the City of Prescott website (Under City Information).
- STAY HOME! Do not tempt fate. Do you want to put yourself and your family at risk? Between 60% and 81% of Americans agree (depends on the poll) they want to “continue to social distance for as long as needed to curb the spread of coronavirus, even if it means continued damage to the economy. REPEAT: WARNING – The Covid-19 cases have increased in AZ this past week from 7,648 reported cases on April 30 and on May 6: 9,707 cases; an increase of 2,059 cases.
- Wear Your Mask: Don’t have a false sense of security. Masks offer limited protection, and work better when combined with hand washing and social distancing.Wash and dry your cloth mask after heavy use or weekly and keep it in a clean, dry place. Don’t touch the front of the mask when you take it off; Use the ties or loops to put your mask on and pull it off; Always wash your hands before and after wearing a mask;
- Wash Your Hands.
- Don’t Touch Your Face.
- Disinfect items frequently.
Speaking of Masks and PPE’s –
White Mountains Indivisible is in desperate need for PPE for the Nations – not just Navajo Nation – but the White Mountains-Apache needs supplies also. They need masks that are already sewn AND they need sheets (there are many seamstresses who can turn those sheets into PPE). Maria Lynam is dropping off over 200 masks and a large number of sheets this week. If you can contribute to continuing efforts, please email Maria Lynam (maria488@icloud.com) She will arrange a pickup location and get them to the White Mtns. Indivisibles.
Thanks to all who donated to the effort: Deb Alberty, Bill Lynam, Val Meads, Jan Suderman, Vera Sobotka, Michelle McFadden, Nancy Scharff and Barb Schneider.
Jean Lutz (jeanlutz16@gmail.com) is collecting masks for the homeless who do not shelter at CCJ do not have masks or hand sanitizer. . She also has a need for fabric – any sheets of closely woven cotton fabric, t-shirts are good. Paper towels and coffee filters are needed for extra protection in certain mask types. She also is seeking hand sanitizer. If you don’t have the sanitizer, she is also collecting the small pump bottles.
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 with Prescott Center for the Arts Serves, click on one of these links: In Need of Assistance? Want to Volunteer? PleaseDonate!
ORGANIZATIONS THAT NEED or OFFER HELP!
Only those with Critical or Continuing Needs are shown here. Complete Listing –Community Organization Needs – 050620
Organizations on the Community Organization Needs listing: Arizona Undocumented Workers Fund,Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Equine Emergency Evacuation, Gato Community Gives,Keep Prescott Together, Kenosis, Kino Border Initiative,Launch Pad Teen Center, Manzanita Outreach, Navajo & Hopi Families Covid-19 Relief Fund, Pet Headquarters, Prescott Area Shelter Services, Prescott Community Cupboard, Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity, Prescott Meals on Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Stepping Stones, White Mountains Indivisible, Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, Yavapai Co. Food Bank, Yavapai Humane Society, Yavapai Humane Trappers.
***CRITICAL NEEDARIZONA UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS FUND The AUWR Fund was established to raise funds for
undocumented working families who support our economy, industries, and communities every day. The fund provides essential support for rent, food, and other critical needs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
***CRITICAL NEED The Prescott Community Cupboard, 313 W. Gurley St., Prescott 86301 – bring non-perishable food between 3 – 4:30pm. You can donate online. If you want to send a check, it goes to 434 W. Gurley St., Prescott 86301. Usually supported by a number of area churches, the current demand is overwhelming and they need your help. They need ground beef, hot dogs, cold cereals, vegetables, powdered milk, peanut butter, canned meat and tuna, pasta, rice and beans. They also need volunteers to help pack boxes.
***CRITICAL NEED Keep Prescott Together – In an effort to provide relief and support to mixed-status families, Keep Prescott Together is raising money to cover costs of rent, utilities, and other urgent needs of those who are ineligible for federal disaster relief funds. Word is spreading quickly in the community about our relief fund and they are getting calls daily from people who are seeking financial assistance. A large volume of requests has been received and the organization urgently needs to continue raising money to fulfill this community need and support as many families as possible. To directly support undocumented families in this time of crisis please go to keepprescotttogether.org/donate.
***CRITICAL NEED Kenosis (a 501 c-3 non-profit) is assisting two indigenous peoples–Hopi of Arizona and Hatun Q’ero of Peru. Carla Woody, founder of Kenosis Spirit Keepers wants to pay tribute to those who have helped support our Hopi and Q’ero brothers and sisters. These are funders, connectors, mask-makers and other supporters who have given of themselves selflessly in a time that means actual survival. These are life-givers. Please note this is a living document. As we receive permissions and additional support, this list grows. Please join us in this acknowledgment by viewing the tribute page below. Click here to view our progressin our Hopi and Q’ero COVID-19 Emergency Relief Drive and learn how to donate. The full amount of your donation Kenosis receives goes directly to those in need.
Questions? email Carla Woody – cwoody@kenosis.net or call 928-778-1058 for info.
***CRITICAL NEED Salvation Army Please drop off non-perishable food items (their greatest need), 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 at 237 S. Montezuma St., Prescott next to the thrift shop, Mon- Fri 8-12 or 1-4. If you are over 65, phone ahead and they will come out and pick it up. They will also pick up donations from your home – 928-778-0150 and ask for Social Services. 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 Community Center at 237 S. Montezuma St., Prescott. Note that assistance is limited and and subject to availability.
***CRITICAL NEED Yavapai Family Advocacy Centerserves community members who are victims of family violence. The Center’s mission is to reduce trauma to victims of abuse by providing a safe and supportive environment and facilitating a team approach to advocacy, investigation, and prosecution. Contact 928-775-0669 Currently the public is invited to make donations of gift cards to Fry’s, Costco and Walmart, gas, groceries and donations for those who have been forced to leave their homes with nothing. NEW NEEDS: health/hygiene and cleaning supplies, handsanitizer, masks, cleaning sprays and wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, new stuffied animals bottled water, individually packaged snack items, new sports bras and women’s underwear (all sizes), new flipflops or slippers (all sizes), new comfortable clothing, AA batteries, copy paper, cleaning products, paper plates, cups, plastic ware, laundry detergent, diapers (all sizes) and baby wipes. Monetary donations can be made on their website. Call MATFORCE (928) 708-0100 matforce@cableone.net to ask re donations through the Prescott Valley Police Dept., 7601 Civic Center, PV; or Prescott Police Dept. 222 S. Marina St., Prescott and Chino Valley Police Dept., 1950 Voss Dr., Chino Valley.
***CRITICAL NEED NEW – Yavapai Humane Society – Funds Needed! Donate here. As with many organizations, they were able to be self-staining through their Thrift Shop, which has been closed for two months. Additional expense is incurred every hour! when they sanitize the facility. Adoptions and Lost & Found are operated on an appointment only basis. Their Thrift Store will open on May 15, M-Sat 10a-3p. More info is available on facebook.com/yavapaihumanesociety for information. Go here to make an adoption appointment.
***CRITICAL NEED NEW – Yavapai Humane Trappers – this local, all volunteer 501 ©(3) animal rescue group delivered food to Kayenta where people and dogs are struggling. They provided masks for the Nation. They are planning more trips, but need donations to help provide for the dogs who are in poor condition and puppies that are not thriving. Donations can be made to the Yavapai Humane Trappers Animal Search and Rescue, P. O. Box 12184, Prescott 86304 or on PayPal.
***CONTINUING NEED The Coalition for Compassion and Justice recently made the decision to put all their resources into a 24/7 emergency shelter. They need financial assistance to keep this going. Their effort not only protects the homeless, but the community at large. They also need protective supplies: antibacterial soap, gloves and hand sanitizer. Located at 531 Madison Ave., Prescott. Call ahead for drop off instructions – 928-445-8382. They have no kitchen to prepare meals; if you want to support providing their evening meals, you can designate your donation for that purpose, or join their Meal Train. They serve between 35-40 meals every night. Also see Prescott Indivisible’s program under “Message from PI” at the top of this newsletter.
***CONTINUING NEED Gato Community Gives – started by Barry Barbe and his staff at El Gato Azul, they provide meals and food boxes for families in need. They anticipate reaching 1,000 meals/week this month. Donations to this effort is greatly appreciated. Please tell those in need about this service.You can donate online or bring a check, money, canned goods, other pantry items, toiletries and cartons of eggs to El Gato Azul – 316 E. Goodwin St., Prescott.
El Gato Azul is also open for your takeout lunch or dinner – orders taken after noon, pickup between 2pm-7pm.
***CONTINUING NEED Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief is an all volunteer grassroots indigenous led group operating on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations. They prioritize the elderly (especially those raising their grandchildren), single parents, and struggling families by helping them buy groceries, water, and health supplies, and by protecting them (and their vulnerable communities) from exposure by engaging volunteers to make the purchases and deliver them to a safe transfer location for the families. Donate.
Local Resource Listing – City/Town/County – 050620
NEW – Bartender Emergency Assistance Program Application critera on this website.
NEW – CORE – Children of Restaurant Employees. Website explains applications/documentation needed.
Teens at Home? Check out the NEW programs that are available at The LaunchPad, 302 Grove St. Prescott – always something new!
City/Town/County Resources (Click HEREfor complete listing)
Both the City of Prescott and Town of Prescott Valley have great facebook pages. They are both participating in the governor’s #LightAZBlue initiative, along with Yavapai County, to show support for medical workers and first responders on the front lines of the fight against Covid-19.
Chino Valley
NEW People Who Care, Chino Valley 928-636-3295 Providing caring non-medical volunteer assistance to adults unable to drive in order to help them continue to live in their own homes.
City of Prescott
There are currently two current videos on the City of Government of Prescott Facebook page – a video on the City of Government of Prescott Facebook page with Michael LaMarr, City Manager and Leslie Horton, Head of YC Community Health Services. They discuss containing the outbreak of Covid-19 at the high school. The county is testing and trying to track staff to make sure the virus does not spread. The video is also on the City of Prescott website. There is also a message from Mayor Mengarelli thanking all the first responders on national Nurses Day.
The City is following the state guidelines for opening businesses. Currently the Prescott Library is open for curbside services by appointment, Tues-Fri. The Dept. of Parks and Rec have not updated the list of closures.
Look for Prescott’s #SignsOfHope in downtown business windows. Here is Fancy That!, 109 and 124 S. Granite St.
Black Butterfly Artisan Chocolates started a campaign called “Here to Stay” in which the owner has partnered with a small local print shop ( Prescott Print Co ). Each small business owner that participates will have a t-shirt has been designed free of charge that will showcase their businesses logo as well as the “Here to Stay” logo and the hashtag #Prescottlove. All proceeds for the purchase of these t-shirts is split equally between each small business and the print shop. Please support all of the Prescott small businesses so they can survive the impact of the COVID-19 virus. Order your Black Butterfly t-shirt or hoodie here.
Town of Prescott Valley –The latest video with Mondays With the Mayor, Kell Palguta.
The parks are reopening with social distancing in place. The Library, Civic Center and Police Dept. lobby are open. It is requested that you wear a mask or face covering. Your temperature will be taken before you are allowed in the buildings.
The Prescott Valley Library will be open from 9a-5p Tues-Sat. and patrons can stay a maximum of 30 mins.
The Civic Center and Police Dept. will be open from 8a-5p M-Fri.
Yavapai County – The Yavapai County Business Assistance Community Webinar will be held today, Thurs. May 7th, from 2-3p. This week’s presentation will cover Health & Safety Guidance and Communication & Marketing. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/YavCtyBizAsst0507 For more information, visit: https://www.ycazbusinesses.org/
Board of Supervisors Instructions to speak at their virtual meetings.No new information re county bldg. openings on their website.
Prescott National Forest – The USDA’s Forest Service, Southwestern Region is enacting a recreational shooting restriction for the Coronado, Prescott and Tonto National Forests to reduce wildfires and to protect the health and safety of employees and communities. Until July 31, 2020 or until rescinded, recreational shooting is prohibited in the Coronado, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests due to current conditions.
Information on Store Hours
New items of importance will be included under this heading each week; Go to this link for the entire listing.
Updated! Masks required to enter Costco.Effective Monday, May 4, Costco warehouses will open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older, and people with disabilities. Only members who meet this criteria will be able to shop during these hours. Guests will not be admitted. The pharmacy will be open, but the Costco Food Court will be closed during these hours.
Remember to thank those who serve us in grocery stores, drugs stores, take-out at restaurants and at other essential services.
New – Pet Food Delivery Information – Olsen’s for Healthy Animals – Prescott, Prescott Valley, Dewey, Chino Valley, Flagstaff, Verde Valley. 928-445-1664
Click here for School Breakfast and Lunch Programs
Additional Resources for Parents:
Special Offer - Charles Matheus (speaker, podcaster and community advocate) and two other experienced mentors are offering FREE 30 minute video calls for any parent who wants to get some nonjudgmental, quality listening, and support. Check out the credentials of the mentors on their website. Anyone can schedule a confidential appointment at www.rocketfeather.com/schedule. Totally confidential, participants will not be added to a mailing list. The Launch Pad Incites teen confidence and empowerment through innovative community education and engagement. They are an all-inclusive, youth driven and focused space, providing programming that is culturally relevant to teens in Yavapai County. Currently closed, all their classes are given via zoom. For this week's schedule, click here.
IDEAS FOR CREATIVITY
Some Good News– John Krasinski is on YouTube. This week (No. 6) is a remix.
“Doors are Made for Closin” Check this out! A video by seniors at The Redwoods (California) Paint a Rock! Paint Many! – The Prescott Peacebuilder’s Steering Committee hopes you are finding ways to encourage your own peace and those around you during these most unusual times. Covid-19 gives us an opportunity to grow in our commitment to making peace in our lives and world. You are encouraged to paint colorful rocks with encouraging messages of peace and kindness and place them on trails around Prescott. If you are not a hiker, you can email Mary (marysteenhoek@gmail.com) or Leslie (lesliedgrady@gmail.com) and they will place them for you. The purpose is to focus our attention towards peace and ease our minds, bodies, and spirits as we hike. Spray paint your rocks with indoor/outdoor acrylic or enamel or hand paint them. Then write your message on the rock with a permanent pen or special acrylic latex or oil-based pen. You can spray seal them or not and enjoy placing them on a trail somewhere. It may bring peace and joy to others.
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civil rights and progressive politics across Arizona.
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 ncampbell@azleg.gov 602-926-3124 Rep. Steve Pierce spierce@azleg.gov 602-926-5584 Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Rowle Simmons – Dist. 1 Supervisor web.bos.district1@yavapai.us Thomas Thurman – Dist. 2 Supervisor web.bos.district2@yavapai.us Randy Garrison – Dist. 3 Supervisor web.bos.district3@yavapai.us Craig Brown – Dist. 4 Supervisor web.bos.district4@yavapai.us Mary Mallory – Dist. 5 Supervisor web.bos.district5@yavapai.us Yavapai Co. Community Health Services – Leslie Horton, Dire |
