Attention Residents!

In light of recommendations from the State of Michigan to limit event & meeting sizes for the well being of the many high risk residents we work with, we have decided to cancel the following upcoming events:

Open House/Census Celebration 3/14/2020 11-3PM
Monthly Community Meeting 3/16/2020 at 6 PM

We will consider future events & meetings on a case-by-case basis.

The health of those we work with is of our highest priority. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you for your understanding.

For further information or questions you may reach us at: mail@westgrand.org

Here are some resources for residents. Please note that, things are changing in a matter of hours so be on the lookout for the latest updates:

Trusted Sources of information on Coronavirus updates:

Center for Disease Control

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

Kent County Health Department

https://www.accesskent.com/Health/

John Hopkins University

https://hub.jhu.edu/novel-coronavirus-information/

How to avoid the spread of Coronavirus:

Anyone who has illness accompanied by fever—regardless of their travels—is asked to refrain from going to any communal area where they could spread illness to others. A person should have a normal temperature for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before resuming a regular schedule.

It is especially important we all take seriously the advice of public health experts for maximizing our own health and the health of others:

Wash your hands frequently

Cough/sneeze into your elbow

Get this season’s flu shot if you haven’t already

Masks are not encouraged for people to wear, as there is no evidence to suggest that they protect healthy people. This aligns with current CDC and WHO guidance.

Public health experts encourage social distancing, a practice designed to keep sick individuals from coming in contact with healthy ones in order to limit opportunities for transmission. Avoid large gatherings and crowds, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others.

If you are sick, please stay home.

It should be noted the life of the virus is between 4 to 72 hours on surfaces it is on. Please check the EPA website for approved cleaners:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf

Where to find assistance:

Call 211 for any assistance in obtaining food or other needs during this time. Understand that due to heavy call volume, there will be wait times, but 211 will remain operational as normal.

Please have any agencies that have changes or updates to their services during this time to contact 211 via email to make sure they have correct information:

Sherri Vaainquicz. Svainaquicz@hwmuw.org

John Mitchell jmitchell@hwmuw.org

Wende Randall wrandal@hwmuw.org

Kids Food Basket will remain operational at this time and working with partners to provide current and possible additional services during this time.

Meals on Wheels will continue to deliver meals as normal for the time being. They are looking at putting together 14 meal boxes for their clients if needed.

Senior Neighbors has closed the Heartside/Downtown location, but will still be providing boxed meals for their clients to pick up.

At this time, other locations will remain open, but may have changes in the services provided.

Senior Food Pantry is still open and patrons will be allowed double the amount of normal

All public schools food service mangers were having discussions today on how to handle the food needs of students and donation of current foods in stock to avoid food waste. It has been recommended that all schools implement their “summer school meal programs” but in a modified form to allow to be eaten off site.

Feeding America will remain open and working with partners to allow all mobile pantry’s available with a few modifications as possible

Kent District Libraries will be closed starting Saturday, March 14. There are in discussions to be available as curbside food pickup locations as needed. Also, looking at ways to provide their summer “Meet Up, Eat Up” program during this time as a box lunch program.

God’s Kitchen will remain open during this time. They may have to move to a box meal program and will be reviewed as needed. They as will continue with their meal delivery program, with no changes at this time. They are currently looking at best practice to provide services got their Baby Pantry.

Mel Trotter will remain open, and provide breakfast and dinner to their clients. They will be making minor changes to some meals ( such as no salad bar) to avoid chance of cross contamination.

DeGage Ministries will remain open and over all services, but is increasing cleaning schedules.

Westminster Food Pantry will still operated and are currently discussing best practices for service to their clients. Also looking at best practices for other community services at this time.

Community Food Club will remain open and operational as normal at this time. If a client would like, they male call ahead to have a food box prepared for 20 points and can be delivered to their car. Please call between 8 am and 10 am to make arrangements.

Northwest Food Pantry Updated 3/14/2020 - Signs will be posted on the front door. At this time, next week they will be open Monday 10:00-12:30, closed Wednesday, and open Friday 10:00-12:30. Neighbors will be asked to stand outside in line, bring your proof of address (current piece of mail or current utility bill) and food will be handed out. No one will be allowed inside the building under any circumstances. Thank you for your patience with their amazing volunteers. Follow them on Facebook for more updates on their schedule.