It didn't require a crisis to prove that the Santa Clarita Valley is incredible, but in the face of COVID-19, our Los Angeles County communities have outdone themselves in showing compassion and teamwork. I am so impressed by all the community members who have reached out to ask how they can lend a hand, and by our government and private sector partners who have sprung into action to help.

COVID-19 is a dynamic issue that has an impact on each one of us - personally, professionally, and economically. L.A. County is working overtime to provide resources to help our residents navigate this crisis.

Equipping Businesses and Workers
To centralize our resources for businesses and employees, we created the L.A. County Business and Worker Disaster Help Center. This emergency office, composed of multiple county departments, will direct business owners and employees to various forms of relief. This effort includes local, state and federal resources, including the $2 billion United States Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Those in need of assistance can connect with the Help Center with multilingual services at (833) 238-4450 or lacountyhelpcenter.org. To further protect residents and businesses, I signed a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions. The order outlines several actions to prevent displacement or service disconnections.

Providing Grant Funding
It is vitally important that we pursue every resource available to support local businesses and help maintain good job opportunities throughout the region. Our Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services has launched the $500,000 Employer Assistance Fund, with need-based grants up to $10,000 per qualifying local business. Employers must demonstrate significant economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 with a loss of revenue of at least 20 percent. The grant may be used for mortgage payments, bridge funding to other lending or financial resources, working capital costs, inventory, rent or utilities. Approximately 25 percent of awards will be reserved for social enterprises that demonstrate a need and ability to serve vulnerable populations.

Testing for the Most Vulnerable
As we increase our testing capacity, we've added many drive-up mobile testing locations across L.A. County for those who qualify, including one in Santa Clarita. We remain focused on testing only those in high-risk categories, which include people with symptoms who are 65 and older, those with symptoms who have underlying chronic health conditions, or those who are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine due to confirmed COVID-19 exposure. You can learn more, see if you qualify, and schedule an appointment at COVID-19.lacounty.gov/testing.

Serving Those Facing Homelessness
The County is working to ensure that this emergency does not contribute to homelessness. Temporary winter shelters that would historically close at the end of March are remaining open. Plus, through what Governor Newsom called Project Roomkey, we've secured an additional 7,000 motel rooms spanning across the county to ensure the most vulnerable are not left on the street, including one motel in the SCV. The Office of Emergency Management has also launched the People Experiencing Homelessness Emergency Response Coordination Team. Street outreach is ongoing and the county and its partners are collaborating with philanthropic organizations to provide relief to households on the verge of homelessness.

Delivering Food and Necessities to those in Need
To ensure older adults continue to receive critically-needed meals, we are distributing packaged and frozen meals for seniors at our meal sites or by delivery. Our Emergency Food Assistance Program is provided at the Santa Clarita Valley Community Center on weekdays from 8am to 5pm. There are also family resource centers to provide care for children when parents are at work. For seniors and those with disabilities, staying Safer at Home means your groceries, necessities, and household items need to come to you. Additionally, take advantage of our convenient, free delivery service 24/7 by calling 1-888-863-7411.

Prioritizing Mental Health
Many community members are feeling anxious because of the uncertainty about COVID-19. I joined Department of Mental Health Director Dr. Jonathan Sherin for a special video series to discuss coping with anxiety and to share resources for residents. If you need mental health assistance, please call our 24/7 hotline at 800-854-7771 or text "LA" to 741741. There are extensive videos, articles and tips at dmh.lacounty.gov.

I am so proud of our community's resilience. As a lifelong Los Angeles County resident, I have seen our residents overcome many obstacles. I am confident that when we work together, we will become stronger and better than before. Thank you for adhering to public health orders, checking in on neighbors and relatives, and caring for yourself and your family.
For more information on how to get involved and for all the resources listed above, please visit kathrynbarger.lacounty.gov or COVID-19.lacounty.gov.