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DES PLAINES – The North West Housing Partnership in Schaumburg has been awarded $460,000 in grant funds to help area homeowners with repairs, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Monday.
“People are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 crisis, which makes home repairs all the more urgent,” said Murphy. “Especially during a time when many families don’t have much savings to fall back on, I’m glad to see that there is help available.”
The North West Housing Partnership, which serves the West and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, is one of 25 local governments and non-profit organizations in the state to receive funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority Board of Directors. The group awarded $11 million statewide through the state’s Single Family Rehabilitation Program. The lump sum is projected to help at least 326 low- and very low-income families with necessary home repairs.
The Single Family Rehabilitation Program provides forgivable loans of up to $45,000 per household to assist with necessary repairs to remove documented health and safety hazards. Eligible repairs include roofing, flooring and plumbing, among others.
A roof-only option is also available for people who do not need other repairs. Those recipients are offered up to $16,500 to militate against future roof damage.
“The North West Housing Partnership has already made a difference to so many families in our community. With these funds, they can keep up the good work and help even more households,” Murphy said. “If your home is in need of maintenance, I encourage you to apply.”
Households can apply for grants by contacting the North West Housing Partnership at 847-969-0561. The organization will walk residents through the application process and explain eligibility.
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DES PLAINES – To help keep children safe from abuse and neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) encourages Illinoisans to become familiar with the warning signs of abuse and explore the resources available to protect children living in potentially violent households.
“School closures mean kids are spending much more time at home. For kids in abusive households, that spells danger,” said Murphy. “Even as we maintain social distancing, it’s important that we continue to look out for the children in our communities.”
Signs of child mistreatment include unexplained injuries and poor hygiene, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children suffering from abuse may also exhibit withdrawal from friends, changes in school performance, rebellious or aggressive behavior, and depression or anxiety.
Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected can call the Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 800-25-ABUSE (22873) to report the situation. All calls are confidential. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services offers guidance, programs and volunteer opportunities to enable Illinoisans to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in their neighborhoods. For more information or to take advantage of these resources, visit their website.
“Right now, many people are focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus, but we can’t let our children fall by the wayside,” said Murphy. “If you see a child in need of support, I urge you to speak up.”
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DES PLAINES – The coronavirus outbreak and resulting social distancing measures have left many Illinoisans feeling anxious and isolated, which prompted State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to share important resources that may help individuals manage their mental health.
“The constant news cycle is enough to make a person feel overwhelmed. When you pair that with layoffs, school closures and separation from friends and loved ones, it’s no surprise this pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health,” said Murphy. “I want everyone to know there is help available.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups and programs for those struggling with mental health. Northern Cook County residents can call 847-716-2252 and residents of the Northwest Suburbs can call 847-899-0195 to learn about available resources.
Murphy also encourages residents to take simple steps to care for themselves, such as:
• Connecting with friends and family online,
• Keeping regular work hours and routines while at home,
• Preparing healthy meals,
• Exercising regularly, and
• Staying up to date with accurate information.
“Even though we have to be physically distant from friends and family, we can still stay connected,” Murphy said. “We may feel lonely, but we aren’t alone—we’re all in this together.”
Murphy’s staff is working remotely during the Stay at Home Order, but are still responding to calls and emails. She encourages those who need assistance with state services to reach out by calling 847-718-1110 or visiting senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor. Both resources are available 24/7.
More information about COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinois.gov.
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Dear friends,
As COVID-19 has spread across the country, other states have followed Illinois’ lead by limiting crowds, closing nonessential businesses, and instituting shelter-in-place orders.
To address the uncertainty and instability many Americans are facing during this outbreak, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides assistance to hospitals, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses.
If you are wondering about what the CARES Act means for you and your community, here’s some information that may help you navigate the legislation:
How will the CARES Act help individuals and families?
- Individuals who earn less than $75,000 annually will receive a direct payment of $1,200, and married couples who file a joint return and earn less than $150,000 are eligible for up to $2,400. Households will receive an additional $500 for every qualifying child age 16 or under. With questions about this payment, visit the IRS website.
- Eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of state unemployment benefits to cover lost wages. Part-time, self-employed, and gig-economy workers are newly eligible for benefits.
- States will receive $3.5 billion in Child Care Development Block Grants to help provide child care to health care workers, first responders, and other essential employees.
- Federal student loan payments will be suspended until Sept. 30.
What about protections for health care workers and first responders?
- Over $120 billion in assistance will go to hospitals and health agencies to help them cover COVID-19 expenses, replenish life-saving supplies, and purchase tests.
Will the CARES Act support local and state governments?
- State and local governments will receive $150 billion to pay for new expenses related to COVID-19. The CARES Act also doubles the amount of FEMA funding available to state governments, local governments, and nonprofits.
What kind of benefits will schools receive?
- Schools across the country—including colleges and universities—will receive over $30 billion in emergency support.
Will businesses get relief?
- Small businesses and non-profits will have access to $350 billion in forgivable loans to help them retain employees and pay for expenses like rent, mortgages, and utilities.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering $10 billion in emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief to local business owners. SBA has also established the Debt Relief Program to cover six months of interest payments for small businesses with existing loans.
If you have other questions about the CARES Act, I encourage you to read this summary from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means. The Illinois Department of Economic Security has posted an FAQ on these new benefits and asks that you wait to apply until further details are available to give them time to process current benefits claims.
The COVID-19 outbreak is bigger than Illinois—it’s a nationwide crisis. When we follow recommendations from our top health experts by washing our hands, keeping our distance from others, and staying home as much as possible, we are protecting our fellow Illinoisans and our fellow Americans from this illness.
Updates and guidance on the COVID-19 crisis are available 24/7 from the Illinois Department of Health or at the state’s dedicated COVID-19 response website, coronavirus.illinois.gov.
And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with questions and concerns. My staff is working remotely, but we are still responding to calls and emails. You can contact us at (847) 718-1110 or senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.
Stay safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Laura M. Murphy
State Senator | 28th District
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