
HIP is OPEN for business and serving clients remotely. Let us help you!
Given the health risks of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are taking precautions to protect the health and safety of our clients, staff, and community-at-large. While HIP is no longer hosting face-to-face meetings with clients or partners, staff continues to conduct counseling services and meetings remotely – via phone, email, and video.
HIP is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY OFFICE: 301-699-3835
MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE: 301-916-5946
Here’s How HIP’s Housing Counselors Can Help During COVID-19
Homeowners
HIP can assess your mortgage refinance options
HIP can negotiate with your lender to prevent mortgage default
HIP can provide accurate information regarding foreclosure suspension
HIP can assist to apply for Maryland’s Homeowner’s Tax Credit Program
Renters
HIP can help you complete the CDC Declaration Form to temporarily prevent eviction due to Covid-related income loss
HIP can provide accurate information regarding the eviction process during Maryland’s state of emergency
HIP can connect you to Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) and mortgage assistance programs to help cover housing costs and prevent evictions
HIP can minimize effects of loss of income on household budget by prioritizing your expenses
HIP can assist you in applying for Maryland’s Renter’s Tax Credit Program
Household Finances
HIP can help you negotiate with creditors
HIP can help you access emergency assistance programs for utilities and other essential services during the state of emergency
HIP can help you with tools and resources to stay afloat if you have lost income or employment
RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO MARYLAND RESIDENTS
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), Phase II – On October 27, the Prince George’s County Dept of Housing & Community Development relaunched its COVID rent relief program by allowing landlords to apply for relief on behalf of their tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties due to Covid-19 factors. The rent delinquency must have occurred on or after April 1, and only rent will be covered – no late fees, interest, etc. Property owners, landlords and property managers of multifamily, single family, condo or coop properties are eligible to apply for up to $1,800 a month in arears, for up to 6 months. Delinquent tenants must meet eligibility criteria. NOTE: The deadline to apply for Phase II funding was Nov 10, 2020 – all available funds have been allocated and distributed.
- Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance, Phase I – During May, Prince George’s County launched its program for tenants impacted by COVID-19 to provide temporary help with rent or utility payments, up to 3 months. For eligible households, payment for arrears up to $1,800 a month, for up to 3 months, were made directly to the landlord. The County has distributed more than $2.1 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to residents since May. NOTE: Phase I applications submitted in May have been processed and all funding has been allocated.
- City of Bowie Covid-19 Emergency Rent Assistance Program is now CLOSED. No new applications are being accepted at this time.
- CDC Extends Temporary Moratorium on Evictions During COVID – The Centers for Disease Control is halting evictions for qualifying renters through March 31, 2021 to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Renters must certify income loss due to Covid. NOTE: Arrears and late fees will accumulate. Contact HIP’s counselors to see if you meet CDC criteria – We can help you complete the required Declaration Form – Click Here.
COVID VACCINATION PROCESS
Prince George’s County Health Department is requiring ALL residents and employees to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine, and you will be contacted when eligible to schedule an appointment. It takes only a few minutes. Please NOTE: Each household member needs to register separately.
COVID TESTING SITES
- COVID-19 Screening Facilities are open to cars and walkers –Prince George’s County’s Coronavirus testing sites are available for drive-up or on foot testing, free of charge, Monday – Friday. NO APPOINTMENT OR DOCTOR NOTE IS NEEDED.
- Please call 3-1-1 for directions, or call the Dept of Social Services Hotline at 301-883-6627 for other related questions. Critical services are available to help your entire family through this pandemic:
Cheverly Health Center | Mon thru Thurs | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm |
D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center | Mon thru Fri | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm |
For a list of Partner Testing sites and Pop-up sites, click here.
- Prince George’s County Health Department
- Alert Prince George’s Communication System
- Prince George’s County Public Schools and Lunch Locations – PGCPS began the 2020-2021 school year on Monday, August 31 with distance learning. There are no in-person classes.
- Employ Prince George’s – This nonprofit can provide job seeker information and help with filing for unemployment. Call 301-618-8445.
- COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund – Employ Prince Georges is also administering the Relief Fund, which gives $200.00 Visa cash cards to qualified applicants. Priority is given to unemployed workers who earned $19/hr or less prior to their layoff. Please check the website for program guidelines and complete the application – www.employpgedge.com
- Food Equity Council Resources
- Emergency Food & Diaper Distribution by SEED – Call 301-458-9808 x102 or email: tnunes@seedinc.org
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
- COVID Rent Relief Program, DHHS – The Montgomery County Dept of Health & Human Services launched Phase 2 of its Rent Assistance for residents who certify Covid related loss of income or other impact. Households who qualify can receive up to $4,000 toward their rental arrears and future expenses. Checks are made out to the landlord. The online application HAS NOW CLOSED, as of Dec 2.
- WAIT LIST – If you are delinquent, you can place your name on the wait list should additional funds become available.
- DHHS Emergency Eviction Assistance – If you are behind on your rent and at risk of being evicted because you have received an Eviction notice on your door from the sheriff, please dial 3-1-1.
- COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance – Montgomery County reopened its short-term Emergency Rental Assistance Program during August for tenants who were at least one month delinquent on their rent due to COVID-related impact. The Housing Opportunities Commission is providing up to $600 a month for 3 months, for a total of $1,800 per household – See the FAQ. THE APPLICATION PORTAL IS CLOSED. Applications have been processed and funds disbursed. Please contact HOC at 240-627-9606.
- CDC Extends Temporary Moratorium on Evictions During COVID – The Center’s for Disease Control halts evictions for qualifying renters through March 31, 2021 to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Renters must certify income loss due to Covid. NOTE: Arrears and late fees will accumulate. Contact HIP’s counselors to see if you meet CDC criteria – We can help you complete the required Declaration Form.
- Burial Assistance Program – Grants to help pay for burial costs are available through Housing Stabilization Services. Household income must be below 60% of Area Median Income, and must meet additional eligibility criteria to receive a grant of $650. Please contact the Department of Health & Human Services by dialing 3-1-1.
COVID VACCINATION PROCESS
Montgomery County is currently prioritizing front-line healthcare workers, nursing home staff and residents, first responders, and adults age 75+.
Please pre-register now! For the latest info about vaccinations, click below:
- Vaccine and Priority Group Information website
- Sign up – Vaccine Update email/text
- MD COVIDlink FAQs
COVID TESTING SITES
Drive-up and walk up testing is available Monday – Friday for residents, with or without symptoms, and no Doctor’s note is needed. No Government ID is required! Appointments are not required but recommended to reduce wait times.
Call the Testing Helpline at 240-777-1755 – Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week.
If you are mildly symptomatic and need testing, county officials recommend you use these clinics:
- Gaithersburg: CDC Mobile Testing Trailer at Lakeforest Mall
- Germantown: Parking garage behind Regal Cinema
- Silver Spring: CDC Mobile Testing Trailer at Recreation Department Admin Building
Daily updates about the county’s response is available:
- Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
- COVID-19 Closures and Service Modifications in Montgomery County
Critical services are also available to help your entire family through the pandemic:
- Montgomery County Public Schools and Lunch Locations – MCPS began the 2020-21 school year on Monday, August 31 with virtual learning through the first semester. No in-person classes are currently being held.
- Montgomery County Food Council – Provides information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
- Manna Food Center – County residency eligibility applies, call 301-424-1130. Manna can arrange drop-off service for seniors and residents with disabilities who are not able to pick up food items at their food pantry sites.
Free Outdoor Wi-Fi available at 10 Public Libraries
Montgomery County has leveraged federal COVID-19 funding to install outdoor public Wi-Fi, available 24 hours, at the following 10 MCPL locations: Aspen Hill, Davis (N. Bethesda), Gaithersburg, Germantown, Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville), Marilyn Praisner (Burtonsville), Rockville Memorial, Twinbrook, Wheaton, and White Oak branches; and in front of the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.
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REGIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE
- Capital Area Food Bank – To locate a food bank in your neighborhood, call the Hunger Lifeline at 202-644-9807. Bring a valid ID.
UTILITY ASSISTANCE
The State of Maryland’s moratorium on electric, gas and water shutoffs has ended, however, if you are behind on your utility bills there is still help available. Residential customers who owe money to their utility provider will have 45 days from receipt of a notice to work out a payment plan or to apply for energy assistance programs. WSSC has said they will not be shutting off service, but are asking customers to contact them to set up a payment plan. Please call HIP’s counselors for assistance in navigating this process. We can help you submit the necessary applications.
- Contact BG&E
- Contact Potomac Edison
- Contact PEPCO
- Contact Washington Gas
- Contact Verizon
- Contact Comcast – To remain connected, ask if you qualify for Internet Essentials for low-income households
- Contact WSSC Water
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE
Childcare for Essential Personnel: The State of Maryland has been working with local YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, Recreation Centers, and other facilities to provide capacity for more than 1,200 children of essential safety and healthcare personnel to receive childcare. The State is hoping to increase this capacity to 2,500 children. Essential personnel can call the State’s LOCATE Hotline to register for childcare at 1-877-261-0060.
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE
- Maryland Governor’s State Response
- Maryland Department of Health Update
- Maryland Health Connection – Coronavirus Emergency special enrollment period has been extended through December 2020. Employees who have lost their jobs can continue to enroll. Coverage for COVID-19 exams and testing will be covered.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE
Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis?
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide or having a mental health crisis, Mental Health specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate assistance and referrals for long-term support.
- In Prince George’s County – Contact the Crisis Response System @ 301-429-2185
They can provide a comprehensive set of on-site and off-site mental health crisis response services and resources in Prince George’s County. For online resources, Click Here. - In Montgomery County – Contact the Montgomery County Crisis Center @ 240-777-4000 or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 1-800-273-8255. For online resources, Click Here.
- Listen to children and promote mutual respect and trust as part of building resiliency. Contact Children’s Mental Health Matters @ 443-901-1550.
STATE SERVICES
- Maryland SNAP Benefits – For new applicants, please apply online at the MyDHR portal for the quickest turnaround, or call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 866-821-5552. You can check the status of an application at 1-800-332-6347. Current SNAP participants automatically received the maximum benefit allowed for your household size during April and May.
- Unemployment Claims – You can start your Maryland claim online or by phone. The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance has call center hours from 7:30 am – 3:30 pm at 410-949-0022. Click here for helpful Q&A. Please call HIP’s counselors if you need HELP completing the online forms. Please NOTE: The $600.00 additional weekly payment provided by the Cares Act ended on July 31. Congress has not extended this Federal benefit. However, the State of Maryland announced will make available the extra $300 benefit payment authorized in late August by Executive Order, with certain restrictions.
- Election Day – Presidential General Election is Tuesday, Nov 3 – Voting in Maryland is being conducted by mail-in ballot and in-person. Early voting has also begun in Montgomery and Prince George’s County at several sites from, Monday, Oct. 26 thru Monday, Nov 2 from 7am – 8pm. #Vote2020 | For in-person locations, call the Prince George’s County Board of Elections at 301-341-7300, or the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 301-
- State Income Taxes – The MD state income tax filing deadline was extended until July 15th.
FEDERAL SERVICES
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Federal Income Taxes – The federal IRS filing deadline was extended until July 15th.
- Small Businesses Assistance
- Social Security Administration Services
- CARES Act, Coronavirus Relief Checks – IRS has launched an App and website for consumers to track their $1,200 Stimulus payment and provide direct deposit info. Make sure you have your ID and income tax info available. Please be aware that if your Economic Impact Payment was mailed to you, it will arrive in the form of a debit card, NOT A CHECK. You will need to activate the card before using it.
UNITED STATES CENSUS
The 2020 Census deadline was extended through October 15th for online completion and door-to-door census takers, and is now officially closed.