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 & Utility Assistance – Effective May 11, for tenants in a financial crisis due to COVID-19, this Prince George’s County sponsored program provides temporary help with rent or utility payments, up to 3 months. If eligible, payment for arrears will be made directly to your landlord or utility provider. Get qualification info here and submit an intake form. NOTE: The application period is currently closed so that requests submitted in May can be processed. Please check back, we anticipate a second round of applications may open.
- CDC Issues Temporary Moratorium on Evictions During COVID – Effective Sept 4, the Centers for Disease Control is halting evictions for qualifying renters through Dec 31, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. 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 TESTING SITES
- COVID-19 Screening Facilities are open to cars and walkers –Prince George’s County now has six Coronavirus testing sites available for drive-up or on foot testing, free of charge, Monday – Friday. FREE COVID-19 tests for individuals with or without symptoms that have been exposed to, or suspected to have been exposed to, a COVID-19-positive person. NO APPOINTMENT OR DOCTOR NOTE NEEDED.
- Please call 3-1-1 for directions, or call the Dept of Social Services Hotline at 301-883-6627 for other related questions.
Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center
8001 Sheriff Road Landover, MD 20785
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Cheverly Health Center
3003 Hospital Drive, Cheverly, MD 20785
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center
7120 Contee Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Adventist Medical Group
10709 Indian Head Highway, Suite D, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center
9314 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Langley Park/Chillum area
Rollingcrest-Chillum Recreation Center
6120 Sargent Rd, Chillum, MD 20782
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Critical services are available to help your entire family through this pandemic:
- 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-19 Emergency Rental Assistance – Montgomery County reopened its short-term Emergency Rental Assistance Program in August for tenants who are at least one month delinquent on their rent, due to COVID-related impact. HOC will provide up to $600 a month for 3 months, for a total of $1,800. THE APPLICATION PORTAL WAS OPEN AUG 18 – AUG 31. It is now closed so applications can be processed. For info and updated eligibility requirements, See the FAQ or contact the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County at 240-627-9606.
- COVID Rent Relief Program, DHHS – The Montgomery County Dept of Health & Human Services has launched Phase 2 of its Rent Assistance for residents who certify Covid related loss of income. The online application is available, until funds are allocated. If you are at risk of being evicted, please dial 3-1-1.
- CDC Issues Temporary Moratorium on Evictions During COVID – Effective Sept 4, the Center’s for Disease Control halts evictions for qualifying renters through Dec 31, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. 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 TESTING SITES
Free testing is available Monday – Friday for residents, with or without symptoms, and no Doctor’s note is needed. No Government ID is required!
Please DO call ahead to check times and schedule an appointment to reduce your wait time. However, walk-up tests are allowed, during specific hours. If you come for a walk-up test:
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or brush your teeth for 30 minutes before providing a saliva specimen. Wear a face covering.
Germantown:
PlumGar Community Recreation Center, 19561 Scenery Drive
Rockville:
Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Road
Silver Spring:
MidCounty Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road
White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane
Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Plaza
Poolesville:
Poolesville Baptist Church, 17550 West Willard Road
Wheaton:
Wheaton Library & Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Avenue
Critical services are available to help your entire family through the pandemic:
- Montgomery County Public Schools and Lunch Locations – MCPS will begin the 2020-21 school year on Monday, August 31 with virtual learning through the first semester. No in-person classes will be held. Public schools will continue to serve meals to students at designated sites during the summer break.
- 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.
- Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
- COVID-19 Closures and Service Modifications in Montgomery County
REGIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE
- Grocery Stores with Dedicated Senior Shopping Hours – With the Phase 2 Reopening continuing, many area grocery stores are returning to their normal business hours. However, here is the list of stores who continue to offer early shopping hours for seniors and others at-risk.
- 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
- PEPCO
- Washington Gas
- Verizon
- Comcast – To remain connected, ask if you qualify for Internet Essentials for low-income households
- 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 Election is Nov 3 – Voting in Maryland will be conducted by mail-in ballot and in-person. Please inquire early for update guidelines. #Vote2020
- 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 has been 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 has been extended through mid August. The official Census Bureau mailing includes detailed information and a Census ID for completing the Census online. You may complete your form by mail, online, or by phone. Please call HIP’s counselors if you need HELP with completing the online form or paper form. Census takers began going door-to-door in Maryland beginning in early August.