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National and/or State News Update-Ben Moser

Ben gave the following updates concerning the coronavirus that causes COVID-19:

New York Times: 

• At least 1,130 new coronavirus deaths and 92,660 new cases were reported in the United States on November 3. Over the past week, there has been an average of 88,168 cases per day, an increase of 46 percent from the average two weeks earlier.
• As of Wednesday morning, more than 9,468,700 people in the United States have been infected with the coronavirus and at least 232,600 have died, according to a New York Times database.
• In 41 states and territories, including Alabama and Georgia, new cases are higher and staying high
• In 1 territory new cases are higher but going down
• In 10 states and territories new cases are lower but going up
• In 2 states and territories new cases are lower and staying low

 Elevated Issue of Local Concern or Awareness-Ben Moser

• A reminder to remain vigilant, wear your mask, social distance and be aware of overcrowding enclosed and/or poorly ventilated spaces.
• The numbers in our area are remaining relatively low but we all know how the virus works at this point and we could certainly see some rise in cases in the coming weeks.
• Please be safe on upcoming holidays and please be especially conscious of high-risk family members.

Economic Sector and Impact Area Updates 

Non-Profit:

Food
Feeding the Valley Update-Frank Sheppard

Frank gave the following updates:

• They remain busy with food distributions.
• There will be a food distribution in Clay County, Georgia today.
• There will be a food distribution in Quitman County, Georgia tomorrow.
• There will be a food distribution in Lee County, Georgia on Saturday.
• There will be food distributions in Troup County, Georgia next week.
• Muscogee County, Georgia food distribution will be on the third Saturday of the month.
• Russell County, Alabama food distribution will be on the fourth Saturday of the month.
• There will be free produce given away today in Chattahoochee County, Georgia at the Enrichment Services Building, in Phenix City, Alabama at Potter’s House and in Richland, Georgia at St. Paul’s Church all beginning at 9:00am.
• Free produce will also be given away tomorrow at Rhema Church on Talbotton Road beginning at 9:00am and Antioch Church on 14^th Avenue beginning at 11:00am. Both are in Columbus, Georgia
• Call 706-561-4755 ext. 104 for additional details concerning times and locations.

Health
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare Update-Melody Trimble

Melody gave the following updates via email:

• All is going well.
• They remain focused and intentional about their practice to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
• It is safe to come to the hospital and they appreciate all the support.

Housing
Home for Good/United Way Update-Pat Frey

Pat gave the following updates:

• Excited that they held their first workshop for regional implementation of ESG Cares funding with their new partners this morning. They are implementing rapid rehousing, street outreach and emergency non-congregant shelter for those who are most vulnerable in our community.
• Tomorrow they will host a landlord engagement meeting along with members of their Continuum of Care Board. They are excited that the Department of Community Affairs has asked to participate in the meeting.
• The Continuum of Care is federally funded by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). They are waiting for guidance from HUD concerning the funding renewal process. They normally would have completed the process by now but due to COVID-19 the process is off schedule.

Grants/Projects Update-Betsy Covington

Betsy gave the following updates:

• Grant awards this week to MercyMed of Columbus and Easterseals of West Georgia. For details go to cfcv.com/coronavirus
• Total grants awarded to date are $1,226,384. This is a testament to the generosity of our community. To donate or if you are a non-profit in need of assistance go to cfcv.com/coronavirus
• Asked callers to let her or Ben know of any opportunities for bulk purchasing of PPE for non-profits or other low-cost considerations. bcovington@cfcv.com or bmoser@unitedwayofthecv.org

Making Connections (Open Forum Updates)

Ben began by asking a question

• Are there any callers experiencing unmet needs for PPE or other pandemic related items?

MercyMed of Columbus Update-Billy Holbrook

Billy gave the following updates:

• Thanked United Way and the Community Foundation for the grant and thanked everyone who has given to the fund.
• Gave a shout out to everyone who joins the weekly call and to everyone that is doing the work in the community.

River Valley Regional Commission Update-Jim Livingston

Jim gave the following updates:

• Thanked United Way and the Community Foundation for the regularity of the weekly call.
• The call is a great way to encourage communication in a time when it is rather difficult to communicate.