The team at Whittier Alliance has been closely monitoring the guidance put forth by the Minnesota Department of Health and leaders at the City of Minneapolis. The current outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in our community calls upon each of us to do our part in keeping one another safe and to support the extraordinary workers in the health care and related sectors on the front lines caring for those in need. We want to take a moment to share how Whittier Alliance will support these goals and to provide some resources for how to stay connected with your neighbors during this time of uncertainty and isolation for many.
More Updates from Minnesota Department Of Revenue
Minnesota Department of Revenue is providing additional time until July 15, 2020, for taxpayers to file and pay 2019 Minnesota Individual Income Tax without any penalty and interest
Minnesota Department of Health is leading the statewide response
Click Here to know more information.
Emergency program through hennepin county, to get more information click here
Whittier Alliance internal operations: WA staff will continue working normal hours, however we will be staggering our coverage of the WA office in order to maintain the ability to assist community members in need who many be calling the office phone line. We will close the doors to in-person interaction and include a door sign with instructions to call or email. One staff person will be in the office per day, 9:30am--5:30 pm. If you do need assistance, you may reach us at (612) 871-7756 or via email at info@whittieralliance.org.
Whittier Alliance public meetings and events: Until further notice, all in-person public meetings and events facilitated by WA are either cancelled or postponed, including the Annual Meeting which was previously set to take place on Thursday, April 9th. Our leadership team is currently exploring options for online meeting platforms as a way to support ongoing small group work on the committee level and regular board operations if possible. Stay tuned to our social media platforms, additional email communications, and the WA website for new information about ways to continue engaging.
Whittier Community Resource Network: Community members have put together some digital platforms through which Whittier neighbors can request or provide help to one another. Please feel free to share these resources with your own networks to ensure that those who are in a vulnerable situation can be supported if at all possible. These resources are housed on a Facebook page titled "Whittier Community Care / Mutual Aid Network" but they each can be accessed as independent Google docs or sheet files if you are not a Facebook user. You will find:
Supporting our small business community: While we urge community members not to gather in public places such as bars, restaurants, and shopping destinations where 6 feet of distance between people cannot be guaranteed at all times, there are a few simple ways to continue supporting our small business community in weathering this storm.
It's challenging moments like these that truly demonstrate the power and necessity of community. The whole Whittier Alliance team is grateful to be in service of and solidarity with each and every one of you, and we wish you good health, laughter, and optimism for the days and weeks ahead.
Kaley Brown
Whittier Alliance Executive Director
More Updates from Minnesota Department Of Revenue
Minnesota Department of Revenue is providing additional time until July 15, 2020, for taxpayers to file and pay 2019 Minnesota Individual Income Tax without any penalty and interest
Minnesota Department of Health is leading the statewide response
Click Here to know more information.
Emergency program through hennepin county, to get more information click here
Whittier Alliance internal operations: WA staff will continue working normal hours, however we will be staggering our coverage of the WA office in order to maintain the ability to assist community members in need who many be calling the office phone line. We will close the doors to in-person interaction and include a door sign with instructions to call or email. One staff person will be in the office per day, 9:30am--5:30 pm. If you do need assistance, you may reach us at (612) 871-7756 or via email at info@whittieralliance.org.
Whittier Alliance public meetings and events: Until further notice, all in-person public meetings and events facilitated by WA are either cancelled or postponed, including the Annual Meeting which was previously set to take place on Thursday, April 9th. Our leadership team is currently exploring options for online meeting platforms as a way to support ongoing small group work on the committee level and regular board operations if possible. Stay tuned to our social media platforms, additional email communications, and the WA website for new information about ways to continue engaging.
Whittier Community Resource Network: Community members have put together some digital platforms through which Whittier neighbors can request or provide help to one another. Please feel free to share these resources with your own networks to ensure that those who are in a vulnerable situation can be supported if at all possible. These resources are housed on a Facebook page titled "Whittier Community Care / Mutual Aid Network" but they each can be accessed as independent Google docs or sheet files if you are not a Facebook user. You will find:
- A spreadsheet for folks to list needs or help they can provide, contact info
- A form to ask for or provide help anonymously (except for page admins)
- A doc template to use when reaching out door-to-door to your own neighbors in case they do not regularly utilize digital communications. Somali and Spanish translations will be added soon to the Facebook page and to the WA website.
Supporting our small business community: While we urge community members not to gather in public places such as bars, restaurants, and shopping destinations where 6 feet of distance between people cannot be guaranteed at all times, there are a few simple ways to continue supporting our small business community in weathering this storm.
- From new curbside pickup options at Rainbow Chinese and Common Roots Cafe, to takeout and delivery specials, check out some of the creative ways the restaurant industry is responding.
- Purchasing gift cards to your favorite local businesses, ideally over the phone or online, is an excellent way to support them with critical cash flow during this crisis, allowing you to redeem them later when the virus spread has subsided.
It's challenging moments like these that truly demonstrate the power and necessity of community. The whole Whittier Alliance team is grateful to be in service of and solidarity with each and every one of you, and we wish you good health, laughter, and optimism for the days and weeks ahead.
Kaley Brown
Whittier Alliance Executive Director
