MCE Cares Credit
As part of Marin Clean Energy (MCE’s) ongoing COVID relief efforts, MCE is offering bill credits to help those most financially impacted. Beginning in April 2021, eligible residential customers can receive the MCE Cares Credit of $10/month, and small business customers are eligible for $22/month. The MCE Cares Credit will be through December 2021.
To apply, you must be either:
A residential customer enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) discount programs, or
A small business customer on the A1, A1X, or B1 rate. For more information click here.
Resources for Businesses and Employees Affected by the Economic Impacts of COVID-19
Many resources are being developed to help business owners and workers with the economic impacts of the current COVID 19 situation. A new Small Business Relief Fund has been announced by the State of California. Applicants can complete an application through the portal now through January 13, 2021. For more information on assistance for employees and business owners click here.
Guide to COVID-19 Mortgage Relief
If you’re among those financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Federal and State governments, as well as financial institutions have announced plans to help struggling homeowners during this time. Visit Consumer Finance Protection Bureau for more information.
Free COVID-19 Testing for County Residents
Testing now available for those without symptoms
Contra Costa County is the first county in the Bay Area to offer free COVID-19 testing to anyone even if they do not have symptoms. Previously, tests were only available for those with symptoms.
Anyone living in Contra Costa can get tested at a drive-through site operated by County Health Services in San Pablo, Martinez, Concord, Pittsburg, Antioch, or San Ramon.
Residents can also get tested at state-run walk-in only sites in Pinole, Walnut Creek or Brentwood. Register here for walk-in testing in Pinole.
While symptoms aren't needed to get tested, it is advised you get tested if you have symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle ache, sore throat, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, recent loss of taste or smell, or confusion.
Appointments can be made by calling 1-844-421-0804 from 8 am to 3:30 pm daily. Click here for more information
Small Business Crisis Hotline
The California Small Enterprise Task Force (CASE Force) is a consortium of legal, financial, and nonprofit professionals working together to connect California small businesses with the resources they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force is focused on collecting local, state, federal, and private/nonprofit resources for California small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and disseminating this information in a digestible way as quickly as possible. In addition, the task force provides small businesses with weekly access to live support from lawyers and financial professionals via virtual office hours.
State Go-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) offers a range of no-cost consultation services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit assistance, regulatory guidance, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more.
New Contra Costa Call Center Helps Small Businesses
Helps small business owners and workers navigate the impacts of COVID 19
A new call center is now available in Contra Costa County to connect businesses and workers with helpful federal, state and local programs. This includes providing resources and referrals on loans and grants, unemployment insurance, payroll subsidies, and other critical concerns.
The trained team who answer calls can also assist with tapping into programs to reduce utility costs, access online career training, and other business services.
Grocery Stores, Restaurants/Cafes, and Other Essential Businesses Remain Open
The Health Order permits grocery stores to remain open and restaurants/cafes to provide take-out food and drinks. Other businesses providing essentials goods and services are also permitted to remain open. Private, non-City websites, such as San Francisco on the Bay and Yelp (www.yelp.com), provide information on which businesses are open.
You can also purchase gift cards and you'll be supporting local businesses when they need it most! Remember, when you spend money with a local small business your money is twice as likely to stay in your own community, where it can support services, pay employees, and contribute in so many ways to keeping our cities vibrant and healthy.
California's COVID-19 Rent Relief
Contra Costa County has partnered with the State of California to operate a Countywide Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) pursuant to Senate Bill 91. The program includes authority for both rental and utility assistance for County residents impacted by COVID-19.
Visit the State's Housing is Key website for more information.
How You Can Get Help
Information on where you can get assistance for basic supplies and needs can be found here: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/
Information on unemployment and other assistance can be found here:
https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
Information on small business assistance can be found here:
https://americassbdc.org/coronavirus-information/ and https://business.ca.gov/coronavirus-2019/
Opportunities to Support our Personal Health While Flattening the Curve
For Kids:
Shelter in place for kids: Guide for East Bay Parents
Contra Costa County Library Virtual Story time
Crash Course Kids, a cool educational channel
Parenthood: Make the most of screen time with your kids
For Families:
Virtually tour some of the best museums all over the world
Use the City of Richmond Virtual Recreation Center
California Academy of Sciences Fun Activities
For Exercising:
YMCA of the East Bay has a menu of free workout programs
Health.com has a great COVID-19 home fitness page