Town Administrator April 13, 2020
Now is the time to be…In this time of uncertainty and ambiguity it is important now, more than ever to be generous, gracious, and cautious.
GenerousYou're providing a huge service to public health when you volunteer and donate. Now is the time to be generous if able. You might:
The United Ways of Colorado are answering calls and making referrals to help the community during the COVID-19 outbreak. 2-1-1 provides personal referrals for the following needs: food, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits enrollment by phone, children with special health care needs, child care options, older adult needs, medical and dental care, immigration, prescriptions, mental health, home repairs, clothing, housing, rent/utility aid, emergency shelter, volunteer/donation opportunities and more.
For those needing assistance, dial 2-1-1 or (800) 559-5590 toll free, text your zip code to 898-211 and search the database or live chat (
Weld County)
www.unitedway-weld.org/211 and (
Boulder County)
https://unitedwaydenver.org/.
GraciousThe Town’s Economic Development team acted on Board direction quickly to support Erie’s small businesses and initiated an
emergency relief grant program. In the first few days the team received more than 50 applications.
We are pleased to announce that the Grant Review Committee has selected the first set of businesses to receive grants. These 16 brick-and-mortar businesses in Erie, with at least two employees, will be awarded either $5,000 or $10,000 in grant funds this week.
The Grant Review Committee continues to review the remaining 35 applications this week. In total, the grant program will provide $300,000 in funding to local businesses.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we thank the review committee and Economic Development team for their quick and thorough work extending emergency resources to small businesses in need during this time of economic challenge.
CautiousUnfortunately,
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have been targeted by ‘bad actors’ using the Federal agency to ‘spear phish’. During this time, Spear Phishing is on the rise in an attempt to exploit the current events and induce individuals to reveal confidential information. To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, especially now, be wary of answering calls from numbers you do not recognize. Most importantly, Federal agencies do not request donations from the general public. Be careful when prompted to download the latest apps and free websites. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, requiring us to be more cautious in these times.