How JCJ is pursuing justice amid the Coronavirus threat

by | Mar 17, 2020 | Activism, California, Economic Justice, Featured, JCJ Blog

*This post was originally published on March 17, 2020*

“We have entered a time of uncertainty and fear, during which we will all have our moments of deep pain. But as a community we will strengthen one another, we will gather stones together, and we will build again that which might crumble.”

– JCJ Executive Director Joel Simonds

The weeks and months ahead will challenge everyone of us in one way or another. As we all adapt to this changing environment, JCJ will continue to take measures to ensure our justice work is still front and center in everything we do, focusing on the acute needs of underserved and underrepresented communities.

Here are some of the ways we’ve been doing that:

  • JCJ joined 100+ justice organizations in penning a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom urging his administration to allow all Californians access to benefit programs, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
  • JCJ leadership has been working with the Governor’s team on an Executive Order which provides two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave to certain food sector workers if they are subject to a quarantine or isolation order or medical directive.
  • JCJ has partnered with the Healthy LA Coalition to provide resources on actions people can take to protect tenants and unhoused people in the interest of protecting all of us. This involves calling Los Angeles City Councilmembers and urging action to bring relief to our city’s most vulnerable residents and protect ALL Angelenos. Take action here.
  • We are sharing Sen. Ben Allen’s list of resources, which includes information about free meals for LAUSD students, meals for seniors, Disability/Paid Family Leave Benefits and more.
  • We are encouraging those who have the ability and/or time to volunteer and help their community during these difficult times. Click here to learn how you can deliver meals, donate to a shelter or food bank, volunteer at a food bank, support nonprofits and more.
  • JCJ is also urging people to follow the “social distancing” guidelines set for their community, city and state. (See Which States and Cities Have Told Residents to Stay at Home)
  • Friend of JCJ Emily Kane Miller has been producing incredible content about how to remain charitable and giving during challenging times like these. Most recently, Emily wrote a piece on “Generosity in the Time of COVID.” Read and share here.
  • Coronavirus Dos and Don’ts, updates on COVID-19 cases in California, plus info on services such as schools, employment, housing and more. Click here.
  • The Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this COVID- 19 outbreak. Wondering what you can do? Schedule a donation here.
  • Amid pandemic, hospitals need medical safety gear. Here’s how you can help. [Los Angeles Times]
  • Ways to help California’s vulnerable children during this crisis (courtesy of End Child Poverty CA).
  • Alongside End Child Poverty CA, JCJ is calling on supporters to urge lawmakers to take steps to ensure we care for our state’s vulnerable children and families. [List of Proposals]
  • Our partners at Western Center have put together a comprehensive list for how we protect the vulnerable in our society during this crisis. (Updated on May 6)
  • If you’re lucky enough to be able to work from home and have your kids home with you all day, here are some strategies for managing both.
  • An interactive map of the cities and states that have issued a ‘Stay at Home’ order.
  • LAist has put together this list of resources to help our neighbors and community members and ensure they have the necessary resources to pull through in this pandemic.
  • Governor Newsom announced Friday, April 24 the launch of a first-in-the-nation “Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors” partnership with counties, cities, and Tribes. [Learn more]

PLUS

— UPDATES —

Update (8/5/2020)

  • San Francisco judge upholds city’s ban on evictions during coronavirus pandemic. Read more.

Update (7/15/2020)

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered every county in California to close indoor restaurants, movie theaters and wineries. Read more.
  • How to get tested for COVID-19. CDC website.
  • Coronavirus relief programs. SBA website.
  • Los Angeles renters relief program. Applications close July 17.
  • Stockton, CA recently extended universal basic income, which gives some residents $500 per month, to help them cope with the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more.

Update (7/1/2020):

  • Governor Newsom orders 19 California counties to close indoors operations for the following sectors: restaurants, wineries, movie theaters & family entertainment, zoos, museums, cardrooms. Read more.

Update (6/20/2020):

  • Governor Gavin Newsom announces that California now requires people to wear masks “in most indoor settings and outdoors when distancing isn’t possible.” Read more.

Reopening Update (5/12/2020):

  • Governor Gavin Newsom announced last week that #California is ready to begin moving into Stage 2 of reopening the economy. Unsure what Stage 2 means? Stay up-to-date on California’s progress here.
  • For information on the reopening phase in ALL 50 states, here’s the latest.

Los Angeles Update (5/5/2020):

  • Last week, Los Angeles became the first city in America to offer wide scale testing for all residents with or without symptoms. Testing is free to the public and you can sign up here.
  • Mayor Eric Garcetti also announced a partnership with L.A. Compact, a coalition of early childhood, K-12, higher education and nonprofit leaders to support kids, their families and schools. Click here for more information.
  • Last week, the Mayor also announced an expansion of the senior meal program. Seniors can sign up here. Restaurants may also submit inquiries to be considered as participants.

**This post was updated on August 5, 2020. We will continue to post major updates to this blog, so check back here periodically for more information.*