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Surprise Resource Center continues services

Assistance remains despite coronavirus troubles

Posted 4/24/20

The Surprise Resource Center team has been able to maintain service levels for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the health and safety of residents and …

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Surprise Resource Center continues services

Assistance remains despite coronavirus troubles

Posted
The Surprise Resource Center team has been able to maintain service levels for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the health and safety of residents and employees.
 
Most services and referrals continue to be made available through email or phone calls between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
 
Residents needing rental and utility assistance through the Community Action Program (CAP) need to call the HOPE line at 623-222-4673 on Monday mornings to schedule an appointment. Resource Center staff will assist with processing requests made through the HOPE line.
 
For those who need walk-in services, the Center continues to remain open daily with reduced hours:
• 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Wednesdays
• 2-6 p.m. Thursdays
• 8 a.m.-noon Fridays
 
At this time, the majority of walk-in requests consist of individuals seeking information regarding unemployment benefits and employment support through Arizona@Work. Additional walk-in requests are comprised of community members who need basic services like food, diapers, formula, and paper products.

Other services

Financial assistance policies have been activated at the national, state and city levels, as well as by business industries.
 
Even though the Senior Center is closed, a drive-thru pick-up hot lunch service is available.
 
This meal program is designed for adults age 60 and older or any adult with disabilities. To participate, residents must complete a registration form and order the lunch by noon, two business days in advance, by calling 623-222-1500.
 
The city has developed a webpage that lists various resources available to individuals and families.
 
The webpage can be accessed from the city’s COVID-19 page at surpriseaz.gov/COVID-19, where there is also information on the city’s response to COVID-19, business and workforce resources and community care resources.
 
Additionally financial relief resources for individuals and families include:
 
• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced March 30 that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
 
• Renters — On March 24, Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days.

 
• Banking and Mortgages — On March 30, Gov. Ducey announced a cooperative agreement with the state’s banks to protect small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure. Under the agreement, banks are suspending evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days, with the potential to extend that period for the duration of the state’s emergency declaration. Additionally, many banks are working directly with consumers on payment deferrals for certain consumer loans. If you are struggling to make payments, you should contact your bank directly to discuss payment deferral plans.
 
• Utilities — Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and six electric cooperatives have agreed to provide reliable electricity to homes, hospitals, and businesses while making sure that Arizona residents facing financial difficulties will have choice, assistance, and reliable access to electricity.
Additionally, the city of Surprise is currently suspending its water customer shutoffs through May 10.
 
• Internet Wireless & Wireline Internet Service — The FCC Chairman asked broadband and telephone service providers and trade associations to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. So far, more than 550 companies and associations have signed the pledge, which states they will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic; will waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and will open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
 
Many local internet providers have deals specific for the COVID-19 emergency and special offers for families with K-12 students. Those offers have been compiled by the Arizona Commerce Authority.