NEWS

MHAC’s COVID-19 Updates and Resources: 7/17-7/23

Jul 22, 2020

In addition to an evolving COVID-19 resource page, MHAC is continuing to collect and share updates on COVID-19 from state government, federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, and other key stakeholders.

These updates are to help and inform a wide range of individuals and partners, including communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly.

Please see the latest updates below:

  • Baker Administration Awards $3 Million in Food Security Grants

The Baker Administration announced nearly $3 million in grants to address urgent food insecurity for Massachusetts residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and make the Commonwealth’s food system more resilient. This funding is being awarded as part of the first round of the new $36 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, created following recommendations from the Administration’s COVID-19 Command Center’s Food Security Task Force, which promotes ongoing efforts to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have access to healthy, local food.

  • Doctors testify on COVID-19 racial disparities among seniors

The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing July 21 on racial health disparities among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. PBS NewsHour has a recording and report on the hearing available here.

  • Baker Administration Extends Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures to October 17

Governor Charlie Baker extended the pause on evictions and foreclosures for 60 days, until October 17, 2020, through the authority granted to the governor by Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency, which was signed into law on April 20, 2020.

This law’s limitations on evictions and foreclosures have allowed many tenants and homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to remain in their homes during the state of emergency, and this extension provides residents of the Commonwealth with continued housing security as businesses cautiously re-open, more people return to work, and the state collectively moves toward a “new normal.” The moratorium was set to expire on August 18, 2020.

  • Community Development Block Grants Awarded to Communities Across the State

Municipalities across Massachusetts are set to receive $19.6 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to address emergency needs in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. This funding will support 174 communities in their work to provide vital services to low-income residents and small businesses affected by the recent outbreak.

Several awards note that they support “services to seniors” and food access.

A list of the communities receiving funding are available at the bottom of this press announcement.