Editor’s Note & COVID-19 Resources

Dear Readers,

I hope our seventh issue finds you safe and well. With the spread of the new coronavirus, we felt it was important to change our format this month and use this space to provide information on resources you may be looking for. Inside, you’ll find stories about the state legislature and Denver public schools, but also more columns about activities to do at home and stories about how people are handling the crisis.

Also, Sabrina Allie is stepping back from her role at The North Star to focus on other obligations. Nine months ago I approached her about helping bring back a community newspaper and she took the leap with me. For that, I am eternally grateful. The North Star wouldn’t be as successful as it has been these past months without her. Thank you Sabrina, and I wish you the best on your future endeavors.

–David Sabados

COVID-19 Resources.

Some questions about city services can be answered by calling 311. Given the volume of people calling, we recommend looking for information online if possible.

• With Colorado under a stay-at-home order, we recommend visiting https://covid19.colorado.gov/ for the more recent information.

Government Financial Resources for Those Looking for Help

• If you are financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis (or other reasons), the City of Denver has a program to help pay rent and utility costs. The Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance program (TRUA)  offers resources to Denver residents who are facing a housing crisis or hardship to help prevent eviction or displacement.
• If you are a small business financially impacted, the city has created a grant program that may apply to you. Denver-based small businesses can apply on the city’s website or email InvestInDenver@denvergov.org for more information.
• The State of Colorado has launched the “Help Colorado Now” fund to financially support community organizations impacted. These funds are available to some nonprofit organizations, small businesses, school districts, and others who meet a certain set of criteria. Qualifying information and more details are available at https://covrn.com 
• Businesses, individuals, freelancers, and others who do not meet the above criteria may find other resources through Colorado’s office of economic development: https://choosecolorado.com/covid19/
• The federal government has released information on small business loans, including some loans that will be forgiven. For more information about whether your business qualifies, visit https://www.sba.gov to read more.

Non Medical Masks

• Governor Polis has strongly recommended all Coloradans to wear cloth (non medical) masks when out in the community for essential trips. For more information about how to make a mask at home, visit https://www.coloradomaskproject.com, which also has information about how to volunteer and help others.

Community Efforts

• Denver’s state legislators are coordinating a call program to reach out to seniors living in Denver. If you are interested in making calls from your home, please sign up at (INSERT ADDRESS) or contact your legislator.
• Many of North Denver’s Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) are coordinating non-emergency volunteer efforts to bring food or similar services to people who cannot leave their homes . Visit https://www.chaffeepark.org/drrn to read more.

Food Distribution

• DPS is providing “grab and go” meals to students and families in need, including weekday meals and additional bags of food for use over the weekends. To see more information about pick up locations and times, visit https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/food-distribution. 
• Northwest Northwest Family Assistance Center/Bienvenidos Food Bank is open on Thursdays. For specific times and locations, visit http://www.bienvenidosfoodbank.org or call (303) 433-6328. For those in a position to help others, the Food Bank is asking for monetary donations to purchase food for others.

Regarding Newspaper Printing and Delivery

Modern newspaper printing is almost entirely automated, with few human hands involved in the process. Additionally, all delivery people who deliver The North Star wear masks and gloves during distribution. Based on criteria and guidance from government officials, health organizations, and press organizations, The North Star team felt confident in continuing our delivery.

According to the World Health Organization, “the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.”