TITLE: Title
Continued Discussion on How COVID 19 Is Disproportionately Affecting Blacks, Latinos and Other Underserved and Marginalized Communities and Adoption of Action Steps
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is for the Council to continue the discussion from the June 2, 2020 meeting on how COVID 19 is disproportionately affecting Blacks, Latinos and other underserved and marginalized communities.
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DEPARTMENT: Town Council
CONTACT INFORMATION: Mayor and Town Council Members, Staff for action: David Andrews, Town Manager, Anita Jones-McNair, Recreation and Parks Director and Racial Equity Officer, Rebecca Buzzard, Housing and Community Services Director
INFORMATION: Council Member Foushee compiled the list of proposed actions from each Council Member and those will be discussed. The Town Council should direct the Town Manager with action items from the proposed list below. Town Council is also asked to review the three attachments as supplemental information for the discussion on Tuesday.
Housing
* Direct financial assistance for housing/rental assistance and utility fees - TOC and County Housing departments, requesting CARES Act funds to assist with this effort
* Affordable Housing Special Revenue Fund
Public Health
* Support for health department COVID19 needs - need space and funding to expand testing access/other COVID-related activities
* Need more efficient data collection
* Access and provision of PPE - ongoing and should continue, giving priority to the most vulnerable and marginalized/underserved community members
* Access to free testing with expanded testing sites
* Identify and connect community members with readily accessible mental health services
Outreach/Education/Engagement
* Outreach/Education/Engagement- multiple languages, intentional cultural sensitivity around language, values and perspectives. Everyone does not receive/process information the same way, meeting people where they are at is key. Need a...
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