Newport News Now

Thursday, March 19, 2020

My fellow citizens:
Our city and world are facing new and unprecedented circumstances due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As your Mayor, as well as a resident and father, I understand your fears and concerns for your own safety and that of your family and loved ones. Rest assured that the city is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health, local healthcare systems and community partners to monitor the spread of the disease, assess its impact on our residents and coordinate response efforts. 
Your health and well-being are our top priorities. We’ve had to make some tough decisions recently, but they have all been in the pursuit of keeping you and those you love safe. All city offices, facilities and buildings are closed to the public until at least March 29. City events have been canceled through at least mid-April, and I urge you to avoid any large gatherings. Social distancing is a new word to many of us, but it’s something we must practice. 
Before coronavirus, many of us talked about unplugging. Let’s now use our devices to virtually connect. Many churches offer services online, and musicians, authors and artists are hosting at-home concerts, book readings and activities using Facebook Live. You can also explore the city’s wealth of digital resources, including Newport News Public Libraryȁ 9;s online collection, which includes eBooks, digital audiobooks, online courses, movies, TV and music.
If you are a business owner, I know you are worried about the future. I’ve been impressed with the creativity I’ve seen, as business models are transformed to meet the community need while ensuring employees continue to work and receive a paycheck. From accepting call in orders and creating outside pick-up spots to enhancing delivery services, Newport News businesses are adapting while keeping public health in mind. The next few weeks will test your resolve, but know your city supports you.
We must all work to stop the spread of coronavirus. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and clean and disinfect surfaces often. The most important thing you can do is stay home and seek medical treatment if you are sick. I encourage you to call the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 757-594-7069 with your health-related questions. 
The next few weeks and perhaps months are going to be difficult, but we will get through them and emerge stronger than before. Be kind to one another, remain patient during these difficult times, and call your older family members, friends and neighbors to check-in. We are in this together and we will get through this as one city. 
We are committed to providing information as frequently as possible, so please visit our website, www.nnva.gov, and social media pages. I also encourage you to call the Newport News 311 Contact Center with your general questions at 757-933-2311.
I am honored to serve as your Mayor and know we will weather this storm. Please take care of yourselves, look out for one another and stay safe. 
McKinley L. Price, Mayor

City Support for Homeless

Newport News is a city full of compassionate residents, committed to supporting their neighbors in need. We’ve received numerous emails, social media posts and messages asking what the city is doing to support the homeless population. This is a concern for cities across the country, and Newport News is working diligently to ensure homeless citizens receive the supplies and support they need during this challenging time.

Due to restrictions from the Governor and to protect clients and employees, we had to close the Four Oaks Day Service Center. While the center is closed, services are continuing. Staff is out in the field, partnering with the Salvation Army and LINK to deliver food and supplies to places we know homeless individuals find shelter. We are connecting people with medical providers and working with local healthcare organizations to provide screenings on an as-needed basis. We are also creating a mobile thrift store to provide sleeping bags, blankets, coats, hats and scarves. 

We are continuing to plan for additional services, including placing handwashing stations in key locations, offering laundry services and partnering with healthcare organizations for COVID-19 testing. Thanks to a generous nonprofit partner, we are exploring housing options for our most vulnerable clients, primarily those who are older or who have pre-existing medical conditions. Many area churches have provided donations, and we are continuing to work with them to address the needs of this community. 

Prior to the spread of coronavirus, employees at Four Oaks and the city’s Housing Broker Team were able to find homes for some individuals and families. While they are now in a place of their own, many are not completely self-sufficient and some have been affected by business closures and lack the resources to purchase food and supplies. The nonprofit community has stepped up to provide groceries and essential items to these individuals and families during this critical time.

We know you want to help. Volunteers are not needed at this time and, since staff is in the field, donations are not being accepted at Four Oaks as of now. If you, your church or civic organization would like to discuss donations or support, you can contact Quincy White, Executive Director of the Four Oaks Day Service Center, at whiteqa@nnva.gov. 
Thank you for your concern for our homeless citizens!

United Way Creates COVID-19 Emergency Fund

United Way of the Virginia Peninsula understands that the spread of COVID-19 is likely to have a lasting impact throughout the region, especially affecting those who are medically and economically vulnerable, including: 

• Workers who are paid hourly and/or do not have medical benefits and/or paid leave 
• Low income families with children who rely on getting their meals at schools that have now closed
• People whose hours have been cut due to temporary closures 
• People experiencing homelessness and those who do not have the resources to stay safe

To assist with the evolving needs of our community, United Way created a COVID-19 Emergency Fund. To support the fund, visit the United Way donation portal. 

While the United Way office is closed, their information and referral services are running at this time. If you are in need of assistance and live in Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson or lower York County, call United Way’s First Call Hotline at 757-594-4636. If you live in Williamsburg, James City County or Upper York County, call the United Way Community Resource Center at 757-229-2222.