Pittsburgh Region Response to COVID-19 (old – don’t edit)

Daily Update: April 8, 2020 4 PM

Pennsylvania

• 16,239 confirmed cases, 82,299 tested negative, Deaths 310

Cases by county in the 10-county region per Pennsylvania Department of Health
* case count last updated at 12:00 p.m. on 4/8/2020

	Cases	Deaths
Allegheny:	720	10
Armstrong:	19	0
Beaver:	128	13
Butler:	113	2
Fayette:	35	1
Greene:	18	0
Indiana:	21	0
Lawrence:	32	2
Washington:	59	0
Westmoreland:	183	0

State Updates

• Wolf Signs Order to Provide Targeted Distribution of COVID-19 PPE and Supplies to Hospitals: Among myriad actions to support Pennsylvania’s health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf today signed an order to provide critical aid to hospitals with targeted PPE and supplies distribution. “Combatting a pandemic means we all have to work together and that means we need to make the best use of our medical assets to ensure the places that need them most have them,” Gov. Wolf said. “Today, I am signing an order that will allow us to transfer supplies and information between medical facilities to both high-population, high-impact areas and lower population areas that might not have as many existing medical resources. Read more: https://dingo.telicon.com/PA/library/2020/2020040873.HTM
• Independent Fiscal Office (IFO): Projected Revenue Impact of COVID-19: In response to a request from the General Assembly, this document updates the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office’s (IFO) official General Fund revenue estimate for fiscal year (FY) 2019-20 to reflect the projected impact from COVID-19 and provide a preview of revenue estimates for FY 2020-21. Read more: https://dingo.telicon.com/PA/library/2020/2020040871.PDF
• Governor Wolf
  • The Department of Health launched a new hospital preparedness dashboard that provides county-level information, including the number of available beds and ventilators in use at facilities across the state. The dashboard also provides an overview of the capacity of the state’s entire health care system, detailing high population and high impact areas. The dashboard is available here: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
• Secretary of Health Dr. Levine
  • As of 12 am today, there are 1,680 new positive cases.
  • 760 are healthcare workers tested positive; 831 who tested positive are in 157 nursing homes and/or long-term living facilities
  • 1,892 have been hospitalized or 11% of total cases
  • As of 12 pm today, 51% hospital beds, 40% ICU beds and 70% ventilators are still available
  • 309 deaths are adults who tested positive
  • Daily reminders: 
    • wash hands 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers if soap and water is not available
    • cover coughs and sneezes and don’t touch your face
    • clean surfaces frequently
    • if going out for life-sustaining activities, wear a mask
  • Reminder for mental health crisis text line, text “PA” to 741741 or 1-855-284-2494
  • Visit Health.pa.gov for most updated info

 

Regional Updates

• Heinz Endowments announces $2.3 million in emergency grants: The Heinz Endowments announced it will be awarding $2.3 million in grants to help Pittsburgh nonprofit organizations and local government agencies combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization said this was just the first round of grants and will continue to monitor the situation daily.  The Pittsburgh Foundation, Global Links, 412 Food Rescue, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, Bridgeway Capital, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Casa San Jose are among some of the organizations that have received $100,000 or more in grant funding from the Heinz Endowments. Read more: https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2020/04/08/heinz-endowments-announces-2-3-million-in.html 

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Daily Update: April 8, 2020 1 PM

Pennsylvania

• 16,239 confirmed cases, 82,299 tested negative, Deaths 310

Cases by county in the 10-county region per Pennsylvania Department of Health
* case count last updated at 12:00 p.m. on 4/8/2020

 

	Cases	Deaths
Allegheny:	720	10
Armstrong:	19	0
Beaver:	128	13
Butler:	113	2
Fayette:	35	1
Greene:	18	0
Indiana:	21	0
Lawrence:	32	2
Washington:	59	0
Westmoreland:	183	0

STATE: Cases and Hospitalizations by Age Range

Data updated as of 12:00pm on 4/8/20

Age Range	Cases	Hospitalizations
0-4	<1%	<1%
5-12	<1%	<1%
13-18	1%	<1%
19-24	7%	1%
25-49	41%	19%
50-64	29%	29%
65+	20%	51%

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health

 

State Updates

• House and Senate approve separate COVID-19 response bills: The House and Senate each approved bills Tuesday April 7 responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the session day ended without either chamber taking up the other’s bill despite earlier indications that could happen. The two chambers adjourned until later this month after the House voted 108-93 along party lines to approve an amended Senate Bill 327 addressing state government’s role in the pandemic. The Senate, meanwhile, voted unanimously to approve an amended Senate Bill 841 addressing matters involving local government’s response with the pandemic.
  **Article attached. **
• PA State Police begin enforcing Gov. Wolf’s ‘stay at home’ order, indicate hope people will voluntarily comply: The Pennsylvania State Police this week started reporting their enforcement efforts with regard to Gov. Tom Wolf’s April 1 statewide COVID-19 “stay at home” order, similar to their reports about their enforcement of the Governor’s order for “nonessential businesses” to close their physical locations. During the first few days of the statewide order enforcement, the police report they have issued six warnings and two citations, with the latter as the result of officers reacting to primary offenses and then issuing a “stay at home” order citation for what, according to the State Police, right now amounts to a secondary offense.
  **Article attached.**

 

Regional Updates

• The Allegheny Institute Reports Estimates of Employment Impacts of Coronavirus in the Pittsburgh MSA: The economic deterioration resulting from the coronavirus plague worsens daily in the U.S., in Europe and here in Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh metro area (MSA).  Based on data through the end of March, a rough estimate of the unemployment levels for the region can be calculated. The calculation looks first at the household data for the number of people newly out of work as measured by unemployment claims.   Since March 15, Pennsylvania has recorded 844,000 new unemployment claims. That represents roughly 13.6 percent of the number of Pennsylvanians working as of February.  Assuming that percentage also applies to the Pittsburgh MSA (which is reasonable in light of the governor’s mandated statewide business closing orders) there would have been 155,600 unemployment claims in the MSA. Read more: https://dingo.telicon.com/PA/library/2020/2020040893.HTM
• Kane Community Living Center
  • Thirty-one residents and staff members at the Kane Community Living Center in Glen Hazel have tested positive for COVID-19. As of April 7, 18 residents have tested positive and 13 staff members have tested positive. On March 27, Kane reported that two residents at the facility tested positive. No deaths have been reported at any of Kane’s four facilities in Allegheny County.  Read more: https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/allegheny-county/29-people-pittsburgh-senior-living-home-test-positive-covid-19/LPAVJLMYZRCY3DRB2DRO74PQ4M/

• Allegheny County Jail
• The Allegheny County Jail today announced an inmate has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual and their cell mate have been quarantined since they started having symptoms. Visitor restrictions have been in place at the jail since early March. Officials said contract tracing will occur, and the jail is following guidance provided by the Allegheny County Health Department. Read more: https://www.wtae.com/article/allegheny-county-jail-inmate-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/32082385

Federal Updates

United States Congress

• Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer are calling for at least $500 billion in spending in an emergency stopgap coronavirus relief bill.  They back $250 billion more in small business loans, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell aims to pass Thursday April 9, 2020, but also want to add funding for hospitals and state and local governments. The legislation is separate from a bill they want to see to expand major parts of the CARES Act, the $2 trillion package Congress passed last month. 
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says Democrats will push to include a new hazard pay program for frontline workers in the coronavirus pandemic in the next legislative vehicle that passes Congress in response to the crisis.  The Democratic proposal has two main components:
  • up to a $25,000 pay increase for essential workers
  • one-time $15,000 incentive to help recruit new health care workers during the pandemic.
• Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley is working on a bipartisan letter addressed to President Donald Trump demanding an explanation for the firing of Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson. The Senate Finance Committee chairman is still working to secure cosponsors for the letter. The letter will focus on Atkinson’s Friday April 3 firing amid a broader purge by the president of inspectors general.

 

National Updates

• As of 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday April 8, 2020, there are 12, 936 deaths in the United States.

Archives

5 Resources to Help the Pittsburgh Region Respond to COVID-19 (April 3, 2020)

Resources from Today’s “COVID-19 Financial Assistance” Webinar (April 3, 2020)

Coming Mon. 4/6 – Part 2 of COVID-19 Financial Relief Webinar (April 3, 2020)

CALL TO ACTION: Help Get Our Kids Back to School (April 2, 2020)

Friday, 4/3/20 Webinar: Small Business-Focused COVID-19 Financial Assistance (April 1, 2020)

Together as Pittsburgh in the Face of a Global Pandemic (March 27, 2020)

Statement from Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference, on the House passage of the CARES Act, the Coronavirus Relief Bill (March 27, 2020)

Key Provisions of the Federal Stimulus Package (March 26, 2020)

Join Us for Our Coronavirus Labor and Employment Updates Webinar (March 24, 2020)

Governor Wolf Orders a “Stay at Home Order” for Allegheny County and 5 other PA Counties (March 23, 2020)

State modifies list of “non-life-sustaining” businesses
Matt Smith, president, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference quoted with partner organizations PA Chamber of Business Industry President and CEO Gene Barr and The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia President and CEO Rob Wonderling (Pittsburgh Business Times, March 21, 2020)

URGENT NEED FOR SUPPLIES (March 22, 2020)

This afternoon, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference, issued a statement jointly with the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (March 20, 2020)

Waiver & Clarification: Gov. Wolf’s Non-Life-Sustaining Business Closure Order (March 20, 2020)

COVID-19 Resources for the Pittsburgh Region (March 19, 2020)

URGENT: Manufacturers Needed – Production for COVID-19 Response (March 18, 2020) DEADLINE 12:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 18.

Survey – Economic Impact of COVID-19 (March 17, 2020)

Being Safe and Working Smart: a COVID-19 CEO Update (March 13, 2020)

Upcoming Allegheny Conference Webinar Series: Response + Recovery

Allegheny Conference Webinar Series: Response + Recovery, featuring PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro
Wednesday, April 8, 2020; 3:30 PM
Register here

Allegheny Conference Webinar Series: Response + Recovery, The Cares Act: A Policy Perspective
Tuesday, April 14, 2020; 12:00 PM
Register here

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Archived Allegheny Conference Webinar Series: Response + Recovery

Allegheny Conference Response + Recovery Webinar Series:
“Small Business-Focused COVID-19 Financial Assistance – Options For You”
Part II of a Two-Part Webinar – Monday, April 6, 2020

View a PDF of the slides here

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Allegheny Conference Response + Recovery Webinar Series:
“Small Business-Focused COVID-19 Financial Assistance” Webinar (Part I of 2-Part Set)
Part I – Friday, April 3, 2020

View a PDF of the slides here

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Allegheny Conference Response + Recovery Webinar Series:
Coronavirus Labor and Employment Updates March 26 2020

UPDATE as of 4/1/20: Applications for a business seeking a waiver to continue operating in the state of PA during the COVID-19 crisis are due by Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5:00 pm. Businesses can access the application here. Businesses can refer to the Industry Operation Guidance which was last updated 4/1/20 at 4:00 pm.

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Sen. Casey announced $170 million for PA in federal funding to address the Coronavirus Pandemic. These funds will be distributed via the Community Development Block Grant Program. Funding has been awarded to several communities in SWPA including: City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Beaver County, Westmoreland County, Washington County. Specific funding levels can be viewed on Senator Casey’s website.

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U.S. Department of Labor announced a temporary rule implementing the paid sick leave and family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). More guidance will be provided with a recorded webinar that DOL will post on Friday, April 3.

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Internal Revenue Service guidance on Refundable Tax Credits through FFCRA (IRS). IRS issued guidance on the refundable tax credits available to small and midsize businesses that are required to provide paid leave under FFCRA.

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U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Guide To The Employee Retention Tax Credit For COVID-19 For COVID-19 Impacted Employers” The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. Learn more at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Employee Retention Tax Credit webpage

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PA Act 10 of 2020 – Extension of Filing Deadline Applies to Trusts/Estates, Partnerships and S Corporations Act 10 of 2020 specifically provides for the extension of the following tax filing deadlines:

• Extends the deadline to July 15, 2020 for declarations of estimated personal income tax.
• Extends the deadline to July 15, 2020 for payments of estimated personal income tax.
• Extends the deadline to July 15, 2020 for the filing of informational returns related to Pennsylvania S corporations and partnerships (Form PA-20S/PA-65), and estates and trusts (Form PA-41).
• Extends the filing date by three months for certain information returns (1099-R, 1099-MISC, and W2-G).

The Department of Revenue is also extending the due date for corporations with tax returns due in May to August 14, 2020.

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U.S. Senate Committee on Finance Guidance for CARES Act: Employee Retention Credit FAQs. Developed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, the document answers a wide range of potential questions – including what types of businesses qualify for the credit, how it is calculated and the availability of the credit.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a “How to Get a Coronavirus Emergency Paycheck Protection Loan” webpage. Below is an overview provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in regards to guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury for the Paycheck Protection Program.

U.S. Department of Treasury Releases Information on Paycheck Protection Program 

The U.S. Department of Treasury shared new information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Please review the resources provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury below and visit their webpage for additional information.

• A top-line overview of the program can be found here.
• If you’re a lender, more information can be found here.
• If you’re a borrower, more information can be found here.
• The application for borrowers can be found here.

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• Wolf Administration Launches Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal was developed through a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Health, the Department of General Services, and the Department of Community and Economic Development to source the most needed supplies for medical providers, emergency responders, and health care professionals.


• *UPDATED* 5:45pm, March 21, 2020 – Industry Operation Guidance – this is the updated list related to Governor Wolf’s order to close non-life sustaining businesses.


• The U.S. Department of Labor is hosting a national online dialogue, Providing Expanded Family and Medical Leave to Employees Affected by COVID-19, to help employers and workers understand their responsibilities and rights, respectively, under the FFCRA. For more information and registration click here.


• The PA State Police issued a guidance document for their enforcement of non-essential businesses. It can be found here.


• NAM: National Association of Manufacturers State-by-State Resources. See the latest snapshot of state and local restrictions on mass gatherings and their implications for manufacturers.


• Allegheny County Health Department Facebook page.


• Allegheny County Health Department on Twitter.


• Allegheny County Health Department online message form
  (Please check the COVID-19 box, and your inquiry will be sent directly to ACHD’s epidemiology team)
  Allegheny County Health Department phone line: 412-687-2243


• Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald social media accounts: You can also follow Rich on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.


• Rumors and misinformation can be destructive and can even cause harmful behaviors that increase personal and public health risks. While we cannot realistically respond to every rumor, Allegheny County Health Department has created a page dedicated to addressing rumors about COVID-19.
  
  
• COVID-19 Business Resources (PA Dep’t of Community and Economic Development Business Resources)


• For national updates, visit the CDC’s coronavirus website for updates, resources and FAQ series. Also, the CDC launched a Self-Checker.


• Pennsylvania’s Department of Health’s coronavirus website includes information on positive cases throughout the Commonwealth, including the number of reported and confirmed cases in each county.


• Allegheny County Health Department – Check out the latest news and sign up for press releases and alerts.

US Treasury Guide to the Paycheck Protection Program

• Paycheck Protection Program Guidance
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a “How to Get a Coronavirus Emergency Paycheck Protection Loan” webpage. Below is an overview provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in regards to guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury for the Paycheck Protection Program.
• The U.S. Department of Treasury shared new information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Please review the resources provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury below and visit their webpage for additional information.
• A top-line overview of the program can be found here.
• If you’re a lender, more information can be found here.
• If you’re a borrower, more information can be found here.
• The application for borrowers can be found here.
• SBA Payment Protection Program Standard Operating Procedures

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• PPE/Supplies – Donations & Requests, Regional Contacts


• Wolf Administration Launches Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal was developed through a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Health, the Department of General Services, and the Department of Community and Economic Development to source the most needed supplies for medical providers, emergency responders, and health care professionals.

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General loan opportunities – low or no interest loans and grants
• US Chamber of Commerce guide to the CARES Act Your questions answered on eligibility, what lenders are looking for, how much you can borrow and loan forgiveness
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Guide to SBA’S Economic Injury Disaster Loans” The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands the Small Business Administration’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). The EIDL program was created to assist businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters. Learn more at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce EIDL webpage
• Apply for a SBA Disaster Loan – Steps for SBA loan applications. Please note:
• No collateral required for up to $25K in loan amount
• Collateral for $25K+ but lower threshold for what is considered collateral
• Tech community, patents, IP and AR can be considered for collateral
• Everything You Need to Know About SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• Bridgeway Capital Loans for COVID-19 Response Fund – Bridgeway also offers technical assistance for small businesses through the Entrepreneurship Hub
• PA Department of Community and Economic Development – Regular updates on loans and business assistance, as available
• Information for ACED borrowers – Receive deferment of existing loans with no accrued interest
• Apply for loans from the Honeycomb Small Business Relief Fund – Community-sourced loans for impacted businesses
• Apply for loans from the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh – Nonsectarian interest-free loans for small business/residents
• Apply for Kiva’s 0% interest loans up to $15,000 – Community-sourced loans for impacted small businesses
• Please note the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program is no longer receiving applications due to depletion of funds.

 

Regional loan opportunities – local and county loan information

• Urban Redevelopment Authority – URA halting small business loan payments for URA borrowers — see “Resources for Businesses” section for information and additional support
• URA actions to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on Pittsburgh’s small businesses March 30, 2020 press release
• Greene County Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Resources
Indiana county business updates
• Indiana county business updates
• Indiana County SBA assistance form – email byronjr@ceo.co.indiana.pa.us or mhilliard@indianacountychamber.com
• Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
• Lawrence County contact for small business assistance at the Duquesne University Development Center: Paul Bucciarelli bucciarellip@duq.edu
• Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Small business loan recommendations
• Washington County Chambers of Commerce COVID-19 Resources
• Westmoreland County COVID-19 Resources for Business

 

Advice for small businesses
• Contact your local SBDC or an SBA Local Assistance partner for individual guidance on your business needs.
• Free telephone counseling to assist with SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the Chatham Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.
• The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Resources, technical assistance and webinars for impacted businesses
• National Minority Supplier Development Council – Information to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on the suppliers, including free webinars
• “Business as Usual” daily webinars from the Pittsburgh Technology Council – Learn directly from state representatives, local CEOs and others experts about ways to keep up with more of a sense of “business as usual” throughout the COVID-19 crisis

 

Entrepreneurial community connections
• Mentorship for local founders Regional database matching founders with established mentors for virtual office hours
• Carnegie Mellon Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship Start-up and entrepreneurial resources
• Innovation Works Virtual assistance for start-ups. Inquiries and questions can be made to info@innovationworks.org
• “What Pittsburgh Founders Need to Know” Weekly, free webinars beginning Thursday April 2 with “Insights on the Current VC Environment.”

 

Workforce issues – Connections for upsizing and downsizing
• Partner4Work Resources for businesses; workers, job seekers, and youth
• Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board Helping employers and job seekers throughout Washington, Greene and Beaver counties
• Staffing agencies – click here for listing
• Virtual tip jar— CMU-created resource to help support industry service workers
• Unemployment compensation – Expedited procedures, including suspension of the “wait week” for claimants and waiving the work search and work registration requirements

• Create Your Crisis Management Plan (ACCE) Tactical and practical resources for internal chamber crisis management and resources.


• Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (CDC/HHS) The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist for large businesses.


• Lead Your Business Through the Coronavirus Crisis (Harvard Business Review) The Harvard Business Review has distilled the following 12 lessons for responding to unfolding events, communicating, and extracting and applying learnings.


• 8 Questions Employers Should Ask About Coronavirus (Harvard Business Review) The Harvard Business Review outlines eight questions that companies should ask as they prepare for — and respond to — the spread of the virus.


• Coronavirus Response Toolkit (US Chamber of Commerce) The U.S. Chamber has compiled CDC’s coronavirus recommendations for businesses and workers across the country.


• COVID-19 Business Resources includes updates from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC) This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).


• Combating the Coronavirus (US Chamber) This is intended to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.


• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 This contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards.


• Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the ADA (EEOC) This technical assistance document provides information about Titles I and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and pandemic planning in the workplace.


• 2020 Employer Response to the Coronavirus Webinar, March 19 (PA Chamber) The Pennsylvania Chamber Educational Foundation is presenting a free 1½ hour webinar as a public service to review the facts, legal aspects and the many employment considerations that surround the potential of employee exposure to the coronavirus.

• COVID-19 hotline – ACHD has partnered with United Way 2-1-1 to offer a 24/7 hotline to address questions and concerns about COVID-19. Please call 888-856-2774 to speak with a representative. Language services are available.


• Free Food Distribution Map A map that’s continuously updated with the most current information of where free food distributions are occurring in Allegheny County.


• Harbor Freight decided to donate their entire supply of the personal protective equipment items, including N95 Masks, Face Shields and 5 and 7 mil Nitrile Gloves to front line hospitals with 24 hour emergency rooms in the communities served by our stores. Please see link to access these resources


• United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania – The Heinz Endowments, the Pittsburgh Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and The Hillman Family Foundation announced $10 million in immediate resources to the community through grants to the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.


• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – The Food Bank is committed to making sure all of our neighbors have access to enough food during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Remote Learning Fund
Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is set to launch PPS Remote Learning for students April 16. Moving instruction for 23,000 students from brick and mortar classrooms to remote “at home” learning via online. While the district will provide instructional packets for those students who do not have access to technological devices, there is a need to bridge the digital divide and level the playing field.

To date, the District has invested $1.5 million in its Laptop Lending Initiative for students and staff, but the needs are much greater. Results from the District’s Home Technology Survey indicate that an additional 7,500 devices are needed to meet the needs of the District’s families, including another 800 families who do not have access to the internet.

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**Immediate Alerts and Requests**

• The Pittsburgh Foundation Emergency Action Fund Immediate contributions are needed to meet childcare, aging, homeless, homeless/out-of-housing quarantine, and more.


• The Allegheny County Department of Human Services issued an immediate call for items to address supply chain issues, specifically there is a need for donations of the following items: masks (particularly N95s), gloves, thermometers, and cleaning supplies and equipment. Please contact Marc Cherna, Director, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, marc.cherna@AlleghenyCounty.US.