Sunday, May 31, 2020

Montgomery County's Aging and Disability Services

Aging and Disability Resource Unit


240-777-3000


See important COVID-19 service changes and updates
Vea importantes cambios en los servicios e informaciĆ³n actualizada debido al COVID-19

The Aging and Disability Resource Unit provides personalized hands on assistance, referrals to services and specific information to seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers over the phone. It is the primary point of entry for most of the services within Aging and Disability Services. Staff tell residents about benefits and services, help them determine what they are eligible for and can also help them apply. County staff can assist resident identify community based resources and service providers.

Service(s): Specialized Information and Referral
Older Adults
Informal Caregivers
Functional Disabilities
Physical Disabilities
Families/Friends of People With Disabilities

Information Number: 240-777-3000
Important InformationHow to Apply 

National Day of Mourning - Loss of Lives during Covid-19





Dear Colleagues and Friends, 

You are being invited to pause for a day of mourning the horrifying milestone of 100,000 American deaths to the coronavirus; a time to feel and express our grief, sorrow and regret. One hundred thousand people is more than the deaths from all airplane crashes in world history, almost 15 times the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it would take almost twice the length of the Vietnam War Memorial wall to fit the names of those we lost since the start of the pandemic. 

Some of us who lost loved ones to COVID-19 know the grief is deeper because we could not be with them at the time of their deaths, and have to wait for a time when our extended families and faith communities may gather for memorial services to mourn and pray together. Most of us know others who have died leaving us feeling helpless in comforting their loved ones and fearful. 

We all witness our national brokenness and racially disproportionate pain carried by those serving our community as ambulance and bus drivers, nursing and group home caregivers, cleaners and grocery store attendants. Our laments include regret as we ask why this happened, and understand that it didn’t need to happen if we had heeded the warnings and been more compassionate and just. 

On the positive side, faith leaders have been coming together across all lines of difference in recognition of our common humanity and need for prayer and action. We are experiencing a strong sense of solidarity as we participate in virtual services of worship and meetings where we share our personal stories and together discover healing and hope. 

Faith communities are being joined by elected officials in observance of a National Day of Mourning and Lament on Monday, June 1. The U.S. Conference of Mayors state: “Together, interfaith leaders and mayors across the nation will seek to transcend our divisions and call us to lament, mourn, and honor the dead; acknowledge the unequal suffering; pray together for the healing of the nation; and recommit ourselves to the difficult work ahead.”

The National Governor’s Association recognizes that we are “all united in a time of lament and mourning for the dead. The vocation of remembering and honoring the dead transcends politics and unites us across lines of religion.” 

A joint statement by our County Executive, Marc Elrich, and the County Council states: “We all share the sense of sorrow and regret that more than 100,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 including 555 in Montgomery County. We acknowledge the importance of grieving their deaths and encourage residents to honor their lives by working together for a healthier and more equitable community.”

We are encouraged by the support of elected officials and the engagement of leaders from all faith traditions. May this time to mourn be incorporated within each of our faith communities in whatever way seems most appropriate. Here is a call to prayer crafted by over a hundred diverse faith leaders coordinated by Jim Wallis of Sojourners. It is offered for individual as well as corporate contemplation.

May this time of mourning provide healing and strength for acting upon that for which we pray.  

Shalom, Om Shanti, Sat Sri Akal, Salaam, Namaste, Peace






Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman
Interfaith Community Liaison 
Office of Community Partnerships 




Dear Colleagues and Friends, 

You are being invited to pause for a day of mourning the horrifying milestone of 100,000 American deaths to the coronavirus; a time to feel and express our grief, sorrow and regret. One hundred thousand people is more than the deaths from all airplane crashes in world history, almost 15 times the number of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it would take almost twice the length of the Vietnam War Memorial wall to fit the names of those we lost since the start of the pandemic. 

Some of us who lost loved ones to COVID-19 know the grief is deeper because we could not be with them at the time of their deaths, and have to wait for a time when our extended families and faith communities may gather for memorial services to mourn and pray together. Most of us know others who have died leaving us feeling helpless in comforting their loved ones and fearful. 

We all witness our national brokenness and racially disproportionate pain carried by those serving our community as ambulance and bus drivers, nursing and group home caregivers, cleaners and grocery store attendants. Our laments include regret as we ask why this happened, and understand that it didn’t need to happen if we had heeded the warnings and been more compassionate and just. 

On the positive side, faith leaders have been coming together across all lines of difference in recognition of our common humanity and need for prayer and action. We are experiencing a strong sense of solidarity as we participate in virtual services of worship and meetings where we share our personal stories and together discover healing and hope. 

Faith communities are being joined by elected officials in observance of a National Day of Mourning and Lament on Monday, June 1. The U.S. Conference of Mayors state: “Together, interfaith leaders and mayors across the nation will seek to transcend our divisions and call us to lament, mourn, and honor the dead; acknowledge the unequal suffering; pray together for the healing of the nation; and recommit ourselves to the difficult work ahead.”

The National Governor’s Association recognizes that we are “all united in a time of lament and mourning for the dead. The vocation of remembering and honoring the dead transcends politics and unites us across lines of religion.” 

A joint statement by our County Executive, Marc Elrich, and the County Council states: “We all share the sense of sorrow and regret that more than 100,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 including 555 in Montgomery County. We acknowledge the importance of grieving their deaths and encourage residents to honor their lives by working together for a healthier and more equitable community.”

We are encouraged by the support of elected officials and the engagement of leaders from all faith traditions. May this time to mourn be incorporated within each of our faith communities in whatever way seems most appropriate. Here is a call to prayer crafted by over a hundred diverse faith leaders coordinated by Jim Wallis of Sojourners. It is offered for individual as well as corporate contemplation.

May this time of mourning provide healing and strength for acting upon that for which we pray.  

Shalom, Om Shanti, Sat Sri Akal, Salaam, Namaste, Peace






Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman
Interfaith Community Liaison 
Office of Community Partnerships 


COVID-19 Executive Order - Phase 1 Reopening

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles announced that critical benchmarks to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have been achieved, allowing the County to begin a gradual reopening. The County plans for an incremental reopening, based on public health data.


COVID-19 Short Term
Rental Assistance Program                     

Applications will be taken between Monday, June 1 through 2:00 PM Friday, June 5, 2020. This is a very short window of opportunity. Click here for more detail.

A fact sheet and sample application form are available here. The COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program is intended to provide partial rent support to low-income County households that have experienced income loss due to the COVID-19 health crisis. An application for unemployment insurance is required, if eligible. Approved households may receive a maximum of $500 per month for three months, paid to their landlord. Households that apply must demonstrate the ability to maintain rent obligations using the rental assistance plus existing resources. 


Montgomery County Food Resources

Use the Food Assistance Referral Map to find food providers near you. The map leads you to food assistance providers. You can enter your address to find providers near you. You can also search for providers who speak particular languages, offer delivery, or have other special services.


Montgomery County Volunteer Center

We truly appreciate all who want to be involved as we face this emergency! As you use this site to find ways to volunteer, keep in mind that organizations are adapting their services and volunteer opportunities in alignment with current health guidance and the evolving needs of our community. We urge you to be flexible, proactive, and safe in your volunteer response, and to check back frequently for updates. 


Rockville HELP in Need of Space for Storage

Rockville HELP is need of a room 14 x 17, and 8’ high for food storage to be accessed by volunteers to deliver food donations, stock shelves, and pack food. 
Need outlets for freezer and refrigerator (happy to reimburse the cost of electricity). Will bring in shelving (about 20’, in sections), two cabinets, and a work table to fit in room; no additional office equipment needed. Click here for more information.


#FaithfulCensus Week of Action - We invite you to join the #FaithfulCensus Week of Action from June 1-5! This week is an opportunity for the faith community and partners to come together and encourage all people to be counted in the 2020 Census. 


Spring 2020 Interfaith Dialogue Series - In response to our current crisis, IFC is doing its part to provide a platform for the local interfaith community to come together to share resources and to build and strengthen important connections.


Staying Connected While Social Distancing

We are updating the COVID-19 tab on our website regularly. It has special resources for families, technological assistance, healthcare, volunteers, grant opportunities and much more!

Stay in Touch
If you would like your event featured in the 
Faith Community Advisory Council newsletter, please contact us at interfaith@montgomerycountymd.gov





Take 10 minutes to be counted now – visit: https://2020census.gov/



For COVID-19 Information and resources, visit: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19