NEWARK – In an effort to give residents a comprehensive and inclusive portal of information about the COVID-19 crisis, the City has launched an easy to use website.
The website can be reached through a prominent link on the https://www.newarknj.gov/ website.
On the introductory page of the website is a statement by Mayor Ras J. Baraka explaining this efficient gathering of all COVID-19 information.
The media is encouraged to use the site for reporting purposes to learn more details about the many programs offered by the City to help residents through these difficult times.
“The City of Newark is investing more than $6 million in a growing list of initiatives to keep Newark’s most impacted residents safe, healthy and financially secure,” the Mayor wrote.
”Together with thousands of volunteers, we are collaborating with state and federal governments, philanthropies and non-profits, businesses and faith-based organizations to weather this health emergency and continue to thrive once we are on the other side of it.”
The new website is a one-stop shopping portal organized by topic and links to city, state and federal programs Newark residents to which Newark residents can apply. It also reminds residents of Mayor Baraka’s daily briefing at 5 p.m. on Facebook live.
As new programs are launched and new COVID-19 information becomes available, the site will be updated in real-time.
The “Stay Safe. Stay Alive” section links to Mayor Baraka’s “Stay at Home Orders” and “Be Still Mondays” initiative.
There is also information on how to get tested for the coronavirus, which connects to the state’s COVID-19 site.
A fourth link goes to all recent press releases and Newark News stories, many of which deal with COVID-19 issues.
The “Small Business” section links to Mayor Baraka’s programs for small business emergency grants, assistance for commercial tenants and property owners, and funds for artists and arts organizations.
A link to Invest Newark also will help business owners navigate COVID-19 programs available to them.
There is also a link for employers seeking “essential workers” to find them through the City’s Emergency Response Staffing Unit.
The “Housing Section” links to Mayor Baraka’s programs aimed to help homeowners, renters, Housing Authority tenants and the homeless.
These include forgivable loans for homeowners and first-time buyers, mortgage relief and the tenant eviction moratorium, and safe housing for the homeless.
Finally, the “Employment & Wellness” section includes health department information, including phone numbers and hours of services, including the WIC program, Immunization Clinic and Social Services. There is a link to food distribution and school lunches, and employment opportunities as well as unemployment services.