For more detailed Brookline COVID-19 information, go to brooklinecovid19.com
From The State House
Governor Charlie Baker has extended the statewide shutdown of schools into early May, in the latest step to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Baker said all schools, public and private, and daycare facilities would be shut down until Monday, May 4.
Plastic bag bans statewide have been suspended, including in Brookline. Additionally, Governor Charlie Baker has banned the use of reusable personal shopping bags until further notice.
From The Public Library of Brookline
All Brookline Libraries will be closed until at least May 4. Learn more at brklib.com/3aO7TBr
Remote library services will go live at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, and will include a variety of digital versions of beloved library programs, including virtual storytimes craft-along activities and more. In addition, members will have the opportunity to connect with the library’s reference staff via chat and email.
For a full list of digital resources available on the library’s website, including ebooks, movies, music, databases and more, click here.
In addition, library staff will be available via email and chat during operating hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, beginning tomorrow, March 26.
For more on remote services, click here.
From Brookline Community Foundation
Brookline, MA: The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is committed to doing its part during these unprecedented times and stands ready to help meet the considerable challenges facing Brookline today, tomorrow, and in the future. As schools, businesses, and the government struggle to manage the social and economic effects of COVID-19, Brookline residents will continue to be challenged. The length and severity of this public health crisis is unknown, but the Brookline community will work together to endure and persevere through this difficult time.
BCF has a strong, established network of partners that has been working on behalf of vulnerable residents over many years. The Brookline Community Foundation has a long tradition of providing emergency assistance for basic needs – food, utilities, rent assistance, and more – through the BCF Safety Net. The Safety Net provides grants to ensure that the necessary resources and support reach people in need as quickly as possible. Grants are administered by The Brookline Center on a rolling basis to get residents what they need quickly and with appropriate case management to extend their impact. Working together with key partners, BCF has the capacity to respond directly to the needs of vulnerable residents most affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis through the existing Safety Net Fund.
In a statement today, BCF Board President Mike Lindstrom said, “I’m confident that BCF can be there for Brookline. As a trusted partner and neighbor, we will continue to do what we do best – help all Brookline residents to thrive by harnessing the power of local philanthropy, creativity, and community spirit.”
Over the coming weeks and months, the need in Brookline will undoubtedly grow. BCF will accept donations in any amount to support the BCF Safety Net Fund. These donations are critical to ensuring that BCF has the resources necessary to respond during this time of crisis. Please consider helping your neighbors by making a donation today.
Following guidance from the Brookline Department of Public Health to limit social interaction, BCF is operating remotely as long as necessary. However, the foundation will continue to work closely with its partners, including grantees and donors, just as before this crisis began.
BCF Interim CEO Frank Steinfield added, “Foundation staff are ready to do all they can to help marshal the resources needed to provide timely support across Brookline. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and will share frequent updates about our response to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
For more information, please visit the BCF website at brooklinecommunity.org.
To access the Safety Net for emergency assistance, please call the Brookline Center at 617-277-8107 or email safetynet@brooklinecenter.org. Clients can call directly.
