We’ve gathered a robust collection of resources to help navigate the coming weeks as we respond to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll continue to update as new practices and information become available.
Please feel free to submit useful resources to info@episcopalpgh.org
Newly Added:
Metrics to Watch When Evaluating the Risk of In-Person Worship (PDF): In deciding when and how to reopen their churches, some clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese have asked for advice about metrics they might use as the basis for their conversations. This document offers some advice.
Allegheny County Health Department COVID-19 Resource Site
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency opened applications for a new rental and mortgage assistance program on, Monday, June 29, 2020. This program is funded through the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund allocated by the Governor and the Legislature and totals $175 million.
- To view the applications and apply for funds click here.
- To view an FAQ about rent relief click here.
- To view a fact sheet about mortgage relief click here.
- For more information about the program from PHFA, read their press release here.
- For the Housing Alliance analysis of the program click here.
FAQs: Employer and Employee Rights during Covid-19
What Reopening Means for Scout Troops, 12-Step Groups, including a sample COVID-19 Acknowledgement form.
Communications from Bishop McConnell
- June 4 Letter: An Update on Re-opening: It’s Not Easy Being Green
- May 15 Letter: Yellow Means Caution: Reopening Guidelines
- May 1 letter: The Gift of Anger
- April 24 letter: Patience and Care
- 2020 Easter letter: The Gift of Love
- Holy Week video series: God and the Pandemic: Four Gifts
- April 4 letter: The Crown of Life: A Holy Week Reflection from Bishop McConnell
- March 27 letter: Life Together During the Pandemic
- March 18 letter: Our Updated Coronavirus Response Will Continue Through Holy Week and Easter
- March 5 letter: A Guide to Best Practices During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- All letters from Bishop McConnell
Resources for Pastoral Needs in a Crisis
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Maps, Grab & Go Sites, and Emergency Distributions
- Resolve Crisis Services, a 24-hour, 365-day mental health crisis service from UPMC
- PA 2-1-1, A rich collection of resources for finding health and human services in Southwest PA
- BigBurgh, a mobile-optimized website for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness
- Allegheny County Health Department, COVID-19 resources
- PA Department of Health, COVID-19 resources and facts
- Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) and D-SNAP (available after a disaster) program details
- WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children
- CareerOneStop, for career exploration, training & jobs from the U.S. Department of Labor
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255
Resources for Response to COVID-19
- Allegheny County Health Department COVID-19 Resource Site
- FAQs: Employer and Employee Rights during Covid-19
- Links to Live and Recorded Worship Services in the Diocese of Pittsburgh
- Hygiene Best Practices and Cleaning of Facilities
- Online Prayer and Devotions
- Physical and Mental Self Care
- Worship and Pastoral Care for the Virtual Congregation
- Guidance on Spiritual Communion and Coronavirus, from the Church of England
Financial Information and Assistance During COVID-19 Crisis
- CARES Act Charitable Giving Incentives – A valuable resource published on April 7 by the Episcopal Church Foundation
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act – This poster explains employer’s requirements and employee rights regarding paid sick leave and expanded FMLA under the FFCRA
- CARES Act Signed into Law on March 27, 2020 – See the Coronavirus Tax Relief posting at https://www.irs.gov/
coronavirus for links to specific key provisions. Key programs expected to provide assistance to churches and other religious organizations include: - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans (loans up to 2.5x average monthly payroll costs)
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) forgivable loans (loans up to $10,000)
- Employee Retention Tax Credit available for churches and other religious institutions financially impacted by COVID-19
- For a detailed overview, see CARES Act Offers Relief for Struggling Nonprofits, Including Churches
- Church Pension Group announcements of interest to parishes:
- March 23 announcement: Special Assistance During Challenging Times which includes notice about a waiver, available here, for two months clergy pension assessments for neediest parishes.
- April 2 announcement: Additional Support and Financial Relief