Blog

Community Power During Trying Times: Coronavirus Updates

Community Power During Trying Times: Coronavirus Updates

* This page will be continually updated as this is a developing situation

Para ver esta información en español por favor siga este enlace.

Updated Tuesday April 7th, 2020, 4:30pm

Q: How does Governor Baker’s orders on COVID-19 impact IBA’s operations?

A: As a result of Governor Baker’s extension of his emergency order to close nonessential businesses and his stay-at-home advisory, IBA will remain closed at least through May 4th. IBA is monitoring the situation closely, and the organization’s closure will be extended, if necessary, for the health and well-being of our residents and program participants.

Q: What is being put in place to continue to support residents and participants of IBA’s programming?

A: IBA staff are continuing to support crucial operations of the organization, remotely, in the following ways:

  • Preschool staff are sending resources and activities to preschool families and maintaining contact with them via phone for additional support.
  • Youth Development staff are checking in with teen participants to understand their needs and hosting remote workshops on topics such as social/emotional support and different types of artistic expression.
  • College & Financial Empowerment staff are working to enable online rent payments throughout the community, which is crucial in this time of social distancing. In addition, 1:1 financial coaching continues over the phone, particularly as families may be facing financial hardship.
  • Resident Services staff have continued to manage active cases, connecting with residents via phone to direct them to resources, problem solve, and understand their needs. IBA’s property management team continues to be available for emergency maintenance needs.
  • Arts Program staff continues to reach out to partner artists, working with them to think creatively about how IBA can support arts collaborations during this time

Q: What do I do if I’m a resident of IBA’s affordable housing or a program participant and I believe I have coronavirus?

A: IBA recommends that you follow all guidance set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Currently, the CDC recommends that you call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms. They will then offer instructions on how to get the care you need. The CDC urges you to call ahead before visiting a doctor or clinic. Check here for updated information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

Q: Who do I contact if I have an issue or a question?

A: If you have a question about IBA’s operations during this time, please email info@ibaboston.org or call 617-535-1753. If you are a resident of one of IBA’s housing communities and have a question about your housing, please continue to contact Maloney Property Management at 617-927-1700. Finally, if you need to speak to our resident services team, please call Yahaira at 617-535-1706.

Q: How will IBA keep the community informed of updates surrounding its operations?

A: IBA will continue to update the community through posting on social media and updating the information on this page.

Q: Where can I find more resources?

A: IBA is keeping a list of resources that might be helpful during this time, for our community, on our website, linked here.


...