In response to the public health crisis over coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure our staff, the people we serve, and our community members that we are carefully monitoring the situation on a daily basis, via updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as any communications from State and Local authorities.
As the global effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues, we remain firmly committed to the health and safety of our clients, staff and community.
We are grateful to report that we are planning for the phased reopening of Humanim facilities and facility-based programs – when it is safe to do so, and in line with the Governor’s Maryland Strong: Road to Recovery Plan, as well as directives from local jurisdictions. We are also pivoting to provide additional services to populations that have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.
At this time, the following programs remain suspended until further notice:
- Gerwig (Columbia) Day Program
- Baltimore City Day Program
- Woodside Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP)
- Woodside Deaf Services
- Youth Transition Services (SOS, STEP, SCC, WBLE, W2W)
- Adult Workforce Development and Employment Services
- Transportation Services
We are continuing to provide essential in-home services to individuals we serve in Residential, Supported Living, and Behavioral Support Services. Personal Supports and Employment Services (for human services clients) are being provided on a limited basis only. We are also pursuing alternative service models that may allow us to reinstate some of our programming through remote training and telehealth services.
As many of you may know, the nonprofit sector has been hit especially hard during this crisis. It is disrupting our economy and causing pain for both the people we employ and the vulnerable populations we serve. We realize the enormous impact that the absence of our services has had in our community and we look forward to restoring these services as soon as it is safe and practical.
As we face this unprecedented public health crisis, we need your help to continue providing essential, uncompromising services to our community and those we serve. Your contributions are vital to sustaining our services during this time.
DONATE NOW
As part of the federal government’s new COVID-19 Stimulus bill, additional tax incentives are now available for those who want to increase their charitable giving during this time (more info below).
Across the community, we see inspiring displays of generosity and commitment by people determined to help others. We must remember that we are all in this together and we will get through this together. At Humanim, we remain steadfastly committed to our mission of supporting and empowering individuals who face social or economic challenges — by building pathways to economic equity, opportunity, and independence.
Thank you so much for your continued support and partnership.
What We Are Doing
- Humanim has assembled an Emergency Response Team to monitor the spread of COVID-19, respond quickly, and provide updates to staff, clients and community.
- All staff are required to follow Humanim’s COVID-19 Response Plan, which includes policies, procedures, prevention and safety guidelines/protocols.
- Prevention guidelines and protocols have been posted in and at the entrance of all Humanim office locations.
- Humanim is continuing to diligently follow CDC protocols for keeping our buildings and transportation services clean. Sanitizing products are readily available at all of our locations.
- We have stopped all agency wide travel conferences.
- Large agency meetings have been cancelled and replaced with video conferencing. Employees who can work remotely, are encouraged to do so.
- Staff who are sick or exhibiting signs of respiratory illness or fever are required to stay home from work, and follow CDC quarantine protocols.
- Staff who have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from returning to work until they have received a release from their medical provider.
Charitable Contribution Provisions in the COVID-19 Stimulus Bill
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)
- There is a new above-the-line deduction available for up to $300 in annual charitable contributions in cash to a qualified charity, for people who do NOT itemize their deductions (contribution is subtracted from gross income).
- Prior to the CARES Act, an individual’s deduction for cash contributions to public charities generally was limited to 60% of the individual’s adjusted gross income. The CARES Act increases the deductible amount for an individual’s contribution in 2020 to a qualified public charity to 100% of the individual’s adjusted gross income.
- The COVID-19 Stimulus Bill charitable contribution provisions apply only to cash donations to qualified public charities; they do not apply to private foundations or donor advised funds. To constitute a qualified contribution, the contribution must be made during the 2020 calendar year regardless of whether the taxpayer’s taxable year is the calendar year.
- Corporations can deduct charitable contributions up to 25 percent of taxable income, up from 10 percent previously.
This information is not intended to provide legal or accounting advice, or to address specific situations. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor for specific advice and additional information
RESOURCES
Download Our Community Resources Directory
COVID-19 Resources from the Developmental Disabilities Administration
COVID-19 Resources from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Self-Care for Direct Support Professionals
COVID-19 Toolkit for Direct Support Professionals
We encourage everyone to visit the Maryland Health Department and CDC websites to learn more:
https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Updated 5.20.20