COVID-19 Resources

Community Development & Planning COMMUNITY@EMDC.ORG

• Comprehensive planning and general land use assistance from EMDC
• Funding available from grants.gov, contact EMDC for individual assistance
• Community Development Block Grants from HUD, contact EMDC for individual assistance
• Opportunities for immediate relief from USDA Rural Development, contact EMDC for individual assistance

Services for people displaced by COVID-19

Have you been displaced by COVID-19 and live in Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford or Somerset Counties? EMDC is providing one-on-one support with: Maine JobLink registration; Accessing community resources such as TANF, SNAP, and housing; Learning about training and funding opportunities; Job search strategies; and Resume & interview preparation.

• Contact us today to see how we can help at COVID19Grant@EMDC.ORG.

EMDC's Free Virtual Workshops

• If you have been laid off you automatically qualify for our services, click here to see our virtual workforce workshops

Unemployment

• Unemployment and Maine’s Leave Laws from the Maine Department of Labor
• Unemployment insurance FAQs from the Maine Department of Labor
• File for unemployment with the Maine Department of Labor
• Q&A with Labor Commissioner Fortman re: Unemployment & COVID-19
• State and federal unemployment program summary from the Maine Department of Labor

• 3/12/20: Taking into account the recommendations from Governor Janet Mills’ office, CEO Lee Umphrey sends a message to all staff giving them the option to work from home.
• 3/16/20: Following recommendations from Governor Janet Mills’ office and the Maine CDC, CEO Lee Umphrey and Board Chair Commissioner William Shorey share protocols with our Board of Directors and staff.
• 3/16/20: To keep our staff and clients healthy and safe, many staff are working from home; offices are closed to visitors; and meetings, workshops and events are postponed until further notice. We continue to provide services while we monitor recommendations and follow best practices.
• 3/16/20: Businesses interested in government contracting  and current clients continue to to be supported by our Maine PTAC team through one-on-one counseling sessions via phone, email and video conference.
• 3/17/20: Business lending clients who need assistance with their loans, and all businesses interested in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, continue to be supported by our lending team.
• 3/17/20: Job seekers and businesses continue working with our Workforce Development team.
• 3/18/20: Communities continue to receive individualized assistance, comprehensive planning, and community/economic development activities through our Community Initiatives team.
• 3/24/20: The Katahdin Region Development Board continues to assist businesses and communities.
• 3/27/20: Community resources from USDA, comprehensive plans, and funding deadlines were featured in our Community Initiatives newsletter.
• 4/1/20: Following Governor Mills’ Stay Healthy at Home Executive Order, CEO Lee sends an update to all staff.
• 6/2/20: Soft reopening of 40 Harlow Street building.
• 7/24/20: Protocols for use of 40 Harlow Street building following state and federal guidelines.
• 3/15/21: COVID-19 Service Update: COVID-19 Vaccinations, following recommendations from the Governor’s Office on COVID-19 Response.
• 5/19/21: COVID-19 Updates and mask mandate protocols for EMDC staff.
• 7/15/21: EMDC COVID-19 Updates for EMDC staff.
• 8/20/21: EMDC COVID-19 Updates and mask mandate protocols for EMDC staff.