For Our Neighbors

Councilmember Shares First-Person Account Of Support For Residents And New Relief Plan For Renters

Editor’s Note: As she made her way to deliver food to residents in unincorporated areas of the county May 8, Councilmember Jolene Ivey shared her reasons for trying to reach beyond her office to help neighbors. Ivey explained that with the exception of a church or civic association, hundreds of residents in unincorporated areas have little or no formal voice to access food, gas or rent money as they are asked to remain at home.

Below is a journal-like description of some of Ivey’s work and the upcoming renter’s legislation she co-authored.

By Jolene Ivey // (D-District 5)

Councilmember Jolene Ivey

On May 6, we delivered 250 pizzas from Pizzerio Paradiso to residents in Columbia Park. We did the same thing in Palmer Park April 27. 

This time we were able to include masks, thanks to the Masker-Aides, a group I’m a part of based in Cheverly.  Masker-Aides have been sewing cotton and surgical masks for UM Prince George’s Hospital. 

We included a link to the 2020 U.S. Census and required an answer about filling out the census on the form, in order to sign up for the pizzas. 

We plan to honor nurses working the night shift at UM Prince George’s Hospital May 14 with more pizza. I feel particularly attached to these nurses because some of them have been sewing surgical masks in their free time, which just can’t exist. That’s what led the Masker-Aides to take on that task, to allow the nurses to focus on caring for patients while we take care of them. 

Help For Renters In Prince George’s: CB-16

LDR 45-20 is legislation that is designed to give relief to home and apartment renters. It is separate and different legislation from the Renter’s Assistance Program Fund

This pandemic has put people under such stress, emotionally, financially and to their physical and mental health. The last thing anyone needs right now is the threat of losing the roof over their heads and the worry that increasing rent and late fees will make it impossible to recover once it ends. 

Another worry people have is not being able to pay self-storage facility fees, and having their belongings thrown out. 

This bill, if passed, will reassure people who are already struggling that they’ll have a chance to get this part of their lives back to the way they were before. Rent will have to be paid, but at least it won’t be higher and with a stack of late fees piled on top. The co-presenters are proud to stand with those who are doing all they can to survive.