In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Cazenovia-area agencies are teaming up to create a clearinghouse for local needs and resources.
The clearinghouse will be established at the CRIS (Community Resources for Independent Resources) office located at St. Peter’s Church on Mill Street.
The intent is to establish a central hub that local residents can contact for assistance with needs such as transportation, nutrition, emergency child care or other factors created by the state of emergency declared in New York. Volunteers at the office will seek to match those needs with resources available from municipal agencies, local non-profits and individual donors.
Needs related to senior citizens should use the existing CRIS telephone number,315-655-5743.
CRIS already maintains an active array of services for local seniors that will be expanded to meet current conditions. Those with other needs should call 315-655-9063, provided by St. Peter’s Church.
Local agencies or individuals who have resources that may be used to serve others can call either number. The two lines will be co-located so staff and volunteers can maintain a current listing. The office will be staffed from 9 to 3 p.m. daily initially and expand its hours as needed. Voicemail for after-hours calls will be available. Emergencies should be reported to 911.
The call center will be in active communication with local partners including the village and town governments, Cazenovia Central Schools, Cazenovia College, the Chamber of Commerce and local non-profits.
For those community members who find that they are in need of emergency food supplies, CazCares, our local food pantry, can meet this need and can be reached directly at 315-655-3174. CazCares has initiated a curbside pickup of grocery staples in response to the COVID-19 situation.
Local agencies or citizens who are able to provide assistance to meet needs including, but not limited to, drivers, essential supplies, emergency child care options or financial support are urged to call in. CRIS will also develop a list of ongoing resources and local providers on its website at cris-caz.com. CRIS can be contact at 655-5743 or [email protected].
Cazenovia Superintendent of Schools Matt Reilly also announced schools, following the guidance of Madison County authorities, will be closed effective Tuesday March 17 until at least Sunday April 12.
More details will be announced as they are confirmed. Citizens are encouraged to visit the Madison County Health Department page for current information at: madisoncounty.ny.gov/2479/Coronavirus-COVID-19.
Mayor Kurt Wheeler shared the following statement on this developing situation:
In response to the pending transition to remote learning by the school and other changes created by social distancing to slow the novel coronavirus, the village encourages residents to support one another. The first line of defense for challenges such as child care and transportation should be neighbors helping one another whenever possible, a spirit that has always been incredibly strong in Cazenovia. Working in small local teams to assist with supervision of children and other needs will prevent large gatherings and limit the likelihood of transmission.
Recognizing that there will be gaps in this approach, the village in partnership with other local agencies is preparing to meet critical needs created by the state of emergency. Decisions by state and local leaders to close various facilities have been made very thoughtfully and we will continue to work together to serve and protect the community.
More details will be forthcoming over the next few days as the situation becomes clearer. In the near term, our individual actions with regard to hygiene and illness protocols and social distancing are our best protections to limit the spread of COVID-19.
