A Letter from Richard D. Baron | Our COVID-19 Response
Dear McCormack Baron Community,
Over the past weeks and months, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, bringing some of the most dramatic upheavals in a generation. During these unsettling times, many of us are being asked to work together by staying apart and staying home, while others are being asked to perform essential work and caregiving. We applaud all the brave people who are doing their part, whether by working out in the community or by staying home.
Our mission has always been creating homes – transforming places into quality, affordable homes in communities where people can thrive, with equitable access to work, healthcare and schools. Now more than ever, we are committed to that mission. We at the McCormack Baron Companies remain completely focused on the well-being of our employees, residents, partners and neighbors and to the health and safety of the communities in which we all live and work.
COVID-19 has brought significant financial strain and upheaval to our communities, and we are sharing that burden. To that end, McCormack Baron Management has been working with residents one-on-one when circumstances prevent them from paying their rent. We aren’t charging late fees at McCormack Baron-owned properties or raising rents for a minimum of two months. This policy will remain in effect until further notice.
Our staff will continue to connect residents with supportive service resources whenever possible. We are providing information on available resources on all resident portals, via email and paper communications. Urban Strategies, Inc. is providing additional services at some sites, including information about meal services, accessing health services and additional resources.
All of our corporate offices are open virtually with staff working remotely. On-site staff are rotating working remotely and in office in order to increase social distancing while continuing to provide essential services for residents. We have established a COVID-19 response team that meets daily to coordinate our response and procedures. We appreciate and recognize the dedication and passion of our employees for their efforts on behalf of our residents and neighbors.
Our important work to provide critical affordable housing across the country continues. In the last week we have closed financing on two new affordable housing communities and look forward to bringing additional affordable housing to the cities and neighborhoods we serve.
The future remains uncertain in the short term, but I feel confident we can weather this storm together. As the current situation evolves, which it surely will, we will continue to communicate with you at every opportunity. And through it all, everything we do will be for the betterment of our residents, our employees and the entire McCormack Baron community.
Very truly yours,
Richard D. Baron
Chairman
McCormack Baron Salazar