Here’s a list of Stanislaus County services to help those suffering from COVID-19 hardships
For those facing the loss of income or other support due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are programs and agencies that can help. Below is a list of resources. This list will be updated as needed. If you have information to add or update to this list please email local@modbee.com.
For referral services and information
- You can call 2-1-1 anywhere in the United States to get connected to health and human services in your area 24/7. The program in Stanislaus County provided by United Way of Stanislaus County, is advising that it is experiencing a higher than normal call volume related to the coronavirus. If you have difficulty accessing 2-1-1 try calling 1-877-211-7826.
- The Stanislaus Community Foundation and The United Way of Stanislaus County have partnered to support the community’s most at-risk population. The community foundation expedited a $100,000 grant for the Meals on Wheels program and the United Way of Stanislaus County created a local COVID-19 fund. To donate, go to www.uwaystan.org/COVID19 or text COVID19UW to 41444.
- Opportunity Stanislaus and Valley Sierra Small Business Development have created a one-stop website with information on what is available right now to Stanislaus and Tuolumne county businesses because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The site www.cabizrelief.org went live Tuesday and is a clearinghouse for news, services and more, which is all free of charge.
For help with food
- All of the schools in Stanislaus County are offering “grab and go” lunches for their students. For a list of times and locations visit www.stancoe.org/school-lunch.
- Visit loveourneighbors.org to get, or assist in giving, services for those suffering hardships related to COVID-19, including delivery of groceries and household supplies.
- To apply for CalFresh (food stamps/SNAP) benefits, visit this website: www.getcalfresh.org.
- United Samaritans is continuing to send its lunch truck to various locations in Stanislaus County, though some of the nonprofit’s other services have cut back: unitedsamaritans.org.
For loss of income
- If an employer has either reduced one’s hours or shut down due to COVID-19, an employee may be eligible for unemployment benefits, even if the worker expects to return to the job.
- If you have to miss work to care for your children due to school closures, and you do not have alternative care or remote work options, you may be eligible for unemployment.
- If you have to miss work to care for someone who is ill or quarantined due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for paid family leave.
- Employers who are experiencing loss of business may also qualify for some benefits through California’s Work Sharing Program.
- The Small Business Administration has Economic Injury Disaster Loans offering up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. For information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
For help with Internet access to do work, school from home
- Comcast Internet Essentials, a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is now available for free for the first two months.
- Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households (no special for COVID-19 but still available at a low cost).
The Fresno Bee contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 21, 2020 at 12:59 PM with the headline "Here’s a list of Stanislaus County services to help those suffering from COVID-19 hardships."
Erin Tracy
The Modesto Bee