COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESOURCES
We have assembled a comprehensive list of links to community resources to help you during this crisis. Click on the link in the TABLE OF CONTENTS to take you to the corresponding section below. If you can’t find what you are looking for, call the United Way of Greater Cleveland at 211 or chat via the 2-1-1 HelpLink (https://www.211oh.org/). It is available 24/7 to help those with questions about the coronavirus and to provide access to support services and programs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- COVID-19 INFORMATION, HEALTH CARE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
- COMMUNITY RESOURCE PAGES
- EMERGENCY FOOD & MEALS
- HOUSING & UTILITIES
- TRANSPORTATION
- LEGAL
- INTERNET/WIRELESS SERVICE & COMPUTER ACCESS
- MONTESSORI AT HOME
- ENRICHMENT – LITERACY/MATH/SCIENCE/ARTS
SECTIONS:
Each of these sites contains similar information about prevention, managing at home, what to do if you get sick, and much, much, more. Select whichever one is easiest for you to read on your device.
Take everyday preventive steps to stay healthy and not spread the coronavirus.
- Stay at or near your home if your job is not deemed essential. Governor DeWine has issued a stay at home order for the State of Ohio. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/Directors-Stay-At-Home-Order-Amended-04-02-20.pdf
- Limit the number of trips to other locations and stores as much as possible. When going out, consider wearing a simple, no sew, handkerchief facemask and wash it upon returning home. https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie
- Stay at home if you are feeling sick and call your primary care physician. If you think you need to visit the hospital, call before going in person. See HOSPITAL resources below.
- Physical/social distancing prevents virus droplets in the air from reaching your body. Stay at least 6 feet away from non-household members and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid shaking hands or hugging when you greet someone.
- Soap destroys the virus, but we need to wash our hands for 20 seconds for it to work. If hand washing facilities are unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the virus from entering your body.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (then throw the tissue in the trash) or your sleeve on the inside of your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as door knobs, light switches, tables, countertops, chairs, phones, remotes, keyboards, and touchscreen electronic devices.
- Get a flu shot — it’s not too late.
FEDERAL
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
Daily Life and Coping: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/index.html
STATE OF OHIO
Ohio Department of Health: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov
Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 hotline: 833-4-ASK-ODH/833-427-5634
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: https://unemployment.ohio.gov/PublicSelfServiceChoice.html
If you are unemployed due to COVID-19, file for unemployment.
Ohio Benefits: https://benefits.ohio.gov/
If you are unemployed due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for:
- Medicaid
- Cash Assistance
- Food Assistance
- Child Care Assistance
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
Cuyahoga County Board of Health: https://www.ccbh.net/coronavirus/
Includes links to information in Arabic, Chinese, Nepali, Russian, and Spanish
Cuyahoga County Coronavirus Help Line: 855-711-3035
CITY OF CLEVELAND
Cleveland Department of Public Health: https://www.clevelandhealth.org/
If you do not live in Cleveland, check your city’s website for coronavirus updates and resources.
HOSPITALS
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/landing/preparing-for-coronavirus
MetroHealth: https://www.metrohealth.org/infectious-disease/covid-19
MetroHealth Support Line: 440-592-6843
University Hospitals: https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/coronavirus
COMMUNITY CLINICS (May offer free services or sliding fees, depending on your ability to pay)
Care Alliance: https://www.carealliance.org/
Neighborhood Family Practice: https://www.nfpmedcenter.org/
Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services (NEON): https://www.neonhealth.org/
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Cleveland Metropolitan School District: https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/Coronavirus
Includes information on school meal pick up locations and times, as well as College Now and Say Yes. Both programs are operating and providing assistance remotely.
NONPROFIT
The Refugee Response: https://www.refugeeresponse.org/
COVID-19 Videos and Resources in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, Swahili, Karen, Pashto, Burmese, Nepali, and Kinyarwanda.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Active Minds: https://www.activeminds.org/about-mental-health/be-there/coronavirus/community-resources/
National Association of School Psychologists: COVID-19 Resource Center for Families & Educators. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/covid-19-resource-center
PREGNANCY
Birthing Beautiful Communities: https://www.birthingbeautiful.org
Pregnant with Possibilities: https://www.facebook.com/Pregnantpossibilitiesresourcecenter/ (Recently had an emergency diaper distribution. Visit their social media pages for future events.)
2. COMMUNITY RESOURCE PAGES
Cleveland Pandemic Response is designed to facilitate community preparedness and recovery. Residents can request help or sign up to donate and volunteer. Organizations can help by clicking “I Represent a Local Organization” at the upper-right. https://cleveland.recovers.org
Check your local Community Development Corporation (CDC) for food and other resources near where you live:
- Glenville/Hough - Famicos Foundation: https://famicos.org/coronavirus-updates
- Clair-Superior Development Corporation: https://www.stclairsuperior.org/covid19-resources
- Ohio City Inc: https://www.ohiocity.org/covid19
- Links to all CDCs: https://www.clevelandnp.org/cleveland-cdcs/
MyCom Cleveland: https://mycomcle.org/covid-19-community-resources-stay-healthy-engaged-safe/
HFLA of Northeast Ohio: https://interestfree.org/
Emergency interest-free loans up to $1,500 may be available for anyone impacted by COVID-19.
3. EMERGENCY FOOD & MEALS
Greater Cleveland Food Bank: https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/
Call their Help Center, Monday – Friday from 7am – 6pm, at 216.738.2067 if you are in need of food assistance.
Food Pantries: https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/oh-cleveland
Map of student meals and emergency food: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1COndQyEauUer7gyGMiK45pof0gK5F6m0&ll=41.49795735352247%2C-81.58005531875222&z=12
Shuttle locations to CMSD pick-ups: https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/cms/lib/OH01915844/Centricity/Domain/6268/CMSD_Coronavirus_MealPickup_v1_on%20back.pdf
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- If your employment situation has changed with the COVID-19 outbreak, you may be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). To apply for SNAP: https://benefits.ohio.gov/
- If you have questions about your eligibility, need assistance with the process, or want to understand how applying for SNAP may affect your household and their benefits, contact Akilah Ashraf at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank at 216.738.7229.
- Information about SNAP with a focus on college students: https://www.clasp.org/sites/default/files/publications/2017/10/SNAP%20for%20College%20Students-An%20Overview.pdf
4. HOUSING & UTILITIES
The Ohio Supreme Court has advised local courts to temporarily halt evictions and foreclosures. See this article for information about cities in Cuyahoga County: https://www.cleveland.com/business/2020/03/people-have-to-have-a-home-to-stay-in-how-cleveland-area-housing-courts-are-handling-evictions-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic.html
How to get help paying your mortgage, credit-card bills and student loans if you’re laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-to-get-help-paying-your-credit-card-bills-and-mortgage-if-youve-been-laid-off-because-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-03-19?mod=article_inline
The City of Cleveland has ended utility cut-offs during the crisis. Contact your utility provider if necessary:
- Cleveland Water: (216) 664-3130
- Cleveland Public Power: (216) 664-460
- First Energy / The Illuminating Company: 1 (800) 589-3101
- Dominion Energy: com/coronavirus
5. TRANSPORTATION
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority: https://www.riderta.com/coronavirus
Ace Taxi Service has created a new campaign called RideCLE to offer free rides to medical personnel and reduced fares to all customers during the Covid-19 outbreak. All customers, including medical staff must reference account ‘RideCLE’ when booking a ride. Call 216-361-4700. https://www.gofundme.com/f/RideCLEFREE
6. LEGAL
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, https://lasclev.org/, can help with civil legal issues related to family, health, housing, money, or work. Services are free for eligible clients.
7. INTERNET/WIRELESS SERVICE & COMPUTER ACCESS
Your Guide to No Cost Internet Service During COVID-19: https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/internet-guide-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Cleveland Public Library: WiFi can be accessed at the main library downtown or at the 27 branches in neighborhoods. You can log in from your car, or when the weather is warmer, outside.
PC’s for People offers low-cost Internet access and gently used computers for a lower price. https://www.pcsforpeople.org/
8. MONTESSORI AT HOME
Learning from Home: A Handbook for Parents (from the Montessori School of Tokyo) [link to doc in sharepoint]
Montessori Parent Coronavirus Survival Guide: Thriving in an era of extended school closures, https://www.trilliummontessori.org/survival-guide/
9. ENRICHMENT - LITERACY/MATH/SCIENCE/ARTS
All subjects:
- At Home With Kwame Alexander, award-winning author: https://athomewithkwame.com/
- Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
- Learn At Home: https://learnathome.withyoutube.com/
- PBS Learning Media: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/emergency-closings-collection/#.XobWhC-z3OQ
Literacy:
- Imagination Library, https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/, offers monthly free book delivery for children from birth to age 5. Sign up for each of your children.
- OgStar Reading, https://www.ogstarreading.com/, offers an Orton-Gillingham app for a home or school-based full structured literacy curriculum for early readers, dyslexics, English language learners, or struggling students from ages 4 - 13.
- Great Minds, https://gm.greatminds.org/en-us/knowledgeonthego, offers grade level literacy content that is updated daily.
- Tumble Books, https://www.tumblebooks.com/, a world leader in online book databases, announced it will make its family of online libraries available for free to all libraries until at least August 31.
Online Story Times:
- Cleveland Public Library: https://cpl.org/cleveland-public-library-launches-virtual-storytime-for-families-for-children-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
- Authors & Illustrators (daily, 11am-5pm): https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/136038/online-story-time
- Storyline Online, https://www.storylineonline.net/, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
- Valerie Tutson (Fridays, 12noon): https://www.facebook.com/valerie.tutson (Videos of past stories can still be viewed.)
- Len Cabral (Wednesdays & Fridays, 2pm): https://www.facebook.com/events/212508263301937/, https://www.facebook.com/Len-Cabral-107036082662088/ (Videos of past stories can still be viewed.)
- Dolly Parton (Thursdays, 7pm): https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/31/824638554/dolly-parton-will-read-bedtime-stories-to-kids-online-every-week
Math:
- Great Minds, https://gm.greatminds.org/en-us/knowledgeonthego, offers grade level math content that is updated daily.
Science:
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History at Home: https://www.cmnh.org/athome
- Great Lakes Science Center Curiosity Corner: https://greatscience.com/curiosity-corner
- Nature Center at Shaker Lakes Outdoor Classroom Live: https://www.facebook.com/NatureCenter/
Arts & Music:
- Art House: https://www.arthouseinc.org/ - free art supplies
- Center for Arts-Inspired Learning 15-Day Arts Challenge: https://arts-inspiredlearning.org/community-programs/artworks-challenge/