Community Needs Increase During a Crisis
For our neighbors who experience housing and food insecurity every day, another crisis quickly exhausts resources. Thank you so much to everyone who has already reached out, and please know that gifts of food, funds and time are more critical now than ever to meet people’s basic needs and promote the entire community’s health and well-being.
CHILD CARE
- CDC Guidance links for Childcares
- Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs
- Supplemental Guidance For Child Care Programs That Remain Open
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
- Children and COVID-19
- Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Fact Sheets for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents
- CDC COVID-19 Stress and Coping Resources
- First Book’s Resources for Families and Child Care Providers
- COVID-19 Childcare Assistance for Durham
ePASS PORTAL
To determine if you are eligible for public assistance like SNAP, Medicaid, or CHIP, create an account on the NCDHHS ePASS website.
GENERAL INFORMATION about Coronavirus Disease
In an effort to stay up to date with the most current and reliable information about Coronavirus Disease 2019, please refer to the following websites:
- National Level Guidance: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- State-Level Guidance: North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
- Hotlines: Use the hotlines below for general information and updates on COVID-19. NC 2-1-1 can also refer callers to community resources for help with food, shelter, parenting, and more. These hotlines can NOT provide direct medical services.
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services NC 2-1-1 (available 24/7): Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162, or text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive text updates.
- NC DHHS information on child care
HEALTH CARE WOKERS
Do you or your family members need FREE emotional support from being on the COVID-19 front-lines? NC Licensed Therapists are ready to listen! HOPE4HEALERS (919) 226-2002.
HEALTH INSURANCE
If you do not have health insurance, you can call your nearest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHCs are community-based health care providers that receive federal funds to provided needed health services in communities.
- Find a community health center near you by searching here.
- Or enroll in health insurance through ACA. If you have lost your health insurance due to a change in job, you may qualify to enroll in health care coverage during a special open enrollment period. Learn more here: healthcare.gov.
INTERNET AND BROADBAND CONNECTION
For families, workers, and students having to make a sudden transition to working and learning from home, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has created an interactive map and list of broadband providers who will provide service for free or at a discounted rate. For questions call the NCDIT at 919-754-6733 or email broadband@nc.gov. More than 550 companies have pledged they will not to take internet and connectivity access away from customers who are unable to pay as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
MEDICAID
North Carolinians can apply for Medicaid on the NCDHHS Medicaid Website or by phone at 888-2450179 Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Medicaid recipients in North Carolina will also have expanded access to remote and virtual health services. Medicare recipients may be eligible for telehealth services such as virtual visits from the comfort of their own home. For more information, contact your medical provider or visit your Medicare account.
MENTAL HEALTH
Consolidated, practical info on mental health resources for those who prefer to communicate in Spanish and live in the United States.
- Spanish, https://www.helpadvisor.com/conditions/salud-mental-de-los-hispanos
- English, https://www.helpadvisor.com/conditions/latino-mental-health
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
American small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the novel COVID19 outbreak. Cities and states have implemented mandatory closures of public spaces to ensure social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, so those difficulties have only increased. This section will detail the small business provisions in the latest CARES Act relief package as well as other U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs for during times of disaster. All information, unless cited, are pulled from the following updated COVID-19 resources:
- Small Business Administration
- Congressional Committee on Small Business
- SBA PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
- SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL)
- STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP):
- BUSINESS COUNSELING SERVICES
Thank you to DAVID PRICE: Representing North Carolina’s 4th CONGRESSIONAL District for sharing much of this information with Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities.
TANF CASH ASSISTANCE
Families may receive cash assistance with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also called Work First.
TRIBAL RESOURCES
The Bureau of Indian Affairs has compiled a list of federal resources from the Indian Health Service, FEMA, and the Bureau of Indian Education to aid Tribes in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
WORKER RESOURCES
- FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT: If you are unable to work, have been laid-off, or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply for Unemployment Insurance HERE