Resource List for Philadelphians Impacted by the Coronavirus and COVID 19
*Note: This list is not comprehensive. It is intended to provide linkages to the most reliable sources of information at this time. In addition, although attention has largely shifted to the Coronavirus and Covid19, incidents of violence and trauma continue to occur in Philadelphia. This list includes information about agencies and organizations providing ongoing support to Philadelphians and their families impacted by violence and trauma. Again, these resources are not exhaustive. This list was compiled by the Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence, an initiative of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. If you would like to share a resource, you can email Kamela Johnson at networkofneighbors@phila.gov.
To read the whole pdf, which includes national services as well as services related to mental and behavioral health, trauma, and gun violence, click here.
Philadelphia/PA Specific
1. Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health text alerts. (Text COVIDPHL to 888777 or visit www.phila.gov/COVID-19). Signing up for this text alert means that you’ll get a link daily to view the 1:00 pm daily briefing.
2. Any questions related to the coronavirus outbreak/COVID19 in Philadelphia can be directed to COVID@phila.gov.
3. Daily Briefings (@ 1 pm): Follow Dept. of Public Health’s Twitter and/or Facebook accounts or go to Dept. of Public Health Website, which also has general information on the virus and how to protect yourself.
4. 24/7 Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline (Talk to a medical professional about symptoms and risk of COVID-19): 1800-722-7112
5. PA state hotline (for residents with health-related questions): 877-724-3258
6. Testing for COVID-19 through Medical Assistance is free when a doctor determines it is necessary. To apply for Medical Assistance visit https:www.compass.state.pa.us or call BenePhilly at 844-848-4376.
7. Information regarding city services and city updates, including meal access for children, and guidance on navigating the coronavirus outbreak. Note: The city’s website has been updated and will be updated on a regular basis to provide continued accurate information regarding the city’s response and available resources/services.
Updated information on free meal sites (at schools and Philadelphia Housing Authority locations)
Intake centers for emergency housing are still open. More information here.
Childcare for Essential City Workers. For additional information about availability, cost, and hours of operation call 215-382-4762 and ask to speak with the emergency services coordinator.
8. Housing, Public Benefits, Unemployment, Internet Access:
Community Legal Services has updated information regarding mortgage foreclosures, property tax foreclosures, evictions, electric, gas and water shut-offs, and bankruptcy. Information specifically for immigrants, parents, Philadelphia workers, seniors, people with disabilities, people in search of public benefits, etc. is also available through the CLS website news posts. Contact information for different CLS departments, hours of operation, and expected turnaround time can be found here. Resources compiled by Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence (an initiative of DBHIDS) – March 2020
Legal Aid of southeastern PA (LASP) Helpline: 877-429-5994 or apply through the website. http://www.lasp.org/apply-here
To apply for unemployment compensation: https://www.uc.pa.gov
Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts
Comcast is offering two free months of internet service to low income households. Call 855-846- 83786 for English and 855-765-6995 for Spanish, or apply at http://www.internetessentials.com. Free access to Xfinity Wifi hotspots is also now available. Go to www.xfinity.com/wifi for a map of the hotspots.
9. Food Access:
**Note: Due to the coronavirus, food access options have changed. For accurate information about where to find a location near you with free meals, as well as information on how to donate food, or to volunteer with Philabundance, go to https://www.philabundance.org/covid19/
10. Faith Based:
The Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement will be hosting free prayer and meditation live streamings through Facebook on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. The prayer and meditation sessions will be hosted by different religious leaders from Philadelphia of various faith backgrounds. To be notified of these stream