Resources to Navigate the COVID-19 Crisis


General Information for Pennsylvanians

CDC: What You Need to Know About COVID-19
CDC: Coronavirus Self-Checker
World Health Organization: COVID-19 Myths Debunked
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America

Allegheny County Updates on COVID-19
Allegheny County Emergency Resources
Philadelphia DHS Updates on COVID-19

PA COVID-19 Update Archive
Statewide COVID-19 Mitigation
MAP: Where Coronavirus Is in Pennsylvania
Contact the Governor’s Office

Financial Assistance for Pennsylvanians Affected by COVID-19

Unemployment Compensation

Employment Resources
USA.gov: Help with Bills
Apply for Benefits Through COMPASS

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Cash Assistance
  • Health Care Coverage (Medical Assistance) 
  • Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP)
  • Family Planning Services
  • Help with Child Care
  • School Meals
  • Long-Term Living Services

Utilities

Electric Service Payment Assistance
Gas Service Payment Assistance
Utility Assistance
Water Services Payment Assistance

Debt

Assistance Paying a Debt
Student Loan Deferment or Forbearance
Debt Assistance: Find A Credit Counselor
If You Can’t Pay Your Credit Card Bills
7 Ways to Handle Financial Stress

Mortgage/Rent

If You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage Loan
List of Housing Counseling Agencies in Pennsylvania
Rent Payment Assistance

Assistance with Food and Nutrition

Dept. of Education: Child Nutrition Program Meal Service During COVID-19 Outbreak
Philadelphia: Free Pregnancy, Baby and Toddler Supports During COVID-19
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Meals for the Elderly
Feeding Pennsylvania
Hunger-Free Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Food Pantries

Westmoreland County Food Bank
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and NE Pennsylvania
Philabundance
H & J Weinberg NE PA Regional Food Bank
Helping Harvest
Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County

Free School Meals in Philadelphia 

Sites Providing Free Meals While Schools Are Closed
50 Recreation Centers Providing Meals to Children

Free School Meals in Pittsburgh 

Map: Free Food Distribution Sites
Pittsburgh Public Schools Feeding Students 
Pittsburgh “Grab and Go” Meal Locations 
Penn Hills School District Offers Meals

Health Care Assistance

Pennsylvania Insurance Department
Apply for DHS Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services for Adults
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Medicaid and CHIP Provisions Explained
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline
Apps to Help with Mental Health

Housing Assistance

DHS Housing Resources
Community Shelters
Low Income/Subsidized Private Rental Housing
Shelter/Transitional Housing

Additional Resources for the Triad

ASCI Updates

How ASCI Is Responding to COVID-19
ASCI Operations Amid COVID-19: FAQs
Virtual Home Visits: What to Expect

For Parents and Caregivers

COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Kinship Caregivers
Best Video Chat Apps to Use for Birth Parent Visitation
Talking to Children About COVID-19
How to Take Care of Your Emotional Health in a Crisis
Positive Parenting & COVID-19: 10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home
Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis
Tips for Coping with a New Baby During COVID-19
Working and Learning from Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak
What to Do with Your Kids When Schools Are Closed
Tips for Cleaning, Disinfecting Your Home

Child Safety & Health

An Important Safety Message from ASCI
What to Know About Virtual Doctor Visits
The Rules for Play Dates During the Coronavirus Crisis
Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Movement Apps, Games and Websites
How to Talk to Kids About the News and Protect Their Sense of Safety

At-Home Education

Brain-Building Resources from Vroom
Free Online Learning and Activities for Kids
Just For Kids: A Comic Explaining the New Coronavirus
32 Totally Free Educational Resources for Kids 
Online Courses for Older Youth
Educational Resources for Teens
200 Free Kids Educational Resources: Video Lessons, Apps, Books, Websites & More
Arts Resources for Kids and Teens
17 Apps to Help Keep Kids Focused
Educational Apps That Don’t Need Wifi or Data
Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home
Education.com: Kids Arts and Crafts
107 Free E-Learning Tools Parents and Caregivers Can Also Utilize
10 Tips for Managing Childcare and Teaching Kids During the COVID Crisis

Information for Caseworkers

Important Information for Caseworkers Making Home Visits During COVID-19 Crisis
National Association of Social Workers’ Guide to COVID-19
Managing Social Work “Need Complex” During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ethical Challenges in Social Work Amid COVID-19